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APPROVE A MOTION AUTHORIZING A VEHICLE USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EASTSIDE RURAL COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF STOCKTON FOR A ROSENBAUER TANKER, 3000-GALLON WATER TENDER
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Authorize a vehicle use agreement between the Eastside Rural County Fire Protection District and the City of Stockton for a Rosenbauer Tanker, 3000-gallon water tender; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to take all necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Eastside Rural County Fire Protection District has an existing service contract with the Stockton Fire Department to provide fire protection and emergency medical services to residents within the fire district's jurisdiction. The District has entered into a contract to procure a 3,000-gallon water tender for emergency use and seeks to authorize Stockton Fire personnel to operate the vehicle. The Fire Department shall assume responsibility for fuel costs and expenses due to ordinary wear and tear. All other expenses will be split equally by the District and the City.
Staff recommend approval of the vehicle use agreement between the Eastside Rural County Fire Protection District and the City of Stockton.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Stockton Fire Department has maintained a contractual agreement to deliver fire protection and emergency medical services to the Eastside Rural County Fire Protection District since January 3, 1984 (City Council Resolution No. 40.299). Within the framework of this service partnership, the Eastside Fire Board has identified opportunities to procure essential equipment and upgrade infrastructure to enhance service delivery to the District. Presently, the Fire Department does not possess or operate any auxiliary water apparatus for scenarios where hydrant supplies are insufficient or when water shuttle operations are required. Consequently, the Eastside Rural County Fire Protection District is acquiring a 3,000-gallon water tender for the use of the Fire Department.
Present Situation
The Eastside Rural County Fire Protection District has entered into a contract to procure a Rosenbauer 3,000-gallon water tender (Attachment A) to support fire suppression operations in areas without adequate hydrant infrastructure. A water tender is a specialized fire apparatus designed to transport large volumes of water directly to an incident and support operations through “water shuttle” tactics, in which water is delivered from remote sources to the fire scene. The Vehicle Use Agreement (Attachment B) establishes the terms under which the Stockton Fire Department will possess and operate the vehicle. Under the Agreement, Eastside retains full ownership, title, and registration responsibilities for the vehicle, while the Fire Department assumes responsibility for daily operational use, fueling, and all routine maintenance associated with normal wear and tear.
The Agreement further defines the operational scope of the water tender, authorizing its use for emergency response within the City of Stockton’s jurisdiction, as well as for countywide or statewide mutual-aid deployments at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designee.
All non-routine repair costs, including accident-related or abnormal mechanical damage, will be shared equally between Eastside and the City, unless caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of either party.
The addition of a water tender materially expands the Fire Department’s ability to deliver effective fire response in areas where a fixed water supply is limited or unavailable. This capability is critical in rural and fringe areas of the community, as well as during large or extended incidents where on-site water supply is insufficient to meet operational demands. By ensuring a reliable water supply, the apparatus improves fire control, reduces the risk of fire spread, and enhances overall incident effectiveness, ultimately strengthening service delivery and public safety for both the City of Stockton and its surrounding areas.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Under the Vehicle Use Agreement, the City will be responsible for fuel and routine maintenance and repair costs attributable to normal wear and tear of the water tender. The Fire Department estimates annual fuel costs of approximately $5,000. Maintenance and repair costs are expected to be minimal during the initial years of operation but will vary over time based on usage, condition, and lifecycle needs of the apparatus.
Sufficient funds are available in the Fire Department’s Fire Suppression operating account 4020-000-63/65XXXX-100-000-20-40-000-000- to support anticipated near-term costs. Future maintenance and repair expenditures will be incorporated into the Fire Department’s annual budget.
Attachment A - EFD and Rosenbauer Water Tender Contract 2026
Attachment B - Vehicle Use Agreement