REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PACO BALDERRAMA, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: MINDY CASTO, Police Deputy Chief
Support Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve an increase to the current Fortney Towing Evidence Tow Service Contract, Bid File No. 9515, in an amount not to exceed $501,600 to cover the expenses incurred and projected through FY 2024 and to execute the first one-year extension through September 30, 2024.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve an increase to the current Fortney Towing Evidence Tow Service Contract, Bid File No. 9515, in an amount not to exceed $501,600 to cover the expenses incurred and projected through FY 2024 and to execute the first one-year extension through September 30, 2024.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Fresno Police Department, with City Council approval, entered into a three-year with two one-year option contract with Fortney Towing in 2020, after going through the formal bid process, to store approximately 150 evidence vehicles, with a limit of $135,013.33 per year ($405,039.99 over three years). The contract is set to expire September 30, 2023, but allows for two (2) one-year extensions. Despite releasing as many stored vehicles as possible, the number of vehicles stored with Fortney remains at approximately 385 today and the funds allocated are insufficient. Although efforts have been made to reduce the number of stored vehicles, they are considered evidence and cannot be released without the approval of the District Attorney's office. We are currently averaging approximately $26,400 per month in storage fees.
BACKGROUND
Members of the Department's Street Violence Bureau have remained in regular contact with the District Attorney's office to identify vehicles that can be released, but their decision has been to hold the vast majority of these vehicles due to pending cases and ongoing appeals. The Traffic Safety section has also made efforts to release any other stored vehicles we are not required...
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