TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a purchase of seven 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors from Glenn Jones Auto Center of Maricopa for the City of Maricopa’s Police Department. This purchase, in an amount not to exceed $280,000, will be funded from General Fund, Police Uniforms, Vehicles, Police Replacement Vehicles (10022122-67742-32007). Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
Before the decision was made to pursue the purchase of these 2011 Ford Crown Victorias, the issue was discussed internally with Chief Stahl and fleet managers from several other cities. Their recommendations were taken into consideration in the City of Maricopa’s best interests. Three vendors were asked to bring their Police Pursuit selection to Maricopa for a hands-on demonstration of their vehicles. The officers that participated in the demonstration were asked to provide both positive and negative comments for each vehicle.
Ford Crown Victoria availability was requested from several Ford dealerships because Crown Victorias will no longer be available after this year. This purchase is proposed from Glenn Jones Auto Center, Maricopa’s only local auto dealership, in the amount of $267,156.75. This includes the purchase of the vehicles along with the up-fits for each vehicle, cages, lights, and sirens. Local vendors will also be used for radio installation, two-tone paint, and Police Department decals. The remainder of the CIP budget will be utilized for these services.
This vehicle purchase is needed to continue providing the community with public safety operations without interruption. The Ford Crown Victoria has been a choice for most towns, cities, and state police departments throughout the nation for many years. These vehicles have proven to be cost-effective due to their low maintenance costs and great fuel economy. Since the Crown Victoria will no longer be built by Ford Motor Company, this will be the last time the City of Maricopa will be able to take advantage of purchasing such a dependable vehicle. Additional factors taken into consideration were the ability to purchase these vehicles from a local vendor, and supporting local vendors for radio installation, paint, and decals.
This purchase, if approved, will mark the beginning of an ongoing vehicle replacement program for the Police Department in which older vehicles with high maintenance costs or high mileage will be replaced to reduce down time and maintenance costs. The new Police vehicles are replacement units and not additions to the existing Police Department fleet. The vehicles being replaced will be sent to auction and revenue generated from the sale will go back into the General Fund.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the purchase of seven 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors from Glenn Jones Auto Center of Maricopa for the City of Maricopa's Police Department.