Best Practice Action 13.2
GreenStep City Best Practices: Transportation
Efficient City Fleets No. 13
Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 2
Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions.
Fleet Analysis/Survey:
- Check with your local electric utility for any programs that can help you analyze fleet vehicles.
- Through the Cities Charging Ahead effort, the Minnesota cities of Bloomington, Faribault, Fridley, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, St. Louis Park, White Bear Lake, Winona, and Woodbury completed fleet studies funded by Xcel Energy, and Coon Rapids completed a fleet study funded by Connexus Energy. Each city worked with a company called FleetCarma to install telematics devices in chosen fleet vehicles and analyze that data. The telematics devices tracked various vehicle usage statistics, including idle time, acceleration patterns, and daily miles of any given vehicle equipped with a device. See what lessons the cities learned (GPI/CERTs, 2021).
- The Dashboard for Rapid Vehicle Electrification (DRVE) is a free tool that equips users with decision-relevant information on the financial viability and environmental impact of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle fleet procurements across an entire fleet. The Microsoft Excel-based tool can evaluate a variety of procurement ownership structures, vehicle types, electric vehicle charging configurations, and many more scenarios.
Right-sizing:
- Right-sizing might, for example, include purchase through Minnesota's Cooperative Purchasing Venture of neighborhood electric utility vehicles (NEVs) built by E-Ride in Princeton, MN. NEVs are battery electric vehicles with a top speed of 25 MPH and which can be driven on public roads.
- Resources and background on emergency response and narrower street design, rethinking the size of fire trucks, and the latest data on saving lives by means of evidence-based good street design.
Green Fleet Policy:
- See, for example, the City of Minneapolis green fleet policy.
- The State of MN advises purchasing/leasing vehicles with a GHG rating of 7 or higher.
Green Fleet Purchasing:
- See the 2023 Fuel Economy Guide for current ratings.
- Use the Consumer Reports guides to the Best & Worst Fuel Economy for Cars, SUVs, and Trucks.
- The U.S. Dept. of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center has cost calculators and other tools.
- Find EV buying guides at the Drive Electric MN website.
- How Cities and How Cities and Counties Can Electrify Their Fleets (RMI, 2023) provides local governments with insights on how to begin or advance their electrification efforts through policy/processes and technical/financial considerations.
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Survey each fleet vehicle by type, MPG and use; implement at least one right-size or down-size improvement (for example, use of a sedan instead of a pick-up truck for inspection work, introduce a hybrid police interceptor, use of a full electric utility vehicle in parks/public works, or one multi-purpose vehicle instead of two vehicles); lease vehicles when financially and environmentally advised. |
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Adopt a vehicle purchasing policy/practice; right-size all vehicles in one portion of the city's fleet (for example, police, fire, public works, inspections) AND report any vehicle reductions and improvement in the fleet's average MPG. |
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Right-size all vehicles in the city's fleet AND report vehicle reductions and improvement in the fleet's average MPG. |
Who's doing it
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
As part of the Green Fleet Purchasing Policy's 3rd Phase--Electrify vehicle and equipment fleet to meet CAP Goals, which was adopted in 2022, all new light-duty fleet vehicles, and off-road or lawn equipment vehicles are to be replaced with electric and low-carbon fuel alternative options at time of replacement (with traditional internal combustion engine, or ICE, as optional requiring proof of need. Additionally, 2030 and 2040 goals based on equipment size are to be met.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
As of March 2021, the City of Edina has a municipal vehicle fleet of 307 cars and trucks. Over 88% of the fleet are gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles while 9.8% are electric vehicles including hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV). In 2019, the fleet consumed 90,700 gallons of gasoline and 47,900 gallons of diesel. For every 1% of the fleet that is transitioned to EV over 122 metric tons of greenhouse gas will be eliminated. City currently has 72 vehicle replacements planned by 2025 providing an opportunity to increase the share of
electric vehicles in the fleet by as much as 6% per year.
