City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  January 3, 2007

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve the purchase of a Med-Tec Ambulance.  The ambulance purchase price is $121,806.99. 

Background: The new ambulance will replace Ambulance 1883, a 1997 Med-Tec unit.  This unit is experiencing frequent maintenance issues due to its age and mileage.  Ambulance service time is typically between 7 and 10 years.

Our unit 1883 is on an E450 chassis and it has provided reliable service with good quality ride for transporting our patients. The van style front end, however, has experienced heat build up and engine accessibility issues which results in increased repair costs.   In 2003, we had purchased the Freightliner, medium-duty chassis and have not been satisfied with the ride quality of these ambulances.  We have since moved to the F450 chassis for the past 2 ambulances and we strongly believe that it fits our operational needs.  The F450 has a higher payload, a good-quality ride, and improved accessibility for maintenance.

The purchase price of this Ambulance reflects a $4,600 savings by locking in the group discount price and an $8,500 trade in value for Ambulance 1883.  If we wait for a 2008 model, the price may be approximately $10,000 more based on engine and modular modifications because of EPA emission requirements.   There are a limited number of the 2007 chasses available.

There will be additional expenditures for equipment, i.e. communications equipment, the ambulance stretcher, and any potential line changes during construction.  The total of these items will remain within the approved CIP amounts.

Fiscal Impact:  This Ambulance will be assigned to Fire Station #3 and the funding source will be from the CIP (03031) that was set aside for Fire Station #1 remodeling.  This decision was made during the budget hearings in October. 

Prepared by: Steve Wilding Lieutenant	Reviewed by Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Reviewed by Brian Satula Fire Chief