HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2001 1017 CC REG ITEM 10Ai
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Moorpark City Council
AGENDA REPORT
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: John Brand, Senior Management Analyst`;
DATE: October 9 (CC meeting of October 17, 2001)
SUBJECT: Consider CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Fuel Option in
Procurement of Two (2) Transit Buses.
SUMMARY
On October 3, 2001, the City Council considered the purchase of two
diesel - fueled buses (see Attachment A). The Council directed staff
to gather information on the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuel
option for the two new transit buses.
DISCUSSION
Below is a comparison of the projected cost for the bus with each
fuel alternative. In order for the CNG bus to have the same seating
capacity (twenty -four seats) and the about the same range (three
hundred miles per tankfull), it would be necessary to increase the
chassis length two feet. This much fuel capacity is necessary to
ensure that the new buses would have enough range to complete a
full day on one fill up. The longer vehicle will have some impact
on the maneuverability of the bus and it will increase the turning
radius. This may be a factor in tighter areas such as when the bus
turns around in the City Hall parking lot. Additionally, CNG buses
take longer to construct. The delivery window for diesel is seven
months. The CNG buses may require two additional months of
construction time.
MST II 28 foot - 24 Dassenaer - Diesel
$140,974.14 (One MST II 28 foot bus)
1,256.22 (state procurement fee)
6,500.00 (estimated inspection fee)
1,269.64 (contingency)
$150,000.00
Bus to CNG.doc
CNG Fuel Option for Buses
CC Meeting of October 17, 2001
Page 2
X 2
$300,000.00
MST II 30 foot - 24 passenger - CNG
W
$162,355.95
1,525.29
6,500.00
2,000.76
$172,382.00
$344,764.00
(One MST II 28 foot bus)
(state procurement fee)
(estimated inspection fee)
(contingency)
If the Council elects to purchase CNG buses in place of diesel it
will need to appropriate an additional $44,764. Council
appropriated $300,000 in the FY 2001 -2002 budget for the bus
procurement. Of this amount, $240,000 is a FTA (Federal Transit
Administration) §5307 grant. This FTA capital grant may be used for
up to 800 of the cost of the vehicles. The remaining $60,000 that
makes up the 20% local match was appropriated from City
Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds.
There are two local funding sources that the council may consider
for the CNG option. One is TDA and the other available source of
additional funding for the CNG buses is the City Traffic System
Mitigation (TSM) fund. This revenue is received as fees from local
development projects as a means of mitigating the air quality
impacts of the projects. The City controls this fund. Improvements
to the City transit system meet the criteria established by the
City for TSM fund expenditures.
erational Costs
It is likely that operational contract costs will be affected by
the CNG option. The nearest available CNG fueling station is about
eighteen miles away in Thousand Oaks. The contract bus operator
would need an additional payment if they must make the 36 mile
round trip to obtain CNG fuel each day. Fueling typically occurs
after the bus route is completed. The current contract cost is
$28.95 per hour per bus, therefore the estimated impact would be
$115.80 per day, or $28,950 per year. The additional mileage
involved in commuting to Thousand Oaks will also add more wear and
tear on the vehicles in addition to the driver's hours.
Bus to CNG.doc V 0 0 62 3
CNG Fuel Option for Buses
CC Meeting of October 17, 2001
Page 3
At the October 3rd City Council meeting, the City's potential use
of space at the City of Thousand Oaks' Municipal Service Center
(MSC) to store Moorpark Transit buses overnight in conjunction with
fueling the buses in Thousand Oaks was mentioned. The City of
Thousand Oaks has indicated that it cannot accommodate the City for
storage or overnight fueling at this time. The public fast fill
fueling station is of course available.
Maintenance of CNG vehicles is more expensive and requires
mechanics with specialized training. Some operators report a
significant difference in the cost of using CNG over Diesel. Since
fuel economy is in large part a function of driving patterns, and
fuel costs have been highly volatile in recent the past year, it is
difficult to predict what if any fuel cost differential (increase
or decrease) will be experienced operating CNG buses in Moorpark.
These operators who do experience cost savings in fuel expense
still find that overall maintaining a CNG fleet is more expensive
than maintaining a conventional fuel fleet. It is reasonable for
the bus operator to pass any fuel and /or maintenance cost increases
for CNG along to the City. Conversely, if CNG proves to be more
economical than diesel, the City would seek a reduction in the
contract amount. In the past year, most transit operators have seen
the fuel savings of CNG all but disappear. Only two transit
operators in the state, Sunline Transit in Palm Springs and
Sacramento Transit report that operating CNG buses is cheaper than
operating diesel. Either TDA or TSM may be available for
appropriation by Council to cover increased operational costs.
