SR 07-12-2011 3GCity Council Meeting: July 12, 2011
Agenda Item:
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Ferguson, Fire Chief
Subject_ Donation of two previously loaned fire apparatus.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager, by transfer of title,
to donate two previously loaned fire apparatus to the City of Bayou La Batre, Alabama.
Executive Summary
The City of Santa Monica Fire Department loaned one fire engine and one ladder truck
to the City of Bayou La Batre, Alabama shortly after the August 2005 Hurricane Katrina.
The agreement was structured to allow donation at a later date, as the apparatus were
in reserve status and in the process of being replaced. The City of Bayou La Batre
recently requested to finalize the donation process. The donation will have no negative
financial impact on the City of Santa Monica. All required documents are in order and
can be executed in a timely fashion.
Discussion
The Fire Department loaned one fire engine and one ladder truck to the City of Bayou
La Batre to aid them with their recovery process from the devastating effects of
Hurricane Katrina. At the time, the apparatus were third-line reserves and soon to be
removed from service. The Fire Department presently has adequate reserve apparatus.
The loaned apparatus have far exceeded their useful lifespan for the rigors of high use
in a metropolitan environment and are of no operational value to the Santa Monica Fire
Department. The City of Bayou La Batre has indicated the apparatus are still
serviceable for their rural needs, yet are reluctant to spend municipal funds on some
needed repairs to loaned equipment. The decision to loan rather than donate at the time
was based on the ability to expedite the process and to leave an opportunity to reclaim
the equipment at a later date if appropriate.
1
The original Agreement for loan of Vehicles and Equipment, dated 20 October 2005,
between the City of Santa Monica and the City of Bayou La Batre included language to
transfer title of subject vehicles upon agreement from both parties. The City of Bayou La
Batre recently requested to exercise this agreement to expedite needed repairs.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
The current values of the apparatus are less than $5,000.00 each, and considering the
ladder truck needs repairs and certification, its value is likely substantially less. The
expense to pay for shipment back to Santa Monica, or arrange for an auction in
Alabama, exceeds their value. By transferring title of the apparatus, the City of Bayou
La Batre is saving the City of Santa Monica shipping and disposal costs. If the City of
Bayou La Batre no longer had a need for this equipment, additional costs would be
incurred by the City of Santa Monica in the removal and disposal of the equipment.
Prepared by: Walter Shirk, Division Chief
Forwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
City Manager
2
Chief, Fire Department