PRESENTER: Presenter
Ruy Lozano, Fire Chief
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of the authorization for the City Manager to execute a Proposal with intent to purchase a Pumper Truck and Aerial Truck.
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DEPARTMENT: Fire
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff is requesting authorization to execute a intent to purchase proposal for a Pierce Enforcer Pumper in the amount of $1,215,347 and a Pierce Enforcer Aerial HD Ladder in the amount of $2,203,437. The New Braunfels Fire Department currently operates a fleet of seven Pierce pumpers and three Pierce aerial apparatus, which have been purchased on a staggered replacement schedule over many years.
The Fire Department's replacement plan anticipates approximately 10 years of frontline service, followed by 2 years in reserve for pumper trucks and 5 years in reserve for aerial apparatus. The pumper identified for replacement was purchased in 2012 and is currently 14 years old, while the aerial truck was purchased in 2008 and is currently 18 years old. Both units have exceeded their planned service lives, resulting in increasing maintenance costs and a greater risk of mechanical failure.
Lead times for new fire apparatus have increased significantly in recent years. Current production timelines are approximately 32-33 months for a pumper and 41-42 months for an aerial apparatus. Based on these timelines, the replacement pumper will be approximately 17 years old at delivery, while the aerial truck will be approximately 22 years old.
Procurement - The City has standardized its fire apparatus fleet with Pierce apparatus to improve maintenance, training, and operational consistency. Staff proposes utilizing the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program through Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, eliminating the need for a separate competitive procurement process.
Fiscal Consideration - Approval of the intent to purchase proposal does not obligate the City to purchase the apparatus at this time. Rather, it allows the City to secure its position in the manufacturer's production schedule and lock in current pricing while the long-term funding strategy is finalized. As discussed during the recent City Council budget workshop, replacement of these apparatus is being considered as part of a potential May 2027 bond program. Should that funding strategy not move forward, staff will return to City Council with an alternative funding recommendation well in advance of the anticipated deliveries in FY 2029 and FY 2030.
ISSUE:
Lead time for receiving new apparatus is long. From the date of order to the date of delivery a pumper is 3-years and for an aerial it is 4-years.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
N/A Economic Mobility N/A Enhanced Connectivity N/A Community Identity
YES Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
FISCAL IMPACT:
Execution of the intent to purchase does not require payment until delivery (3-4 years from now). As mentioned earlier, the FY 2029 and FY 2030 will indicate what the ultimate funding strategy will be to support this critical front-line equipment.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends authorization for the City Manager to execute a Proposal with intent to purchase a Pumper Truck and Aerial Truck.