electric vehicles in the fleet by as much as 6% per year.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Grace Hancock (City Staff) | ghancock@edinamn.gov | (952)826-1621
Partners:
Oakdale -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
After completing the initial governmental emissions inventory for 2007, one area that was identified for improvement was the Building Inspections Department vehicles. Both the building inspector and code enforcement officer's vehicles have high use, however each was getting around 12 MPG, and both were scheduled for replacement. The City used this opportunity to research and purchase a vehicle that would both meet the needs of the Building Department and would significantly increase the MPG achieved to cut back on costs and CO2 emissions.
After considering the availability of features requested by the Building Department, the MPG achievable, the annual cost savings and Consumer Reports rankings the field was narrowed to three vehicles; Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Prius. Because of the estimated 44 MPG the vehicle could achieve and its hybrid technology, the City chose the Toyota Prius as the replacement vehicles. Using 2007 numbers, these vehicles will save the City at least $2200 per year in gas costs over the previous vehicles.
The Police Department has also instituted a Five Year Replacement Plan on all of their vehicles. They currently use the Chevy Tahoe for most of their fleet. Due to the specific requirements for use as a police vehicle, they were limited in their choices, however PD has began the processes of phasing in Dodge Chargers. This should also increase the MPG achieved by the Police Department.
After considering the availability of features requested by the Building Department, the MPG achievable, the annual cost savings and Consumer Reports rankings the field was narrowed to three vehicles; Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Prius. Because of the estimated 44 MPG the vehicle could achieve and its hybrid technology, the City chose the Toyota Prius as the replacement vehicles. Using 2007 numbers, these vehicles will save the City at least $2200 per year in gas costs over the previous vehicles.
The Police Department has also instituted a Five Year Replacement Plan on all of their vehicles. They currently use the Chevy Tahoe for most of their fleet. Due to the specific requirements for use as a police vehicle, they were limited in their choices, however PD has began the processes of phasing in Dodge Chargers. This should also increase the MPG achieved by the Police Department.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Partners:
Burnsville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Burnsville's Fleet Manager has an inventory of the City Fleet that includes vehicle's use, MPG and replacement time frame. The City replaced the entire Building Inspection's Fleet with hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles. Originally, this fleet consisted of mostly Ford Taurus sedans.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Building Inspection Fleet has been completely replaced. There are 5 cars in total. The Toyota Prius get's an average 40-45 MPG, and the sedan they replaced averaged 15 MPG.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sue Bast (City staff) | basts@ci.burnsville.mn.us | 952-895-4524
Partners:
Coon Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
City staff works to ensure the appropriate city fleet is used in most efficient way especially in public works department. Vehicles are regularly evaluated and more fuel efficient vehicles are purchased when possible. Coon Rapids Parks Department has also worked to right-size mowers and other equipment used in parks to ensure they are as fuel-efficient as possible. City fleet is shared by city staff when needed and used to optimize functionality. Coon Rapids operates over 40 parks throughout the city. Mowing routes in city parks have been evaluated and reorganized to ensure equipment is used in time and energy efficient manner. All city fleet is on a replacement schedule - every 10 years for most vehicles & 3-5 for police vehicles. At the time of purchase we are buying the most efficient vehicles available at the time. We added our first hybrid vehicle to the fleet in 2019. An electric vehicle was purchased for use by one City employee in the engineering division in 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Gregg Engle (City staff) | gengle@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6552
Partners:
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Duluth has begun this process, since 2016 5 hybrid vehicles have been purchased for parking enforcement replacing all of their old vehicles.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City continues to "Right-size" the city's fleet including police, public works, building, and parks and recreation vehicles.
The City's goal, which was established in 2006, is to acheive 40% fuel effiency of the city fleet by the end of 2015.
