Seal Beach council approves $407,236 in vehicle purchases and related budget amendment

Seal Beach City Council on March 24 approved a midyear budget amendment and the purchase of three police interceptors and one public-works backhoe for a total uplifted cost of $407,235.97.

The purchases are part of the city’s fleet modernization plan and were recommended by staff after a dealership declined to honor a previously quoted price for the marine-safety vehicle. Interim City Manager Gallegos and staff recommended approving items 1, 2, 4 and 5 from the staff report tonight and postponing item 3, which relates to the marine safety vehicle, so staff can seek a replacement vehicle and return to council with that item.

Councilmembers asked whether vehicle upfitting costs (siren, light bars and communication equipment) and mobile digital computers were included; staff confirmed upfitting was included in the uplift figures and that mobile digital computer purchases were addressed separately in agenda item H. Staff said most of the funding comes from revitalization funds and some insurance proceeds; surplus sales will be recognized as revenue once vehicles are liquidated at general auction.

The council voted to approve the purchases and the budget amendment (BA 205-902) by a 5-0 vote. The record shows the council approved the consent calendar earlier in the meeting and later voted specifically to authorize the vehicle purchases and associated budget amendment.

The staff report notes the marine-safety unit was removed from the purchase tonight because the dealer would not honor the quoted price; staff said they would secure another vehicle and return with it as a separate item.