Council approves $2.94 million multi-vendor fleet procurement

The City Council approved an award for fleet vehicle purchases to multiple vendors in a total amount of $2,942,000 and authorized the city manager to execute related documents. The unanimous 7-0 vote covered pickups, police vehicles and other equipment replacements across city departments.

Staff explained the multi-vendor approach is standard for fleet procurement: the city establishes pre-authorized vendor lists and then obtains quotes from awarded dealers when departments need specific models and options. "We'll receive quotes from each dealer that's awarded and we will compare those quotes based on the options or size of vehicle needed," the fleet presenter said.

Council discussion addressed local dealer participation. Staff explained that some local dealers do not participate in fleet programs because fleet purchasing is operated under different manufacturer processes and dealer models; when local dealers cannot fulfill fleet orders they do not submit bids.

Vote: The council approved the award 7-0. Patrick noted staff’s continuing effort to purchase locally where possible and the mayor thanked staff for prioritizing local procurement when feasible.