HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.C. 12 CONV GAS VEH 01-06-92CONSENT CALENDAR NO. 12
I ,
1-6-92
1-4 L;
AGE&'^A
inter -C,om
DATE: DECEMBER 17, 1991
TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FR0TOL PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DIVISION
SUBJECT.' APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION TO CONVERT GAS VEHICLES TO PROPANE
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the conversion of
two gas powered vehicles to propane vehicles and authorize the
expenditure of approximately $6000 from the City's AB2766 fund to
finance the conversion.
BACKGROUND:
As part of an energy and fuel consumption audit, staf f investigated
the possibility of converting City fleet vehicles from fossil fuel
(gas) to propane. On November 14, 1991 representatives from the
Police, Field Services and Administrative Services Departments test
drove a police vehicle from the City of Glendora. The staff
members who drove the vehicle favored it and felt comfortable
driving the vehicle. Previous concerns expressed regarding fuel
tank "bulkiness" and inconvenient fuel pumping were addressed. New
configurations modify the fuel tank to approximately 18 pounds.
Additionally, the tank is stored in the vehicles' s trunk, under the
spare tire. Located behind the rear license plate, the vehicle
tank requires minimal effort to fill and has been designed to be
"user friendly".
DISCUSSION:
Assembly Bill 2766 (AB2766) increased vehicle registration fees by
$2.00. The City receives $.40 of the $2.00 to establish a clean
air program. The conversion of selected vehicles from gas to
propane qualifies for such a program. In addition, part of the
City's 1991 Trip Reduction Plan stated that the City would consider
acquiring alternative fuel vehicles for securing rideshare credits
and reducing our mobile source emissions. Thus, the City can
receive clean air "credits" for the converted vehicles as part of
the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Trip Reduction
Plan.
Staff has identified twb vehicles which would be ideal for the
conversion project. Fleet vehicle #5602, currently assigned to the
Engineering Division, is utilized extensively by City staff. The
second proposed vehicle is a police unit which is currently being
purchased by the City. Both vehicles will receive high exposure
and will provide the City with valuable information regarding the
short and long term costs and benefits of the program.
Propane fuel dispensing equipment currently exists at the
maintenance yard. The cost of propane fuel is approximately $.78
a gallon, in comparison to approximately $.89 a gallon for unleaded
gasoline, $.88 a gallon for regular gasoline, and $.77 for diesel
fuel. However, it should be noted that the miles per gallon for
propane fuel is somewhat less than for gasoline. Again, this is
where the proposed conversion project can provide valuable
cost/benefit information.
Upon City Council approval and authorization, staff will proceed
with the conversion of fleet vehicle #5602 and the new police unit
from gas to propane, using funds accumulated in the AB2 7 6 6 account.
�,Q Rober S. L en ecker Katie Pitcher
Director of Pub is Works/ Administrative Assistant II
City Engineer
RL:KP:cce:propane