Staff estimates that these operational costs (fuel, maintenance,
and hours) would not exceed $50,000 per year. This cost would be
reduced if there were a local CNG fueling station.
CNG Fueling Station
The City of Thousand Oaks paid $435,000 for a CNG fueling station
at a developed site. It has two public fast fill hookups that are
similar to conventional gasoline - fueling pumps, and 20 slow -fill
hookups in the MSC for city vehicles. The slow fill hookups are
used for fueling City of Thousand Oaks fleet vehicles (sedans,
vans, buses, trucks, etc.) overnight. The City of Moorpark would
not need as large a facility, and would not necessarily need to
construct the slow -fill capability immediately. The slow -fill units
have complex piping and were a significant portion of the cost
experienced by the City of Thousand Oaks. The site of the future
Bus to CNG.doc 0000.24
CNG Fuel Option for Buses
CC Meeting of October 17, 2001
Page 4
Parks /Public Works Facility could be a good location for a CNG
fueling station in Moorpark. The fast fill card lock portion could
be constructed before the City facility is built. A "card lock"
station is an unattended fueling site where payment is made by a
credit card. Usually it is a special card. The Pacific Pride diesel
and gas station on High Street in Moorpark is an example of a card
lock station. The fast -fill pump at the Thousand Oaks CNG station
is also a card lock station. It might be possible to build a CNG
fueling station in about a year's time. It could be designed in a
way that the Parks /Public Works Facility could be built adjacent to
the CNG station. Expansion capability for City vehicle slow -fill
could be incorporated in the CNG station. An initial estimate for
a CNG station in Moorpark with future expansion capability ranges
from $100,000 to $350,000. The City's TSM Fund could be used to
build a fast -fill CNG station.
Another funding source will be available in 2003. The next federal
CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation /Air Quality) funding cycle comes around
in 2003. Alternative fuel projects are rated among the highest
priority for CMAQ funding. The City would have a reasonably good
chance of securing an 88% CMAQ grant for a CNG station in that
funding cycle. This competitive grant is the most likely outside
funding source for CNG fuel station that staff has found. The next
CMAQ application process will open in 2002.
In conclusion, it is possible to purchase CNG buses; the buses that
staff is recommending can be fitted for CNG, and the City has an
existing funding source to cover the $44,764 cost increase.
However, there are a number of other matters that make the
immediate purchase of two CNG buses problematic. The City of
Thousand Oaks is not able to allow the City to fuel overnight at
its municipal fueling station, (the public fast -fill station at
Thousand Oaks is available, but fast fill tends to be less
efficient and not completely fill the vehicles, thus reducing the
vehicle's range between fill ups). Without a fueling site in the
City, the operation of CNG buses becomes more costly. Additionally,
the City will incur expenses in the form of greater maintenance
costs and additional driver time from our contract operator. There
are other operational concerns with a CNG fleet that would need to
be addressed with the bus operator. Nearby transit agencies have
experienced higher maintenance costs with CNG vehicles. CNG
mechanics need specific, specialized training that may be difficult
to obtain for a small fleet. There are on going safety issues that
require refresher training.
Bus to cNG.Joc e.0` ��?
CNG Fuel Option for Buses
CC Meeting of October 17, 2001
Page 5
Since there may be an interest and desire to construct a CNG
fueling station at the future site of the Park and Public Works
Maintenance Yard, there are a number of matters the City should
consider first. There is a host of issues that go into the design
of a CNG fueling station. Most of the design decisions are driven
by the anticipated use; e.g., number of CNG vehicles, slow fill
verse fast fill hook ups, the amount of on -site gas storage,
compressor style and size, use by the public or other agencies, and
logistical issues like the proximity to a sufficient gas supply
line. These design issues should be considered prior to proceeding.
There are also a number of policy issues the City needs to consider
that will indicate how much use, and the type of use, a proposed
CNG station win the City will receive. The City has recently
purchased an electrically powered passenger vehicle. If the City
plans to move in this direction and purchase additional electric
vehicles, does it also want to pursue CNG vehicles? In the
foreseeable future, passenger vehicles will be increasing available
in both electric and CNG fuel configurations. Heavy -duty vehicles
like trucks and buses will be available in the CNG (Compressed
natural Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) alternative fuel
formats. However electrically powered buses are not expected to
become available in the near term. Does the city want to include
bus storage, a maintenance shop and vehicle wash for the Moorpark
transit fleet at the proposed facility?
