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Atherton staff: small landscaping equipment at Holbrook Palmer Park can be electrified; chainsaws and tractors remain longer-term
Summary
Management analyst Christabel reported BrightView can operate via battery equipment and identified two town-owned 'gators' and other items as near-term replacements; staff will pursue grants and phase replacements as equipment reaches end of life.
Christabel, management analyst, presented a staff review of landscaping equipment used at Holbrook Palmer Park and other town facilities and reported BrightView demonstrated capability to operate with battery-powered equipment in daily operations. She highlighted items the town or contractor could transition in the near term, marking a few items as "low-hanging fruit" for early replacement, including gators (small riding utility vehicles).
"We had to look internally to see where we can transition some of our own equipment that was gas powered," Christabel said. She also told council that a formal pilot program was judged unnecessary because BrightView’s existing battery lineup already demonstrates feasibility, and staff recommended phased replacement aligned with equipment end-of-life or available grant funding.
Councilors noted that some equipment (large chainsaws, heavy tractors) currently lack electric substitutes with the necessary power and that priorities should focus on commonly used items such as gators and tractors when feasible. Council supported pursuing grant opportunities and returning with updates through the Environmental and Preservation Commission (EPC).
Staff will continue to refine cost estimates, seek external funding, and bring progress updates to the EPC and council.