The City's goal, which was established in 2006, is to acheive 40% fuel effiency of the city fleet by the end of 2015.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A number of vehicles in the city’s fleet are E-85 or flex fuel vehicles. The Ford police squads are reported to be 25% more fuel efficient than last year’s model.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Gilbert -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Gilbert Public Works department received new trucks. The old trucks were inefficient, unsafe and incapable of holding regular loads. Financed through a recent energy bond the upgraded 2012 trucks are more capable of withstanding heavy loads. MPG efficiency increased, the old trucks were running around 9-10 and the new trucks are running around 15-17. Also the fleet has been down sized. By reducing the amount of vehicles and increasing vehicle purpose, environmental impact is lessened.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Improvements to the Public Works fleet will have returns to the environment. Older trucks emit more exhaust. A reduction in MPG is a savings on gas. A reduction of gas used is a savings on green house gases. This is a small improvement towards a brighter future.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Maplewood practices the usage of the appropriate equipment with its intended use for the right service demand. The city diesel fleet was recently upgraded to use cleaner B5 fuel mix during the winter and B10 bio-diesel mix during the warmer summer months. .
The city has installed GEOtabs (http://www.geotab.com/) in all of the Maplewood Police cruisers. These tabs will help monitor police operations and track vehicle miles traveled, location, and vehicle idling time. This information will be used to right size the fleet and determine the vehicles that should be retired or replaced.
As of early 2014, the city recently purchased two new police interceptors to replace a few of the older Crown Victorias. The new interceptors will save, on average, 5 to 8 miles per gallon.
The city has installed GEOtabs (http://www.geotab.com/) in all of the Maplewood Police cruisers. These tabs will help monitor police operations and track vehicle miles traveled, location, and vehicle idling time. This information will be used to right size the fleet and determine the vehicles that should be retired or replaced.
As of early 2014, the city recently purchased two new police interceptors to replace a few of the older Crown Victorias. The new interceptors will save, on average, 5 to 8 miles per gallon.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Schultz (City Staff) | scott.schultz@maplewoodmn.gov | (651) 249-2430
Partners:
Minnetonka -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has continued to “right-size” city fleets to meet various department needs. One city departments opted to release a fleet vehicle because there was not enough usage. The city has moved away from full sized vehicles to mid-size and compact vehicles for most departments. The city has added fuel efficient (hybrid vehicles) where is possible and appropriate. To ensure maximized lifespan and efficiency, all city vehicles are included as part of a regular maintenance schedule.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Drew Ingvalson (City staff) | dingvalson@eminnetonka.com | 952-939-8293
Partners:
Mounds View -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
All utility pick-up trucks in the Public Works department (Streets and Water) that used to be ordered with 8' beds and 8 cylinder engines are all converted to 6' beds and 6 cylinder eco-boost engines. This has been/continues to occur since 2016/2017
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Increased fuel economy and reduced emissions
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Nyle Zikmund (City Staff) | nyle.zikmund@moundsviewmn.org | 612-860-7442
Partners:
New Brighton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Inspections vehicles were replaced with much more fuel efficient units. Pick-up trucks and older vintage sedans were replaced with Ford Escapes which are more fuel efficient and produce fewer emissions. Police Crown Victoria’s have all been replaced with Ford Interceptors which achieve better gas mileage and produce fewer emissions. Additionally we are pursuing 2-3 fully electric vehicles for our fleet, we hope this happens in the near future.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Craig Schlichting (City staff) | craig.schlichting@newbrightonmn.gov | 651-638-2056
Partners:
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
According to the city's Public Works Director, Public Works vehicles use catalytic converters and biodiesel. The city's life cycle policy for vehicles promotes replacement of older vehicles with new, more fuel-efficient and sustainable vehicles.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Richfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Students from the U of M completed an inventory and energy audit of the City's fleets and equipment in 2011. Recommendations included the cost-effectiveness of the recommendation to convert certain vehicles to diesel/CNG fuel. 3 hybrid vehicles will be purchased for Police and 2 additional PHEVs (Mitsubishi Outlander Sport) will be purchased in 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Partners:
Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Saint Paul has and will continue to evaluate fleet makeup in order to meet operational needs with the fewest units possible. We have several multi-use units (hook trucks) which help reduce fleet size and we are experimenting with new mid-duty plow/patch trucks which are smaller and more fuel efficient than the current trucks in service.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Partners:
Woodbury -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City’s Vehicle Purchasing Values (AD-ADMIN-1.14) directive sets values and guidelines for the procurement of vehicles for the city fleet. These values are designed to have a multifaceted affect, which include, but are not limited to:
• Reducing the short and long tern costs of purchasing, maintaining, and operating city vehicles
• Rightsizing the city’s vehicle fleet – purchasing smaller more economical vehicles that still fulfill the demands of the intended municipal function
• Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by the city’s fleet
• Encouraging an expansion in the number of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles purchased and maintained by the city
• Providing the city with an efficient fleet that promotes the city’s sustainability and environmental improvement efforts.
