I. RECOMMENDATION:
City Manager and Fire Chief recommend to approve the sole source purchase from Air Exchange to install Plymovent Diesel Exhaust System at the Fire Department.
II. BACKGROUND:
Mayor Horn requested a quote to have a diesel exhaust system installed at the Fire Department for the March 2nd Council Meeting. At that meeting, Councilman Hedgecock requested the item be brought back on the March 16th meeting for consideration to purchase. This would be a new install as the Fire Department does not have any diesel exhaust system.
III. DISCUSSION:
Diesel exhaust systems are designed to remove 100% of the carcinogens and toxic byproducts of combustion. Diesel exhaust systems capture the airborne particles at the source, prior to them spreading in the local environment.
According to the California Department of Health Services, long term exposure to diesel exhaust particles pose the highest long term risk of any toxic air contaminant. Diesel exhaust, including that produced by fire apparatus, is known to contain the following harmful toxins: nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and aromatic hydrocarbons, among other related health hazards. Diesel exhaust is classified as a carcinogen to humans and long term exposure leads to increased risk for lung cancer, asthma, risk of allergies and immune system complications.
Staff contacted multiple fire departments within Fresno County and discovered that Plymovent Diesel Exhaust System was used by the majority and that Air Exchange, Inc was the sole source provider on the west coast.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
1. Do not approve the purchase.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
This is an unbudgeted item and would have a fiscal impact to the General Fund of 85,099.18. However, the Fire Department, at the April 21, 2022, Council Meeting, was allotted $100,000 to upgrade our station alerting system from ARPA funds. Staff has been researching that item and has determined that project could be done for approximately $25,000 leaving $75,000 remaining. This would leave approximately $10,000 needed from the General Fund to fund the diesel exhaust system. The Fire Department has the funds available in 101-416-98040 (Major Machinery & Equipment) to cover the difference without resulting in a budget shortfall. | | |