DATE: December 17, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Public Works Department
TITLE: TWO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR A BOOKMOBILE FOR THE LIBRARY & CULTURAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council approve a purchase order to Olathe Ford, in the amount of $159,552, for a new vehicle to replace the large Bookmobile for the Library & Cultural Arts Department; approve a purchase order to Workhorse Graphics, in the amount of $9,999, for a custom full vinyl wrap of the vehicle; and authorize the Financial Services Director, or designee, to execute the purchase orders upon receipt of all supporting documents.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Each budget cycle, vehicles that meet their planned service life in years and/or miles, are planned for replacement. Prior to purchasing a replacement vehicle, Fleet and the department using the vehicle determine if the current vehicle type and usage needs are the same, if there is a less expensive alternative, if there is a greener alternative, and if the current vehicle has any useful life to become a Fleet loaner vehicle.
The unit being replaced was purchased in June 2007 and has reached the end of its service life. The Library's Bookmobile, LIB7, is being retired due to ongoing mechanical issues and operational limitations caused by its large size, which restricts its ability to serve certain areas and locations in the community. In addition, LIB7 has reduced fuel efficiency due to age-related wear and no longer meets current standards for emissions and air quality. LIB7 will be replaced with a fully electric Ford E-Transit Van, which offers enhanced and modular upfitting capabilities to better support Library outreach. The van will be smaller and outdoor facing and serve the community more efficiently in its regular weekly stops in parks and neighborhoods, and its broad outreach to school and community events. The transition to an electric vehicle will significantly reduce...
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