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Commission approves after-the-fact purchase of hybrid fire-marshall truck
Summary
After a battalion chief vehicle was damaged, the city approved an after-the-fact $59,690 purchase of a new hybrid truck to serve as the fire marshal vehicle; staff said the replacement was expedited for operational reasons.
The Muskegon City Commission on Sept. 23 approved an after-the-fact purchase of a replacement fire marshal truck from Gorno Ford for $59,690.
Ben Vanderheide, director of public works, explained the procurement stemmed from a vehicle collision in which the battalion chief’s truck was struck while stationary. To maintain operations, staff identified and purchased a replacement vehicle and subsequently sought commission approval. The departments swapped vehicles so the fire marshal will receive the new truck and the battalion chief received the marshal’s former unit.
Vanderheide said the approved truck is the first hybrid vehicle in the city fleet and that the city has a certified hybrid mechanic on staff to maintain the vehicle. Commissioners asked about the city’s general approach to hybrid and electric vehicle purchases; Vanderheide and another staff member said the city evaluates sustainability on a case-by-case basis and follows the recently adopted climate action plan for guidance. He noted heavy-duty service vehicles (for water and construction) may not have hybrid or electric alternatives currently available from manufacturers.
A city manager clarification noted staff were not in the vehicle at the time of the accident; the vehicle was struck while stationary.
The motion passed on roll call with all commissioners present voting yes.
