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Selma officials discuss new tablet command devices and rising fleet maintenance costs
Summary
At its Sept. 16 meeting the council heard department reports about a new regionwide tablet command system that requires iOS devices and cooling cases, growing ambulance repair bills tied to Mercedes‑Benz chassis, and a shift to third‑party fleet maintenance.
Selma — City department heads told the City Council on Sept. 16 that public‑safety technology and fleet maintenance practices are changing the department’s equipment needs and operating costs.
Fire Chief Webster explained the region’s transition to the Tablet Command software used by Cal Fire and Fresno County dispatch centers, noting the application requires iOS devices and is not available for Windows. The city sought specialized cooling cases «because iOS devices are sensitive to heat» and apparatus left in valley sun can overheat, rendering the devices unusable during incidents, Webster said.
The chief said Tablet Command improves interoperability for large incidents because “on those devices, we can actually see resources in LA City and Northern California on those same maps,” allowing shared situational awareness in multi‑agency responses.
Separately, council members questioned rising ambulance repair entries on the check register. Staff said the city has four Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter ambulances — recently supplemented by a Ford chassis — and that repair work has often been performed by a Fresno dealership. The city manager’s office confirmed the department has shifted more fleet servicing to a third‑party vendor after internal capacity and certification issues, which has increased the frequency of invoice entries on the check register.
Council member questions prompted staff to confirm warranties apply to factory components and that repair warranties vary by replacement part. Staff said the move to a Ford chassis for a newly approved ambulance is intended to allow more local service options.
Council members requested greater detail when large maintenance invoices appear on future check registers and asked staff to track warranty coverage and repair‑versus‑replace decisions.
No formal council action was taken on these operations reports; the discussion was part of departmental reports and the consent calendar review.
