Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Department of Ecology for the Purchase an Electric Refuse Container Truck
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Department of Ecology for the purchase of an electric refuse container truck.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Department of Ecology for the purchase of an electric refuse container truck.
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Director of Waste Resources, Public Works Department, 360.753.8509
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
A refuse container hauler is a specialized truck used to transport commercial front-load refuse containers (dumpsters) to and from customer sites. The existing 2009 diesel-powered vehicle is due for lifecycle replacement.
The proposed Resolution authorizes the City Manager to accept the Washington State Department of Ecology’s 2025 Air Quality Volkswagen Grant, Rails, Keels, and Wheels, and execute the grant agreement and related documents necessary to accept the funding and complete the project. The Resolution also authorizes acceptance of the grant’s terms and conditions and expenditure of the required City matching funds.
The grant provides $363,678.64 in funding toward the replacement vehicle. The total eligible project cost under the grant is $484,904.86, including the required City match of $121,226.22. The actual purchase price of the replacement vehicle is $484,904.86. The City’s Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund has sufficient funds available to cover the required match.
A separate Resolution and staff report are before Council to authorize the purchase of the electric refuse container hauler.
Climate Analysis:
The project directly supports the City's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its municipal fleet. Replacing the existing diesel container hauler with an electric vehicle is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 86 metric tons annually.
The project is also consistent with the City's Fleet Electrification Study and its goal of reducing municipal fleet greenhouse gas emissions to less than 1,252 metric tons by 2030. In addition, the transition is consistent with the 2023-2030 Waste ReSources Management Plan, which calls for a phased approach to fleet electrification, beginning with light- and medium-duty vehicles and expanding to additional solid waste fleet applications as operationally appropriate.
Equity Analysis:
The project does not have a direct or specific equity impact. The replacement vehicle will support continued delivery of solid waste, recycling, and organics collection services throughout the community.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community members may have an interest in the transition of the City’s fleet from diesel to electric vehicles. The proposed vehicle is expected to operate more quietly than the diesel vehicle it replaces and will eliminate tailpipe emissions during operation.
Financial Impact:
Upon reimbursement of the $363,678.64 grant award, the City’s net cost for the $484,904.86 purchase will be $121,226.22, which will be funded through the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund and satisfy the required City match. The Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund has adequate funds available for the City’s required match. No additional charging infrastructure investment is anticipated because the City already has the necessary charging station for this vehicle.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Department of Ecology for the purchase of an electric refuse container truck.
2. Do not approve Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Department of Ecology for the purchase of an electric refuse container truck. The City will have to find additional funding to purchase the vehicle.
3. Direct staff to take other action and return to Council at another date.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement