TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works
SUBJECT:
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Approval of Purchase of One (1) Knapheide Specialty Body for the Fire Department Technical Rescue Team Use in the Amount of $77,600.00
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BACKGROUND:
The 2026 City Budget includes funding for a replacement vehicle for the Technical Rescue Team (TRT) within the Joliet Fire Department. The existing vehicle utilized for this purpose has exceeded its useful service life.
Fleet Services, in conjunction with the Fire Department, reviewed several options for a replacement vehicle. It was determined that utilizing two smaller, more versatile units would better serve the purposes of the Fire Department. The first unit requires minimal upfit. The second unit requires the installation of a specialty body on the previously purchased chassis. This upfit work on the second unit will be completed in-house to achieve significant cost savings.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Cost comparisons of three completed full units are shown below:
• $162,888.00 - Various components purchased, build completed in-house
o $77,600.00: Knapheide Body configured for purpose (this purchase)
o $65,288.00: Cab-Chassis (previously purchased via CM#338-26)
o $20,000.00: Miscellaneous up-fit for specific use (TRT specific)
• $316,553.00: Fouts Bros. Light Rescue Vehicle (similar to proposed vehicle)
• $606,157.00: Fouts Bros. Medium Rescue (similar to existing TRT vehicle)
• $825,00,000.00+: E-One Medium Duty Rescue (custom built to specifications)
Sufficient funds exist utilizing Capital Improvement Fund / Fire Department Fund (Org 30070020, Object 557500, $77,600.00).
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. One of these circumstances applies:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based upon the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the purchase of one (1) Knapheide Specialty Body for the Fire Department Technical Rescue Team use in the amount of $77,600.00.
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