To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: Purchase Order with Downtown Ford for the Purchase of Flood Control Equipment.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute on behalf of the Public Works Director, a purchase order with Downtown Ford in an amount not to exceed $225,000 for the purchase of a pickup truck with a direct injection spray system for spraying Flood Control District facilities, Countywide.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Flood Control District Fund 250500 adopted budget (100% Flood Control District Funds)
BACKGROUND:
The Public Works Flood Control District is replacing a F-550 Power Stroke truck, which is being deadlined due to age and cost of service. The equipment is necessary for spraying Flood Control District facilities. The purchase of the equipment was included in the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Flood Control capital budget.
This spray vehicle will be used for the application of herbicides to control the growth of weeds and other invasive plant species along Flood Control District channels, levees, and creeks. The use of herbicides is one of many methods to control vegetation, which also include mowing, manual mowing, goats, etc., and is part of the County’s Integrated Pest Management program. Control of weeds and other vegetation is necessary for fire fuel reduction as required by fire district regulations, as well as routine maintenance and inspection of flood protection facilities. Utilization of herbicides provides a cost-efficient method for vegetation management, which otherwise would require other manual methods at a higher expense.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not approved, the Flood Control Division will not be able to purchase the equipment needed to provide services throughout the County.