Council refers two planned vehicle purchases back to administration amid push to add electric options

The Duluth City Council voted 9–0 to refer two pending vehicle-purchase resolutions back to administration after a debate over whether the city should require electric or hybrid options for new service vehicles.

Councilor Desotel proposed amending Resolution 184 — to buy five Ford Transit vans under a Minnesota state contract — to require that at least two of the five be electric or hybrid. Public commenter Linda Heron had urged the council earlier to prioritize electric vehicles as the city replaces fleet stock.

Director Benning, representing fleet operations, told the council the city currently lacks the charging infrastructure and that some facilities where service vehicles are housed are tenant locations on which the city cannot readily install charging stations. He also noted state-contract availability and drivetrain options can limit immediate procurement choices. "We don't have the infrastructure, the charging infrastructure to use these right now," Benning said.

Councilors and some colleagues urged moving toward EVs but also pushed for more information. Several councilors suggested using sustainability funds and involving an incoming sustainability officer to craft a practicable transition plan. After discussion, the council voted 9–0 to refer Resolution 184 back to administration for a reexamination of EV options and contract pathways. The council took the same action on Resolution 185 (purchase of three Ford F‑250 crew-cab pickups), also sending it back to administration for further consideration.

No purchase contracts were approved at the meeting; staff were asked to return with alternatives, cost estimates for charging infrastructure and recommendations for phasing EV adoption that align with the state contract and operational needs.