Agenda Item Wording:
title
Purchase of Altec bucket truck and appropriation of funds- Authorize the City Manager to award the purchase of an Altec bucket truck from Altec Industries in the amount of $249,353.13 and appropriate funds from the Vehicle Replacement Fund.
body
Agenda Date: 04/06/2026
Prepared by:
Danny Galindo, Public Works Manager, danny.galindo@visalia.gov , 713-4186
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov ,713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to award the purchase of an Altec bucket truck from Altec Industries, Inc. in the amount of $249,353.13 and appropriate funds from the Vehicle Replacement Fund (502).
Summary:
Staff obtained a quote for the purchase of a 2025 Dodge Ram 5500 Articulating Telescopic Aerial Device (Non-Insulated AT48S) under Sourcewell contract #110421-ALT from Altec Industries to replace a 2009 Ford F550 Bucket Truck in the amount of $249,353.13.
Background Discussion:
The current 2009 Ford F-550 bucket truck with 104,495 miles, has encountered significant mechanical issues, and after an assessment, Staff received an initial repair quote of $24,000. However, after previously making identical repairs on a similar vehicle, it was determined that specific method of repair was not reliable. Therefore, a more substantial repair, including an engine replacement valued in excess of $50,000, would be required. Given its age, continued investment in the current vehicle is not recommended. The truck’s overall lifetime costs have already reached $133,736.55, which highlights the ongoing expense of keeping it operational.
This truck is an essential part of the Traffic Maintenance Division’s operations, used for the installation and maintenance of traffic signals and streetlights. Given its critical role and the high cost of repairs, Staff recommends the replacement of the vehicle to ensure continued efficiency in operations and to avoid further escalating maintenance costs.
Altec Industries, Inc. has provided a Sourcewell quote for the equipment that meets the needs and applications of the Traffic Safety Division. The specific truck in question is available now, but the process to custom order and build a new truck is currently approximately 2 years.
Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing helps the City save time and money by purchasing from ready-to-use, competitively solicited contracts. Cooperative Purchasing is “Procurement conducted by, or on behalf of, one or more Public Procurement Units,” as defined by the American Bar Association Model Procurement Code for State and Local Governments. Sourcewell streamlines the purchasing process by developing Requests for Purchase for national competitive solicitations that meet or exceed local requirements. Because Altec Industries, Inc. are already competitively bid by Sourcewell, the City is able to utilize that contract to obtain the Sourcewell price.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
The purchase for the new Altec Lift will be in the amount of $249,353.13 and will require appropriation of funds from the Vehicle Replacement Fund (502).
Prior Council Action: None
Alternatives: None recommended
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I motion to authorize the City Manager to award the purchase of an Altec bucket truck from Altec Industries, Inc. in the amount of $249,353.13 and appropriate funds from the Vehicle Replacement Fund.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 04/06/2026
Attachments:
Altec Quote
Specs
Vehicle Purchase Authorization Form
Cost Analysis
Vehicle Evaluation
Sourcewell Contract
Sourcewell Contract Extension
Sorcewell pricing
Strategic Goal:
|
☐ Economic Vitality |
☐  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☒  Infrastructure & Growth |
☐  Quality of Life |