HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2026-016 Van Purchase - ElectricSponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-016
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE A FORD TRANSIT VAN FOR
THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE THE EXISTING MOBILE
EQUIPMENT SHOP VEHICLE IN THE AMOUNT $79,995 AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS
WHEREAS, the City of Seward Electric Department relies on a mobile equipment shop vehicle
to support field operations, maintenance activities, and emergency response; and
WHEREAS, the Electric Department's current mobile equipment shop vehicle, commonly known
as the "Red Bird," is a used ambulance originally manufactured in the 1980s and has exceeded its
practical service life; and
WHEREAS, continued operation of the existing vehicle presents increasing maintenance costs,
reliability concerns, and operational limitations; and
WHEREAS, replacement of the "Red Bird" with a modern and reliable vehicle will improve
safety, efficiency, and response capability for Electric Department personnel; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of a Ford Transit Van to serve as the Electric Department's new mobile
equipment shop was reviewed, planned, and included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025/2026
Electric Department budget; and
WHEREAS, pricing for the vehicle was obtained through Sourcewell Cont#CA2451-26, a
nationally recognized cooperative purchasing organization, ensuring competitive pricing and
compliance with applicable procurement requirements, with a total purchase cost of $79,995; and
WHEREAS, the proposed purchase is consistent with the City's fleet replacement strategy and
long-term operational planning for essential utility services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEWARD, ALASKA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the purchase of a Ford Transit Van for use by the
City of Seward Electric Department as a replacement for the existing mobile equipment shop
vehicle known as the "Red Bird."
Section 2. Funding in the amount of $79,9995 is hereby appropriated in the Electric Enterprise
Fund Reserves 15000-0000-3400 to the 15000-3001-8103 Capital Equipment Expense Account.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-016
Page 2 of 2
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 9TH
DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026.
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Barnwell, Draper, Osenga, Warner, Crites, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: Calhoon
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: February 9, 2026
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor
Subject: Resolution 2026-016: Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase a Ford
Transit Van for the Electric Department to Replace the Existing Mobile
Equipment Shop Vehicle in the Amount $79,995 and Appropriating Funds
Background and justification:
The City of Seward Electric Department utilizes a mobile equipment shop vehicle to support daily
maintenance activities, system repairs, and emergency response throughout the electric
distribution and transmission system. The current vehicle, commonly known as the "Red Bird," is
a used ambulance originally manufactured in the 1980s. While it has served the department well
over many years, the vehicle has exceeded its useful service life and is becoming increasingly
unreliable and costly to maintain.
As the vehicle ages, maintenance requirements, downtime, and parts availability have increased,
creating operational challenges and potential safety concerns for Electric Department personnel.
Replacing the "Red Bird" with a modern Ford Transit Van will provide a safer, more reliable, and
more efficient platform for mobile equipment storage and field operations, while reducing long-
term maintenance costs and improving service reliability.
Pricing for the Ford Transit Van was obtained through Sourcewell Cont#CA2451-26, a
cooperative purchasing organization that provides competitively solicited contracts, ensuring best
value and compliance with procurement requirements. The total purchase cost for the vehicle is
$79,995.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (✓):
$ 79,995
x
Creates revenue in the amount of: $
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of: $
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s): 15000-3001-8103
x
Not budgeted
Not applicable
$ 79,995
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
x
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Yes Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
$
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
Administration Recommendation
x Adopt Resolution
Other: