HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06152004 - SD2 To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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Contra
FROM: Mark DeSaulnier %/, `"
��ak Costa 1
DATE: June 15, 2004
~ . County
SUBJECT: Policy to limiting the purchase of _
Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and promote fuel economy in the County fleet
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
DIRECT the Director of the Department of General Services develop a policy which would
determine the appropriate size of vehicle for each County vehicle assignment.
Implementation would specifically evaluate efficiency, emissions and
standardization of maintenance in arriving at the decision of the appropriate
vehicle. The goal would be to purchase the most fuel efficient, lowest emission
vehicle available within the class of vehicle that is available through the County's
acquisition contract.
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)will not be purchased unless justified based on
verified work assignment. When such vehicles are a necessity every effort should
be made to explore the purchase of a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Also in
all fleet purchases, to the extent practical, Contra Costa County will continue to
support Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) and strategies to reduce the consumption
of petroleum fuels. Law Enforcement and Fire District vehicles will be exempt
from this policy. Others could be exempted only where need could be absolutely
proven.
BACKGROUND
Evidence has shown SUVs consume more gas and cause more emissions that negatively affect
our air duality. As a member of the California Air Resources Board, I have reviewed extensively
the serious impacts of deteriorating air quality on our community. The number of children and
adults suffering from asthma and other serious respiratory illnesses continues to climb. Our area
struggles to meet federal clean air standards.
Our Board now faces a grave fiscal crisis and may soon be forced to make many harsh budget
decisions. With the rising cost of gasoline in California, I believe it is incumbent upon us, as
stewards of the public trust, to explore all areas where we can reduce expenditures. A good start
would be a Board policy to limit the purchase of SUVs for only those functions that require the
unique features of such a vehicle.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE� � ;y,}'✓�` �-' ✓'
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RE OMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATI� JRFlS)L;
ACTION OF BOARD ON ,June 15,®7.()04 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER +"""'
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
X UNANIMOUS(ABSENTS ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ATTESTED June 15, 2004
JOAN SWEETEN,CLERK CF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Contact:
cc: County Administrator
County Counsel
General Services <,
BY ILI Z
DEPUTY
ADDENDUM TO ITEM SD.2
June 15, 2004
The Board of Supervisors considered the policy to limiting the purchase of Utility Vehicles
(SUVs) and promote fuel economy in the County fleet.
Supervisor Deaulnier presented the staff report and recommendations.
The Board discussed the matter and took the following actions:
• DIRECTED the General Services Director to develop a policy on determining the
appropriate size of vehicle for each County vehicle assignment that considers emissions,
fuel efficiency, and standardization of maintenance;
• REFERRED to County Administrator evaluation of Fleet Management Policy to be
included in the review of the overall global policy,
• DIRECTED staff to combine final work into the purchasing policy;
• REQUESTED staff to DEVELOP a policy for identifying the appropriate vehicle for an
assignment that has the least emission.