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AGENDA ITEM NO. 11.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE City Council AGENDA BILL For the meeting of 10/27/2026 Originating Department: Public Works |
City Manager:
Department Head:
SUBJECT:
Approval of the Purchase of One (1) Big Joe Electric Forklift and Charging Equipment from Big Joe California in an Amount Not to Exceed $98,200.00.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the purchase of one (1) Big Joe LPE100S electric forklift, including one (1) external fast charger, from Big Joe California in an amount not to exceed $98,200.00, inclusive of applicable taxes and delivery, and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the necessary purchasing documents, subject to the availability and approval of California Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) funding.
DISCUSSION:
The Public Works Department is requesting authorization to purchase one (1) electric forklift to support daily maintenance operations and begin transitioning the City's existing forklift fleet to zero-emission equipment in accordance with regulations established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB's Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation requires the gradual phase out of certain gasoline and propane powered forklifts beginning in 2026, with replacement deadlines based on equipment type and model year. The City currently operates three (3) forklifts and plans to begin replacing these units in 2027, with the goal of transitioning all three to zero-emission equipment by 2030 to meet applicable regulatory requirements.
Rather than replacing all three forklifts simultaneously, the Department proposes a phased replacement approach to distribute costs over multiple fiscal years while maintaining daily operations. The proposed purchase consists of one (1) Big Joe LPE100S electric forklift with a lifting capacity of 10,000 pounds, an integrated lithium-ion battery, and an external fast charger. The forklift will assist staff with loading and unloading deliveries, transporting heavy materials, and performing maintenance activities throughout the City Yard. The purchase will also support operations at the City's new Public Works Maintenance Facility while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and routine maintenance costs.
Additionally, the proposed forklift qualifies for potential financial incentives through California's Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), administered by CALSTART on behalf of CARB. The City may receive a $15,000 base voucher for the forklift and an additional $3,000 incentive for charging equipment, resulting in a total potential savings of $18,000. After applying these incentives, the total anticipated purchase cost is $98,200, including taxes and delivery. By beginning the replacement process now, the City can take advantage of available state funding, minimize the financial impact of future equipment replacements, and proactively prepare for compliance with CARB's zero-emission requirements.
Rather than replacing all three forklifts simultaneously, the Department proposes a phased replacement approach to distribute costs over multiple fiscal years while maintaining daily operations. The proposed purchase consists of one (1) Big Joe LPE100S electric forklift with a lifting capacity of 10,000 pounds, an integrated lithium-ion battery, and an external fast charger. The forklift will assist staff with loading and unloading deliveries, transporting heavy materials, and performing maintenance activities throughout the City Yard. The purchase will also support operations at the City's new Public Works Maintenance Facility while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and routine maintenance costs.
Additionally, the proposed forklift qualifies for potential financial incentives through California's Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), administered by CALSTART on behalf of CARB. The City may receive a $15,000 base voucher for the forklift and an additional $3,000 incentive for charging equipment, resulting in a total potential savings of $18,000. After applying these incentives, the total anticipated purchase cost is $98,200, including taxes and delivery. By beginning the replacement process now, the City can take advantage of available state funding, minimize the financial impact of future equipment replacements, and proactively prepare for compliance with CARB's zero-emission requirements.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN:
The proposed purchase will support the City's sustainability initiatives by introducing zero-emission equipment into Public Works operations. The electric forklift will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, eliminate direct exhaust emissions during operation, and reduce noise associated with traditional combustion-powered equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None. Funds for this equipment have been approved and allocated in the FY 26-27 Equipment funds.
NOTICING PROCEDURE:
72 Hours posted notice pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act.