Report Prepared by: Casey Wilson, Interim Fire Chief, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Donate Surplus Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Related Equipment to Merced College Fire Technology Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to donate a surplus Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and spare bottles previously used by the Fire Department to the Merced College Fire Technology program.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the donation of surplus self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), related equipment and air bottles to the Merced College Fire Technology program; and,
B. Approving the Full Release and Indemnity Agreement with Merced College and authorizing the City Manager execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by Council; or,
3. Deny this request; or
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in City Council motion); or,
5. Continue to a future City Council meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Article II. - Powers of City. Section 200. - Powers
Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.370-Surplus Materials, Supplies and Equipment
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Aligns with City Council priority of supporting community outreach and partnerships.
DISCUSSION
Background
Merced Municipal Code 3.04.370 - Surplus materials, supplies and equipment.
A. All departments shall submit to the purchasing supervisor, at such times and in such forms as he prescribes, reports showing all materials, supplies and equipment which are no longer used or which have become obsolete, worn out, scrapped, unnecessary or unsuitable for public use. The purchasing supervisor shall have authority to transfer among departments or to sell such materials, supplies or equipment, or to trade in or exchange obsolete, worn out, scrapped, unnecessary or unusable materials, supplies, and equipment for new materials, supplies and equipment.
B. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all sales of materials, supplies, equipment and other personal property which have become obsolete, worn out, scrapped, unnecessary or unsuitable for public use, of an estimated value of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or less, may be made by the purchasing supervisor in the open market.
In other words, Municipal Code 3.04.370.B. provides that surplus equipment with a value of $5,000 or less shall be sold on the open market and it does not contain language for donating surplus city property to a public or governmental body or agency, volunteer fire department, or a non-profit corporation.
The fire department possesses 86 SCBA’s, related equipment, and 185 air bottles which have been categorized as surplus due to their age, and overall mechanical condition.
The fair market value of the SCBA’s and bottles is estimated at $8,600.00 based upon a letter provided by our fire equipment sales representative at LN Curtis and Sons.
The Merced College Fire Technology Program is a comprehensive endeavor encompassing three primary objectives; attainment of an associate degree and/or certificate of achievement, successful completion of firefighter I academy, and pursuit of verified professional growth. Students of the program have fortified their foundational qualifications for initiating their career within fire prevention and suppression departments. This program is designed to empower students with the necessary tools to excel in the fire service arena, making them a sought-after candidate for prospective fire service employment opportunities. The Merced College Fire Technology program runs a fire academy with 25-35 recruits graduating annually. These recruits are future firefighters, volunteers, and prevention officers in and around our community. The donation of these SCBA’s will further strengthen the fire service in our community and build upon our strong partnership with Merced College.
Therefore, Council is being requested to consider exercising its authority under the Merced Municipal Charter, Article II. - Power of City., Sec. 200 - Powers and allow the donation of the surplus equipment to Merced College Fire Technology program.
Staff believes that donating the SCBA’s and bottles will provide substantial educational opportunities benefiting the City of Merced’s workforce, which clearly outweighs the value of the surplus equipment. In return, Merced College will execute an indemnity agreement (Attachment 2).
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fair Market Value Estimate of SCBA and Equipment
2. Release Indemnity Agreement