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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/18/2015 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.G. tpPAM s'09 iy O Y N f �Woe.no`'r C4fitOiL CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: March 18, 2015 CONSENT CALENDAR SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES WITH AN ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF $83,000 FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Public Works and Engineering Department SUMMARY: The City of Palm Springs has funding available through several sources including the South Coast Air Quality Management District ("AQMD") for alternative fuel vehicle purchases. Staff is requesting City Council approval to purchase two additional plug-in electric (Chevrolet Volt) vehicles. RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the purchase of two plug-in electric 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles with an estimated total cost of$83,000. STAFF ANALYSIS: The City's Office of Sustainability has applied for and received funds to install electric vehicle infrastructure throughout the City and has also successfully aided to integrate electric vehicles into the City's fleet. The City of Palm Springs is recognized as a leader in electric vehicle infrastructure and is called upon by cities throughout California for advice on electric vehicle infrastructure and policy. The City is also a national Plug-In Partners campaign signer. The City joined the Plug-In Partners campaign in 2009 to demonstrate that a market exists for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). The Office of Sustainability has funding available to add electric vehicles to the fleet, which was indicated as a key objective in the City's first sustainability plan, the City of Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable Community. By aligning with the Plug-In Partners campaign the City of Palm Springs affirmed a commitment to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Due to increased field work, educational programs and events, including those conducted on nights and weekends, utilizing an electric vehicle is ideal for the City's Office of Sustainability, and will further demonstrate the City's commitment to the use of electric TFV, NO. �— t_ City Council Staff Report March 18, 2015-- Page 2 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Purchase vehicles. In addition, due to increased use of the existing electric vehicle by other City Departments, it is recommended that the City add these two electric vehicles to the City's vehicle fleet pool for use by other Departments. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines exempts activities that are covered under the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential to cause significant effects on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect upon the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The requested action requests approval to acquire two electric vehicles, which in itself will not result in any new direct physical impacts to the environment. Therefore, the requested action is considered exempt from CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT: The Office of Sustainability has funding available for alternative fuel vehicle purchases from several grant sources as well as accounts with monies specifically allocated for electric vehicles. The total estimated cost of $83,000 for the purchase of the two electric vehicles is available from the following accounts: 138-1270-58038 Air Quality Management District (AQMD) grant match $30,000.00 149-4609-43880 AQMD subvention program funding $40,000.00 138-1270-58024 Sustainability electric vehicle grant funds $10,485.89 138-1270-58020 City Employee Electric vehicle pilot program $2, 514.11 SUBMITTED Prepared by: Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, P.E., P.L.S. Assistant City Manager/City Engineer Approved by: David H. Ready, E City Manager Q2