TITLE: Title
Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Grant Project Ordinance
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to request the Board of Aldermen (BOA) accept a grant from the Clean Fuels Advanced Technology Project, administered by the NC Solar Center, for the purchase of an advanced technology solid waste truck.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works, Management Services
CONTACT INFORMATION: George Seiz, 919-918-7427; Arche McAdoo, 919-918-7439
INFORMATION: In October of 2013 the Board of Aldermen (BOA) authorized the Town Staff to submit a grant proposal to the Clean Fuels Advanced Technology Project (CFAT) for the purchase of an advanced technology solid waste truck. The purchase of this truck was identified as an appropriate action during the development of the Town's Energy & Climate Protection Plan. Town staff submitted a grant proposal in March of 2014 for the purchase of an AutoCar E3 Refuse truck with Parker Hannifin Hybrid Drive technology with the understanding that the grant may pay up to 80% of the up-fit cost from a conventional truck to this type of hybrid (basically up to 80% of the cost difference between the two trucks). Staff was notified on May 1, 2014 that the grant proposal was approved for 75% of the up-fit cost.
Town staff who were active in either researching the truck and/or working on the grant application included: Cathy Wilson, Town Clerk; Woody Daniel, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor; Randy Dodd, Environmental Planner; and Matt Efird, Assistant to the Town Manager.
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FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: The up-fit cost difference is calculated below.
Hybrid truck - $395,000
Conventional truck - $265,270
Up-fit cost - $129,730 (75% of $129,730 = $97,297 Grant Amount)
North Carolina Solar Center - $ 97,297.00
Town General Fund - $297,703.00
Total - $395,000.00
In essence, the $32,433 additional cost to the town will provide for a hybrid truck that will save about $5,500 in fuel annually (current prices). This translates to about $44,000 over the 8 year life of the truck. A reduction of about 14 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCDE) per year is also anticipated.
The grant stipulates that the Town monitor and record fuel usage for one year and provide quarterly reports. This will take minimal staff time with the automated fuel tracking system already in place. Some public awareness and education is also required and includes such things as truck signage/decals highlighting the technology, media releases and a public ribbon cutting. It is estimated that the public awareness and education will take about 24 staff hours.
RECOMMENDATION:r It is recommended the BOA approve the attached project ordinance.