• Reducing the short and long tern costs of purchasing, maintaining, and operating city vehicles
• Rightsizing the city’s vehicle fleet – purchasing smaller more economical vehicles that still fulfill the demands of the intended municipal function
• Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by the city’s fleet
• Encouraging an expansion in the number of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles purchased and maintained by the city
• Providing the city with an efficient fleet that promotes the city’s sustainability and environmental improvement efforts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
1. Building inspections vehicles have been right-sized from Ford Crown Victoria’s with V-8 engines to Ford Taurus and Impalas with V-6 engines. In 2010, the V-6 vehicles were replaced with Ford Fusions with I-4 engines.
2. In Public Safety, a truck was up-sized from a 1/4 ton 4-cylinder engine extended cab pick-up to a 1/2 ton V-6 engine extended cab pick-up in 2012. The vehicle was used for confiscated or lost items. In addition the required daily equipment, the smaller truck was too restrictive.
3. Several primary squads were down-sized from V-8 engines to V-6 engines in 2012/2013.
4. One primary K-9 squad was up-sized from a sedan to an SUV in 2012. The increase was needed due to additional equipment added to the sedan, coupled with the K-9 requirements.
5. The city replaced two 250KW mobile stand-by generators with two 350KW units (2009).
6. Increase of a truck, tanker from a 2,000 gallon capacity to a 2,500 gallon capacity (2011). The added water capacity required a larger truck that would be able to accommodate approximately 4,500 additional pounds of water weight.
7. Decrease in size and scope of snow blower from engine driven with a replacement value of $127,500 to a non-engine driven type snow blower attachment with a replacement value of $22,200 (2012).
1. Building inspections vehicles have been right-sized from Ford Crown Victoria’s with V-8 engines to Ford Taurus and Impalas with V-6 engines. In 2010, the V-6 vehicles were replaced with Ford Fusions with I-4 engines.
2. In Public Safety, a truck was up-sized from a 1/4 ton 4-cylinder engine extended cab pick-up to a 1/2 ton V-6 engine extended cab pick-up in 2012. The vehicle was used for confiscated or lost items. In addition the required daily equipment, the smaller truck was too restrictive.
3. Several primary squads were down-sized from V-8 engines to V-6 engines in 2012/2013.
4. One primary K-9 squad was up-sized from a sedan to an SUV in 2012. The increase was needed due to additional equipment added to the sedan, coupled with the K-9 requirements.
5. The city replaced two 250KW mobile stand-by generators with two 350KW units (2009).
6. Increase of a truck, tanker from a 2,000 gallon capacity to a 2,500 gallon capacity (2011). The added water capacity required a larger truck that would be able to accommodate approximately 4,500 additional pounds of water weight.
7. Decrease in size and scope of snow blower from engine driven with a replacement value of $127,500 to a non-engine driven type snow blower attachment with a replacement value of $22,200 (2012).
