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ITEM 9.a. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 5/5/2026 Meeting Type: Town Council Regular Meeting Submitting Department: Fire Department Prepared by: Dave Ott, Fire Chief Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5280 Email: dott@fountainhillsaz.gov Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language) CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Relating to the purchasing a Fire Department Replacement Brush Truck. Staff Summary (background) The Town purchased two brush trucks for the Fire Department in 2012 and 2013, during the period when fire services were contracted. Both vehicles have now exceeded their useful lives and are experiencing increasing maintenance and reliability issues. Since their acquisition, the Town has been setting aside funding annually within the Vehicle Replacement Fund to support their eventual replacement. In June 2025, the Town Council approved the replacement of one of these brush trucks. Due to delays associated with the custom build process, the Fire Department now anticipates receiving that vehicle in early FY2027, approximately July or August 2026. Budget authority for this previously approved acquisition has been carried forward within the Vehicle Replacement Fund to ensure completion upon delivery. The Fire Department is now requesting Council approval to replace the second brush truck, a 2014 Ford F-550 Type 6 Brush Truck, which is also scheduled for replacement within the Vehicle Replacement Fund. The proposed purchase would be completed through Sourcewell Contract #020124-SEW with SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles for an estimated cost of $290,000. Delivery of this vehicle is anticipated by the end of May 2026. Because the previously approved brush truck will not be delivered prior to June 30, 2026, sufficient budget authority remains available within the Vehicle Replacement Fund in FY2026 to complete this acquisition without requiring a budget amendment. The lower cost of the requested brush truck, compared to the previously approved unit (not to exceed $390,000, with a final estimated cost of approximately $313,000), reflects differences in vehicle type and operational purpose. The previously approved vehicle is a Ford F-450 configured as a Type 5 Brush Truck, designed with a greater emphasis on Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) response. The requested vehicle is a Ford F-550 configured as a Type 6 Brush Truck, which provides greater flexibility as a multi-use apparatus capable of supporting both emergency medical response and WUI operations. Both vehicles are four-wheel drive. The delay associated with the first brush truck is due to logistical challenges related to its custom build. In contrast, the requested vehicle is available for purchase on a shorter timeline through a different vendor, allowing the Town to address immediate operational needs more quickly. Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle This purchase meets the requirements of replacement of vehicles over 10 years old under the Vehicle Replacement Policy, and the current vehicle has exceeded its useful life. Risk Analysis N/A Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) Staff recommends approval of the purchase of a replacement Brush Truck in compliance with the Vehicle Replacement Policy and funding available in the Vehicle Replacement Fund. Pricing not to exceed $290,000. Suggested Motion Move to approve the purchase of a new replacement Brush Truck, not to exceed $290,000. FISCAL IMPACT Fiscal Impact: Not to Exceed $290,000. Budget Reference: FY2026 Funding Source: Vehicle Replacement Fund (VRAD) ATTACHMENTS 1. SeaWestern Purchase Agreement and Sales Order_0001