TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Jesse Alexander, Fire Chief
Libby Bretthauer, Finance Director
Mario Hernandez, Purchasing Supervisor
Dru Leonard, Purchasing Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Donation of the Surplus 2000 American LaFrance Fire Engine to El Camino College Fire Academy (No Budget Impact) (Fire Chief Alexander and Finance Director Bretthauer).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0113
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commended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council consider adopting Resolution No. 25-0113 approving the donation of the surplus 2000 American LaFrance Fire Engine to the El Camino College Fire Academy.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The surplus fire engine has an estimated value between $5,000 and $8,500. If the donation is approved in lieu of selling it at auction, the City will not receive any funds.
BACKGROUND:
The requested fire engine is nearing the end of its useful life and has been replaced according to National Fire Protection Association guidelines. As a result, the fire engine has been removed from service. Standard procedure is to send the vehicle to auction for the best attainable value as required by the City’s Municipal Code; however, this requirement may be waived by the City Council.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has received a request from the El Camino College Fire Academy to donate a used fire engine for their training program. In the past, the City has donated surplus property to this organization to support their instructional efforts.
The donation of a surplus fire engine to El Camino College will directly support the development of a regional training center intended to serve the Manhattan Beach Fire Department (MBFD) and other partner agencies. This training center will provide MBFD personnel with access to realistic equipment and facilities for professional development, operational readiness, and Driver/Operator succession planning. By donating this fire engine, MBFD employees will have the opportunity to train with industry-standard apparatus in a controlled educational environment. This will enhance the Department’s ability to maintain competency, prepare employees for promotional opportunities, and ensure operational reliability.
MBFD also maintains an Instructional Service Agreement (ISA) with El Camino College. Through this agreement, MBFD members may receive college credit for documented training hours completed each semester. This arrangement supports career development and succession planning, while also providing financial compensation to MBFD through the ISA. The donation will therefore not only strengthen this partnership but also expand professional development opportunities for MBFD members, creating long-term benefits for both the Department and the community.
In order to qualify for MBFD’s entry-level Firefighter testing, candidates must successfully graduate from a State-certified fire academy prior to application. The majority of newly hired employees come through these programs, and the use of a donated fire engine would be of great value to El Camino’s training program. It will familiarize students with the types of equipment used in municipal fire operations and better prepare them for employment opportunities with MBFD and other agencies.
While the City typically sells surplus vehicles at public auction for the best attainable value, it has also donated vehicles and equipment in the past to public agencies and community organizations with limited funding. Past recipients include the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, Community Emergency Response Team, Los Angeles County Fire Lifeguards, and the sister city of Santa Rosalia, Mexico.
Municipal Code Section 2.36.180 requires that surplus vehicles be disposed of for the best attainable value, which is usually obtained through public auction. Staff has estimated, based on research, that the surplus fire engine holds a value between $5,000 and $8,500. This amount would be forgone if the City donates the vehicle rather than selling it. To protect the City’s interests, a release of liability is included in the donation agreement.
POLICY ALTERNATIVE:
The surplus fire engine could be sold at auction.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
After analysis, staff determined that public outreach was not required for this issue.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determination that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no further legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Resolution No. 25-0113
2. Agreement - El Camino College
3. Fire Engine Donation Request