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer McLoughlin (City staff) | jmcloughlin@ci.woodbury.mn.us | 651-714-3522
Partners:
Apple Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city purchased a Malibu with double the fuel-mileage of the ½ ton pick-up alternative. Staff will continue to adjust the fleet for vehicle size and function as necessary.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Charless Grawe (City staff) | CGrawe@ci.apple-valley.mn.us | 952-953-2508
Partners:
Austin -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Evaluating equipment size and efficiency is a standard process for the City when making vehicle and equipment purchases. Most recently in the spring of 2013, the City purchased a loader mounted, self-propelled snow blower, which had an improved coupling system over the replacement blower. This allowed the City to downsize the loader which carries the blower from a 197 hp 950 loader to a 173 hp 938 loader. This provided a cost savings in the purchase price as well as efficiencies related to horsepower and fuel economy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Janet Anderson (Community volunteer) | janetanderson2840@gmail.com | 5072190680
Partners: Engineering and Public Works Department
Eagan -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Downsized the type of vehicles used in various fleets. Eagan's fire response has more efficient vehicles, two hybrid vehicles are utilized for administrative purposes, and Eagan has replaced a street maintenance vehicle with a seasonal worker riding a bike for boulevard maintenance. As an example, the previously used fire vehicles were getting 9-12 MPG, and the new fire department vehicles are getting 18-20 MPG. The City also goes through an annual interactive process with all departments to determine which vehicles need to be replaced each year, which vehicles could be used in other departments to match usage with the right vehicle, and which vehicles could be eliminated entirely.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The previously used fire vehicles were getting 9-12 MPG, and the new fire department vehicles are getting 18-20 MPG
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jared Flewellen (City Staff) | jflewellen@cityofeagan.com | (651) 675-5505
Partners:
Faribault -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Faribault completed a FleetCarma study with 20 City fleet vehicles. Based on the information from the study, Faribault was able to replace two gas-powered vehicles with a Nissan Leaf and a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Dave Wanberg (City staff) | dwanberg@ci.faribault.mn.us | 507-333-0350
Partners:
Golden Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Public works staff routinely survey vehicles by department for usage, function, and miles per gallon.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The City has 22 vehicles that are E85 compatible.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marshall Beugen (City staff) | mbeugen@goldenvalleymn.gov | 763-593-8085
Partners:
Hastings -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
This is done as part of the annual budget process.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melanie Mesko-Lee (City staff) | mmesko_lee@hastingsmn.gov | 651-480-2326
Partners:
Lake Crystal -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The Lake Crystal Police Department evaluted the police fleet in determining the most efficient type of new police vehicle. The department selected a hybrid vehicle for the next police car.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The hybrid vechicle is estimated to have a 3 year return on investment. Fuel savings will be measured.