City staff has not had an opportunity to look into all of the
design and operation issues related to construction of a CNG
fueling station. There are several qualified consultants who would
be capable of conducting an evaluation study of the need for a CNG
fueling station, and then to design it accordingly. With technical
assistance, the City can be assured of construction an
appropriately sized and equipped CNG station.
In consideration of the aforementioned matters (short -term and
long -term CNG fueling, and bus operation contract), staff proposes
proceeding with the purchase of two diesel buses. Additionally,
with direction of the City Council, staff can pursue siting,
designing, and constructing a CNG fueling station with a goal of
having the station operational within the next eighteen months.
While it is anticipated that the new buses should remain
operational for approximately seven or more years, the City's back
up bus (the Bluebird) will be eligible for replacement in two
( I�
Bus to CNG.doc C. 0 0 (IV *2 6
CNG Fuel Option for Buses
CC Meeting of October 17, 2001
Page 6
years. The City could consider purchasing a third bus fitted for
CNG, once one the new CNG fueling station has been completed. The
new bus could be placed in service and one of the diesel buses
would become the back up bus.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to: 1) Purchase two new conventional fuel buses,
not to exceed $300,000, using the state Department of General
Services contract with Creative Bus Sales; 2) Obtain an inspection
services agreement, subject to final approval by the City Manager;
3) Surplus the 1995 GMC Champion Bus; 4) evaluate the City's future
alternative fueling needs and provide the Council with a
recommendation on a possible future CNG fueling station.
Bus to CNG.doc
ATTACMENT "A"
Moorpark City Council
AGENDA REPORT
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: John Brand, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: September 26, 2001 (CC meeting of October 3, 2001)
SUBJECT: Consider Procurement of Two (2) Transit Buses.
SUMMARY
Federal approval has been received, and now the City Council is
being asked to authorize staff to proceed with the purchase of two
new buses. It is recommended that the City use a state bus
procurement contract and its specifications for the Moorpark
Transit fixed route system buses. The total proposed procurement is
$300,000 ($150,000 per bus.) The source of the funding is an 800
FTA (Federal Transit Administration) §5307 grant for $240,000 and
a 200 local match from the City's TDA (Transportation Development
Act) funds in the amount of $60,000. The appropriation for this
procurement was included in the Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 transit
budget.
BACKGROUND
The City of Moorpark owns two buses: a twenty -two passenger 1995
GMC Champion cutaway style bus; and a twenty -four passenger 1998
Bluebird Transtar. With Council approval of this item, the new
buses would replace the 1995 bus and designate the 1998 bus as a
backup. The two buses currently provided by the City's bus
operator, PCA (Parking Company of America,) would return to their
fleet and would be available as 2nd and 3rd back up buses. The City
made assurances that it would purchase two new buses at the time of
the RFP (Request for Proposals) for a transit contractor. The
City's 1995 bus would be surplused.
On September 7, 2001, staff was informed that the City's grant
application, in the amount of $240,000 for two new buses, had met
all necessary approvals from VCTC (Ventura County Transportation
Commission), SCAG (Southern California Associated Governments),
Bus Procurement
CC Meeting of October 3, 2001
Page 2
Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) and the FTA
(Federal Transit Administration) for a §5307 grant. This is the
same funding source the City used for its prior bus purchases.
It is proposed that the City utilize the state's transit bus
purchasing contract in place of conducting an in -house purchasing
proposal. The state of California Department of General Services
(DGS) offers master agreements and statewide commodity contracts as
the state's main procurement instruments for leveraging its buying
power. Master agreements and contracts are generally statewide
agreements that have been competitively bid, prices analyzed, and
do not have dollar limits or limitations to their use, except as
otherwise noted in the agreement or contract.
For over 30 years, the DGS has competitively bid and made vehicle
contracts available to California governmental entities in an
effort to help public agencies meet their vehicle fleet needs. The
state vehicle contracts leverage statewide California government
purchasing power to achieve better pricing. Manufacturer and dealer
incentive programs provided to government enhance the contract
pricing. These contracts offer a broad spectrum of vehicles at an
8 to 12 percent cost savings over volume commercial fleet pricing.
The State of California contracts are available to any California
Governmental entity defined by the California Government Code
including state agencies, county and city governments, K -12
education, special districts, colleges and universities.
To purchase under state contracts, agencies order directly from the
contract dealer with a copy of the order going to the California
Department of General Services (DGS) Procurement Division. DGS
charges a 1% administrative fee, which is minimal when considering
the time and cost savings agencies incur by avoiding the
specification development, negotiation and the bid process.
