Imperial Council approves surplus sale, buys two service trucks, adopts vacancy‑reporting policy and OKs IID pole agreement

The Imperial City Council unanimously approved a package of administrative and capital items on March 5, including surplusing public service equipment, buying two water‑service trucks, approving a pole‑attachment agreement with the Imperial Irrigation District and adopting a vacancy recruitment and retention policy required by state law.

Council members voted 4‑0 to approve the consent agenda and then separately approved each of the items discussed on the floor. City staff said the actions clear space in municipal shops, refresh aging fleet vehicles used for water‑system response and establish terms for technology attachments on IID poles.

On surplus equipment: David Dale (staff member) asked the council to declare a list of public‑services metalworking and welding equipment surplus and authorize a public sale and disposal. Dale said most of the items are operable but no longer needed by Public Services and estimated that the items would total roughly $100,000 in new replacement value. Council members and staff agreed that other departments would be asked first if they could use specific pieces before the items are sold publicly. The council approved the surplus declaration and sale by a 4‑0 vote.

On vehicle purchases: The council approved the purchase of two 2024 Ford F‑250 service trucks for the water treatment and plant operations. City staff said the purchase is budgeted; the council previously allocated about $180,000 for the two trucks and staff reported the actual purchase price from the local dealer, El Centro Motors, would be approximately $144,000–$145,000 and that the dealer’s trucks are ready to deliver and are four‑wheel drive. Council members said having reliable trucks for rapid water‑main repairs is critical; the motion passed 4‑0.

On the Imperial Irrigation District agreement: Council approved an agreement with the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) that sets rules and a fee schedule for attaching city technology (cameras, Wi‑Fi radios and similar devices) to IID utility poles. Staff said the city currently uses attachments on approximately six IID poles, primarily at Eagle Park, and that this agreement standardizes the pole‑attachment terms and fees. The motion passed 4‑0.

On the vacancy recruitment and retention policy: The council adopted a vacancy recruitment and retention policy that staff said implements requirements in AB 25 61, including an annual public hearing and reporting on vacancies, applicant volume, hiring timelines and recruitment strategies. City staff said the policy establishes a process for presenting workforce data and provides recognized employee organizations an opportunity to present input. The council approved the policy 4‑0.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (various routine items): Approved, motion carried 4‑0. - Declare public service equipment surplus and authorize sale/disposal: Approved, motion carried 4‑0. Note: staff estimated total replacement cost of listed equipment at approximately $100,000 (estimate provided by staff). - Purchase of two 2024 Ford F‑250 service trucks for water treatment/plant (budgeted ~$180,000): Approved, motion carried 4‑0. Staff cited vendor quote of roughly $144,000–$145,000 and preference for local dealer (El Centro Motors) because trucks are ready and are 4WD. - Agreement with Imperial Irrigation District for pole‑attachment program: Approved, motion carried 4‑0. Staff said currently six IID poles are used for cameras/Wi‑Fi, primarily at Eagle Park. - Adoption of Vacancy Recruitment and Retention Policy (compliance with AB 25 61): Approved, motion carried 4‑0.

What the council said and next steps: Staff said they will inventory surplus items and first offer usable items to other city departments before placing remaining equipment on a public sale. For the trucks, staff will finalize purchase arrangements with the vendor and schedule delivery. For the IID agreement and vacancy policy, staff said they will execute the contract and implement the reporting and hearing schedule required by state law.