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Gina Cooper (Elected Official) | cptcooper@msn.com | 507-382-7276
Partners: City of Lake Crystal, Lake Crystal Police Department
Lake Elmo -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo's Building Department has updated their city fleet with two 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sports due to their compact size and fuel efficiently. Prior to this, the fleet had a 2017 Chevy Equinox and a 2015 Jeep Compass which had met or exceeded their usable life. These vehicles were less efficient and larger than what was necessary to complete inspections.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
Partners:
LaPrairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Right sized the city maintenance truck by purchasing an equipment trailer that can be towed by a replacement vehicle that is more fuel efficient.1/8/2016
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jonathan Bolen (Elected official) | jbolen@laprairiemn.com | 218-326-8898
Partners:
Mankato -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In February 2012 the City Council authorized purchase of replacement police vehicles (Ford Police Utility Vehicles). Review and consideration by Department of Public Safety staff largely considered fuel-efficiency of vehicles as part of decision to recommend purchase to replace existing aging fleet of Ford Crown Victorias. Additionally, Department of Public Safety has purchased a small Suzuki utility vehicle for use in specialized park patrol and on/off road use. Dubbed "The Green Machine", the small vehicle is highly fuel efficient and increases the ability of officers to get into smaller areas where full-size vehicles cannot go. See attached City Council agenda recommendation for detail.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
New police fleet vehicles have yet to be implemented, but purchase has been approved. "The Green Machine" is active and has assisted in safe transport of an injured hiker in local wooded area where other emergency vehicles could not access.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18780.aspx
For more information contact:
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Partners:
Newport -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The City Council approved an Environmentally Preferrable Purchasing Policy at its October 4, 2012 meeting. The Policy states that the City will right-size its fleet when vehicles are no longer needed. The City implemented this by replacing two fire department vehicles with one in late 2013.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Schulz (City staff) | dschulz@newportmn.com | 651-459-5677
Partners:
Northfield -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The Wastewater Department evaluated their fleet of vehicles and made the decision to eliminate a 3/4 Ton Pickup truck and replace it with a more efficient Ford Cmax compact car.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Cmax is very efficient and has decreased fuel consumption on a daily basis. This vehicle is the primary vehicle used to commute to meetings at City Hall (2 miles away)
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Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Beth Kallestad (City staff) | beth.kallestad@ci.northfield.mn.us | 507-645-3074
Partners:
Red Wing -
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Implementation details:
Standard Opperating Procedure - Every vehicle is checked for proper size. More fuel efficient Ford Tauras Squad cars have been added to the fleet as the most recent additions instead of opting for the larger Crown Victorias.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
Partners:
Rogers -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The City has down-sized its public works fleet by using a single hook truck that can serve the function of multiple vehicles. This single truck hauls garbage tanks, a water tank for filling hockey rinks, a tank for watering city trees, a patch box for street repair, and a sand/salter implement for winter road prep.
The city has ordered a second multi-function hook truck to further improve its fleet efficiency.
The city has ordered a second multi-function hook truck to further improve its fleet efficiency.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Mike Bauer (City staff) | mbauer@ci.rogers.mn.us | 763-428-0974
Partners: MN GreenCorps
Roseville -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The city has a fuel maintenance program which evaluates fuel efficiency.
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For more information contact:
Ryan Johnson (City staff) | Ryan.johnson@cityofroseville.com | 651-792-7049
Partners:
Saint Anthony -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
All of the City of St. Anthony departments annually evaluate and adjust the size of the current fleet using fuel-efficiency and technological advances as determining factors.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Reduction in fuel usage and fleet size.
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Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jay Hartman (City staff) | jay.hartman@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us | 612-782-3314
Partners:
Saint Cloud -
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Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Since 2008, the Public Services Department has been tracking and assessing the carbon footprint of operations by tabulating energy consumption by fuel type and associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition, equipment maintenance and vehicle consolidation is an ongoing City-wide effort reducing costs, inventories and promoting cross department sharing. Police and Fire Departments schedule vehicle and apparatus replacement to ensure useful life and to ensure most fuel-efficient vehicles are considered.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
Partners:
Shakopee -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City of Shakopee has replaced one of its inspection vehicles (a Ford Explorer) with a fully electric Mach-E (sedan); an additional Mach-E and a Ford Lightning have been ordered as well.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
One gasoline operated vehicle has been replaced with an EV; two additional EVs will replace aging gasoline operated vehicles.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | info@shakopeemn.gov | 952-233-9300
Partners: Shakopee Public Utilities; Cities Charging Ahead
Wyoming -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming Police Department has purchased a a Hybrid Ford Explorer Squad car to replace a 2014 standard combustion engine squad car. The upgraded hybrid will cost an additional $3,319 at the time of purchase but is anticipated to save us $7,750 in fuel over the life of service.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The hybrid vehicle is anticipated to save us $7,750 in fuel over the life of service as compared with the combustion engine vehicle that it replaced.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888
Partners: