Board approves $1.829 million to buy two electric refuse trucks from Tulare vendor

The Board of Public Utilities voted to authorize up to $1,829,000 from the fleet replacement fund to purchase two McNeilus electric refuse trucks from Haker Refuse of Tulare, California, and to adopt a resolution approving the appropriation and use of the fund balance.

Art Avila, identified in the meeting as the city's solid waste manager, presented the item and said the recommendation was "to authorize an increase of up to 1,829,000 to the fleet replacement fund appropriation and use of the fund balance in the fleet replacement fund for the purchase of a McNelis Volterra ZSL electric automated side loader refuse truck and a McNelis Volterra ZFL electric front loader refuse truck from Haker Refuse of Tulare, California." Avila described an opportunity to acquire two lightly used demonstration units and argued the local dealer would simplify maintenance.

Why it matters: The purchase is an early step toward meeting state-driven expectations for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Staff pointed to a 2020 executive order by California’s governor setting long-term reductions for heavy-duty vehicle emissions and said the city needs to begin transitioning parts of its fleet in coming years.

Details and local logistics: Presenters said the demo trucks were top-tier demo models and, while list prices exceed $850,000 apiece, the vendor offered discounts (city staff said roughly $100,000 off each unit). Staff estimated on-site electrical upgrades at about $90,000 to install chargers that could support two trucks (with capacity for up to four vehicles), and said chargers could be moved to a future site if the city relocates its yard.

Operational considerations discussed at the meeting included vehicle weight, battery life, charging time and payload. Staff reported the electric trucks weigh about 8,000 pounds more than current diesel units because of batteries, and noted the demonstration unit completed its route with "about 65% left over" on the battery. Charging was described as an overnight process (approximately eight to ten hours) that would allow full recharge before the next shift for the city's current route schedule. Staff also explained demo trucks include a tag axle that adds about 5,000–6,000 pounds of payload capacity and improves turning radius for cul-de-sacs, and that the truck bodies remain roughly the same (about a 40-yard box).

Financial context: Staff said the fleet replacement fund balance is approximately $4.6 million and that the requested $1,829,000 appropriation would come from that fund balance. Presenters and board members flagged uncertainty around long-term battery degradation and replacement costs, with staff noting battery replacement is possible but "not cheap."

Vendor support and schedule: The vendor, Haker Refuse, recently opened a local facility near the corporation yard; staff emphasized the advantage of local servicing. Staff told the board electrical upgrades could be completed within roughly a month and that, if approved, the trucks could be on route by February. Board members asked for a demonstration; staff offered to bring a truck to a meeting and arrange ride-alongs.

The vote: A board member moved to approve item 6.1; a second was made and the presiding member called for the voice vote. The board responded 'Aye' and the presiding member declared the motion passed.

Next steps: Staff will complete the electrical work, take delivery of the demo units and arrange a board demonstration and ride-alongs before full fleet-level decisions are made as part of future rate and replacement studies.