Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Purchase of One Compact Wheel Loader from Petersen CAT in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $98,257. (Public Works 60141581)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) maintains landscaping at over 30 parks, which requires the handing and transporting of bulk materials such as soil, mulch, compost and gravel. A compact wheel loader is specifically designed for these tasks and can also assist with installing and relocating larger site amenities such as concrete benches. ARPD does not currently own this type of equipment.
Staff recommends purchase of a compact wheel loader using available Cal Recycle Senate Bill 1383 grant funding, as the equipment will support compost transport application at park facilities.
Petersen CAT holds Sourcewell Contract 011723-CAT. Sourcewell is a cooperative purchasing agency in which the City of Alameda (City) participates. Staff recommends City Council approve the purchase of one Caterpillar Compact Wheel Loader from Petersen CAT in an amount not-to-exceed $98,257.
BACKGROUND
ARPD is responsible for maintaining landscaping across more than 30 parks, which requires the movement and application of bulk materials such as soil, mulch, compost and gravel. A compact wheel loader is designed to efficiently perform these functions and can also support the installation and relocation of larger site amenities.
The Public Works Fleet Services is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of motorized equipment used for landscaping. In accordance with City Administrative Instruction Number 5 (Purchasing Policy”), vehicle and equipment purchases may be made through cooperative purchasing agreements. City Council approval is required for purchases exceeding $75,000 from a single vendor in a given fiscal year.
DISCUSSION
ARPD currently relies on smaller, shared or rented equipment to transport and spread materials at park sites. This approach limits efficiency, particularly when handling larger quantities, and can delay park maintenance activities.
A compact wheel loader will significantly improve operational efficiency and safety by enabling staff to move larger volumes of material more quickly and reliably. It will also reduce reliance on shared and rented equipment and expand capabilities, including transport of larger site furnishings and loading dump trucks, tasks not currently supported by the existing fleet. This will increase efficiency and reduce rental costs.
Electric compact wheel loader models were evaluated but do not currently meet ARPD’s operational needs. Based on vendor discussions and demonstrations (including Volvo and Caterpillar), electric models provide approximately 2-3 hours of runtime per charge, depending on workload and conditions. This limited duration would require frequent recharging and would disrupt daily operations, which often involve continuous use across multiple park locations.
The short run time with existing electric models would necessitate frequent returns for recharging or the use of additional equipment to transport the loader between job sites. The department does not currently own or operate the necessary transport equipment, such as trailers and towing vehicles, to support this type of mobilization. Acquiring and maintaining this additional equipment would result in increased costs, added logistical complexity, and further strain on operational resources.
Electric compact wheel loaders also do not currently provide sufficient hydraulic capacity to operate existing attachments ARPD already uses. This would require replacement or modification of attachments and reduce operational flexibility.
Staff recommends purchasing one diesel-powered Caterpillar compact wheel loader from Petersen CAT in an amount not-to-exceed $98,257 through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract (No. 011723-CAT). The diesel-powered unit can operate continuously throughout the workday without interruption, which is essential to align with service levels and the need to travel to multiple park sites. While diesel is currently the most practical and effective option, staff will continue to monitor advancements in electric equipment as the market evolves.
Exhibit 1 includes the quote from Petersen CAT.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve purchase of Compact Wheel Loader, as proposed.
• Do not authorize the purchase of the Compact Wheel Loader and direct staff to continue to use shared and/or rental equipment. This will miss an opportunity to improve park maintenance efficiency as staff will be unable to move larger quantities of material, which causes delays.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City was awarded $208,212 in Cal Recycle Senate Bill 1383 grant funding. These funds were appropriated to fund the procurement of compost for ARPD, equipment for compost application, the compost hub, and the Agromin Agreement for compost. Grant funds must be spent prior to November 1, 2026 and $85,000 is allocated for equipment. The remaining grant funds are being used for compost procurement efforts. The remaining $13,257 of the total vehicle purchase of $98,257 will be funded by Fiscal Year 2025/26 Athletic Fields/Grounds Maintenance Division, 10051430-51090. There is no additional impact to the General Fund.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
The new compact wheel loader will be equipped with “Clean Diesel Technology” and will meet or exceed all current state and federal emission requirements. These “Clean Diesel” vehicle purchases confirm the City’s commitment to a green fleet.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the purchase of one compact wheel loader from Petersen CAT for an amount not-to-exceed $98,257.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Carlo Balboni, Fleet Supervisor
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Quote Petersen CAT Compact Wheel Loader