DISCUSSION
The state contract 1- 99- 23 -16 -01 was bid for paratransit buses.
Paratransit refers to a transportation service designed to provide
accessibility such as wheelchair lifts. The state specifications
include many other accessibility features, as well as extensive
durability and workmanship criteria. The successful bidder was the
El Dorado Bus Sales MST II bus. The size and shape of the bus is
similar to the 1998 Bluebird Transtar. However, the specifications
under the state contract are more comprehensive than any previous
Bus Procurcment.doc it 0 0k ' 9
Bus Procurement
CC Meeting of October 3, 2001
Page 3
bus procurements by the City. The winning bus, the MST II by E1
Dorado, is the only bus in its class (small bus) that has
successfully completed testing by the FTA at their vehicle proving
ground in Altoona PA. As a result, the MST won "Altoona Tested"
designation as a ten -year bus. This means that the bus is designed
and built to be capable of remaining in service up to ten years.
City staff proposes purchasing two MST II buses. The proposed buses
will accommodate twenty -four passengers (eighteen with two
wheelchair positions.) Two seats have fold down child seats for
infants. There will be visual and audible stop request indicators,
and head signs showing the route and destination. The wheelchair
lift folds out from the stairs, making it unnecessary to have a
separate wheelchair door. Although it was bid as an alternative
fuel CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicle, the state contract
includes a diesel engine option. The available diesel engine is
recommended for the City's use because there is no CNG fueling site
in Moorpark and the CNG fuel tanks reduce the seating capacity. A
summary of the bus's specifications is attached to this report. A
complete vehicle specification package is available from staff if
requested.
The budgeted amoun
quote is for
$140,974.14
1,256.22
6,500.00
1,269.64
$150,000.00
t for each bus is $150,000. The attached price
(MST II 28 foot bus)
(state procurement fee)
(estimated inspection fee)
(contingency)
Inspection of the vehicles is required to ensure that the bid
specifications are met. Unlike production cars and trucks, transit
vehicles are built up from the chassis in small lots. The current
lead -time for a MST bus is seven months. PCA has indicated that
they can continue to provide their buses until the new buses are
completed.
STAFF RECOHMNDATION
Authorize staff to initiate procurement of two new buses not to
exceed $300,000 using the state Department of General Services
contract with Creative Bus Sales, including a supplemental
inspection services agreement, and to surplus the 1995 GMC
Champion, subject to final approval by the City Manager.
0000?_ 10
Bus Procurement.doc
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AUG -15 -2001 15:32 CREATIVE BUS SALES
Creative Bus Sales, Inc.
City of Moorpark - Proposal (28' Bus)
(25) Passengers Plus Driver w/Wheelchairs
10 Year 26' Transit Bus with Under Vehicle Wheelchair Lift
PUBLIC AGENCY/STATE CONTRACT
August, 11P 2001
7149686144 P.02
The Vehicle(s) To Be Provided In Accordance With State Of California Solicitation Specification
#46492 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) PARATRANSIT BUSES As Written And /Or
Amended And State of California Contract #1 -99- 23-16. The Following Changes Are Hereby
Incorporated For The Vehicles To Be Provided To The City of Moorpark.
$ 132,546.00 - MST -11 w /Options
8,428.14 - Tax x 7.0% ($ 120,402.00)
- Exemrst - - DMV
$140,974.14 -- Total Each
1% State Procurement Fee = $ 1,256.22 each
Model/Floorp_lan
E3 E/Dorado Nadonal MST -1128 , Front Door Paratransit Body
0 190" Wheelbase
❑ Freightliner MB-55 Chassis
Freightliner MB -55 Chassis w /Cummins 205hp Turbo - Diesel Engine
Chino California Manufacturing Plant
Mechanical
ABS Air Brakes
Air Compressor- Engine Mounted
Cummins Diesel ISB 205 Engine
ABS Brake System
Allison 2400 Transmission
❑ Rear Air Ride Suspension
o Stainless Steel Wheel Inserts
Spare Tire and Steel Wheel Assembly
E3 Rear Help Bumper
o Front Help Bumper
Front and Rear Mud Flaps
Front and Rear Tow Hooks
Electrical
Color Coded and Numbered Wiring
o 200 Amp Leece- Neville Attestator
Brake Interlock System w/3 mph Safety Switch
L3 Bus Watch Surveillance System (2) Camera Switching System
Dual 8 -D HD Batteries
Mounted on Curbside Stainless Steel Tray
Roll -Out Tray
Back -Up Alarm
❑ Front Electric Roller Destination Sign
o Side Electric Roller Desdnabon Sign
0( 0013 k*.
