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Committee approves two SUVs for CARE team to replace aging Focus cars
Summary
The committee approved purchase of two Ford Explorer–platform SUVs for the CARE team after staff said the larger vehicles, fitted with partitions and cargo space, will let crews transport people and supplies and reduce the need to call police for transports.
The Administration & Public Works Committee approved the purchase of two fleet SUVs intended for the Parks & Recreation CARE team, replacing two aging 2013 Ford Focus vehicles.
Sean Cholick, facilities and fleet manager, said the vehicles are based on the Ford Explorer/Police Interceptor platform and will be adapted — with partitions, bike racks and modest in‑house upfits — to meet CARE operational needs. “They would enable us to put in a partition between the front seat and the back seat, just for health and safety of the drivers,” Cholick said.
Jeron Dorsey, deputy director of Parks and Recreation, told the committee the CARE team frequently carries equipment for crisis responses — blankets, water and nonperishable food — and that the compact Foci lack cargo space and make it difficult to transport people safely. “We leave it up to the discretion of the responders…more often than not not to transport individuals, and we have to call police for assistance for transport,” Dorsey said.
Council members asked about cost and whether a less expensive vehicle could meet needs; staff said alternatives lacked sufficient cargo capacity and that the proposed SUVs align with existing fleet parts and technician capabilities, reducing long-term maintenance costs. After discussion, the committee approved the purchase by roll call, 6–0.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the procurement and in‑house upfitting; replaced Focus vehicles will be sent to auction.
