COUNCIL REPORT: PURCHASE OF BRUSH TRUCK

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Council
DATE: February 28, 2024
FROM: Paul M Hurst, Fire Chief
MEETING DATE: March 5, 2024

PURCHASE OF BRUSH TRUCK

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approve the sole source purchase of a used fire engine brush truck from Brindalee Mountain Fire Apparatus through a notice of intent to award for a value not to exceed $350,000 CAD.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the report is to receive Council’s approval for the purchase of a used 2008 Seagrave International Brush truck. The identified vehicle meets the needs of the department and is currently available. The vehicle is in excellent condition with less than 9000 miles. It has received certification from the dealer and is warrantied for one year after delivery.

TIME CRITICAL:

This purchase is time critical given available inventory and availability of used apparatus of this design. An award of purchase would facilitate the vehicle being delivered and placed into service for the 2024 fire season.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

During the 2024 budget deliberations Council approved the purchase of a replacement fire engine for its aged out 1991 International Brush truck. It was concluded by the Fire Chief that significant savings could be realized by purchasing a used apparatus. A suitable vehicle was located in the United States (USA) at Brindalee Mountain Fire Apparatus. The vehicle was within budget and held for the department pending inspections.

BACKGROUND:

Brindalee Mountain Fire Apparatus is a recognized and reputable used fire apparatus dealer in the USA. Immediately following the 2024 budget deliberations a search of apparatus available for purchase was undertaken. Four suitable vehicles were located; however, all were on hold for purchase by other agencies. The identified vehicle (1 of 4) became available for purchase and the dealer obliged to hold the vehicle for the Town of View Royal pending inspections and negotiations.

Inspections and negotiations are currently underway with an expected purchase and delivery to View Royal within six to eight weeks of this report. Given the value of these used trucks compared to new purchases, they are highly sought after and do not remain on the market longer than a couple days or weeks.

As well, section 10.8.10 of the Town’s Purchasing Policy allows for the purchase of goods under exceptionally advantageous circumstances such as used goods, without engaging in a formal bid process.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Council approved up to $350,000 CAD for the purchase of a used brush truck. It is expected that this purchase will fall within the approved budget which includes inspections, purchase, taxes, delivery, and modifications to suit our department.

ALTERNATIVES:

There is not an alternative to sole source purchasing a used fire engine. Alternatively, purchase of a new truck through a competitive bid process would cost an estimated $850,000 CAD for a comparable vehicle.

CONCLUSION: