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Finance Committee re-awards electric vehicle bid to McGovern MHQ after original bidder became unresponsive
Summary
Bangor City Finance Committee voted to re-award an electric vehicle purchase to McGovern MHQ for $43,635 after the originally approved bidder failed to respond; debate focused on range, charging times and sourcing local vendors.
The Bangor City Finance Committee voted to re-award a previously approved electric vehicle purchase to McGovern MHQ for $43,635 after the originally approved bidder proved unresponsive.
Staff presented the recommendation, saying the selection was based on range, charging time and delivery time because the vehicle will be part of the fleet available for staff travel to conferences and other city business. “Staff is recommending to award the bid in the amount of $43,635 to McGovern MHQ,” a staff member identified in the meeting packet as K. said.
Committee members questioned the decision and compared the recommended Hyundai model to a lower-cost Kia offered by another bidder. Councilor Trimble raised the price and range differential, saying the Kia’s advertised range was about 253 miles versus 316 miles for the Hyundai. Trimble also noted a preference for a local vendor if there was no compelling reason otherwise. K. and Planner Anya Colette explained the recommendation: the Hyundai (McGovern MHQ) charges to 80% in roughly 18 minutes on a Level 3 fast charger, while the Kia reaches 80% in about 45 minutes, and the Hyundai’s longer range and faster charging informed the recommendation.
Councilor Torvald asked about the city’s policy on staff using personal vehicles for travel; staff said using a city vehicle is preferred but employees may use personal vehicles and be reimbursed at the IRS mileage rate when city vehicles are unavailable. Council members also raised operational concerns such as range anxiety and the effect of cold weather on battery range.
After discussion, a motion to accept staff’s recommendation was made and seconded. The roll call vote recorded Councillor Beck, Councillor Dean and Councillor Fournier voting yes; Councillor Trimble voting no; and Councillor Fitch voting yes. The motion passed. The committee recorded the award to McGovern MHQ for $43,635.
Discussion versus decision: The record shows both discussion (comparisons of range, charging time, vendor location, and operational use) and a formal action (a motion and roll-call vote that approved staff’s recommendation).