10870 Kalama River Road Phone: (714) 968 -1244
Fountain Valley, CA 92708 -6003 Fax: (714) 968 -6144
AUG -15 -2001 15:32 CREATIVE BUS SALES 7149686144 P.03
(Page 2 of 3)
Side Armored Turn Signals
Armored Clearance Lights
L.E.D. - Exterior Lights
Lamp Clusters
(3) Armored Amber Front
Red Rear Center of Roof Ends
Lumination of Entrance Door Step Area
(2) Overdoor Header 30cp Incandescent Lights
Special Exterior Lighting
- Two Armored Amber Marker Lights at Front Comers
- Two Armored Red Marker tights at Rear Comers
Special Exterior Reflectors
- Two 3' Amber Forward of Front Wheels at Floortine Level
- Two 3' Red on Rear of Body
- Two 3" Red at Floortine level on sides of Coach Adjacent to Left and Right Rear Comers
Two Illuminated License Plate Holders on Each Side of the Rear of Bus
PA System w /lntemal Gooseneck Mike and 4 Speakers
• AM/FM Stereo w14 Speakers
• CD Player
Exterior Waterproof Speaker for PA System - ADA
Radio 2 -Way Prewire
Radio 2 -Way Antenna Conduit Prewire
Body
Stainless Steel Entrance Stepwell
Floor Covering Ribbed Aisle - Smooth Under Seats
❑ Spray Foam Insulation - Wall & Roof
%" 7 -Ply AC Grade Plywood Floor (Certified)
❑ Extra Sound Insulation In Engine Doghouse
Tectyl Undercoating or Equal
Drivers Barrier
- Bottom Melamine
- Top 3/8" Smoked Plexiglas From Bottom of Drivers Seat to Ceiling
Stanchion and Modesty Panel Behind Wheelchair Location
Gelling Grabrails Assembly
Extra Entrance Grabrail
- f=orward of Front Door
- Floor to Ceiling
Transpec 1100 Triple Value Safety Vent - Emergency Exit 4/Way Adjustable
Passengers Windows w /Upper T- Sliders
Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Rear View Interior Mirror
❑ Mirror Motorized and Heated
Remote Toggle Switch - Door Entry
❑ Air Door Operator
Full Body Paint -Whits
Bright White Urethane Single Stage Paint - PPG
u Storage Bax/Rack @ Co-Pilot Area
Deluxe Platinum Interior
Single Rub Rail
fair 061�0_
AUG -15 -2001 15:32 CREATIVE BUS SALES
(Page 3 of 3)
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning, Heater, Defroster Front Assembly
R134 -A AIC System
• 1 hermo-King S40 A/C System With Dual Compressors
• With Roof Mount Condenser
i" Heater Hose
65,000 BTU Rear Heater
7149696144 P.04
Safety & Ancillary EguinmeM
First Aid Kit (18) Unit
Fire Extinguisher
Triangle Warning Reflectors
Two -Speed Driver Fan
❑ "Shop Requested" Passenger Pull Cord Signal System w /Chime and Lighted Sign
o Farebox Guard d Grab Rail 1 -114"
❑ Farebox Diamond Model "ES" w/2 Vaults
Belt Storage Box
L -Track For Q- Strsint QRT Tiedowns
❑ Q'Stramt QRT Tiedown System
Tie Tec Web Cutter
❑ Wheelchair Lift- Braun UVL - "in- Steep"
Seating
Freedman Featherweight Seats
(3) 3-Step Double Foldaways w/Notch Back
('9) Mid -High Back Rigid Doubles
(10) Aisle Side Grabrails
FTA Dual Density XL Foam on Seat Bade and Bottom
Level #3 Fabric
❑ (2) Child Seats
Adjustable Track Seating
Seat Belt (Extender)
Seat Betts (Retractable) USR
• USSC Air 9001 Driver's Seat w7 Arms - Level #1 Black Fabric
• Sporhvorks Bike Rack
• Brochure Rack w14 Slots
Warranty
Body -12 Months/50,000 Miles
Chassis -12 Months/50,000 Miles
Engine - 2 Years/Unlimited Miles
Transmission - 2 Years/100,000 Miles
Air Conditioning - 2 Years/Unfimited Miles
Seats (Frame and Foam) - 5 Years/Unlimited Miles
Wheelchair Lift - 5 Years/Unlimited Miles
Body Structure - 48 Months/100,000 Miles
Cre eve Bus Sales, Inc.
M
Don White
Transit Sales
og.1(3c 1 ".4
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