TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: KIM SAO, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
SUBJECT
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Amendment to Chapter 3.32.130 Approval Authority of the Chino Municipal Code.
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve the introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-004 amending the City’s purchasing procedures, to authorize the City Manager to approve vehicle purchases, to be read by number and title only, and waiving further reading of the Ordinance.
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above further the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Positive City Image
• Responsible Long-Range Planning
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BACKGROUND
The Public Works Fleet Division manages the City’s vehicle inventory, overseeing procurement, maintenance, and replacement cycles. Vehicles are evaluated annually based on age, mileage, and condition to guide replacement decisions.
Bid specifications for vehicle replacement are developed collaboratively by Finance, Police, and Public Works staff in accordance with the City’s procurement policies. These specifications prioritize fleet standardization, operational efficiency, and local serviceability.
Upon completion of the competitive bidding process, the City’s current procurement process requires City Council approval for all acquisitions, and contract approval for purchases over $150,000. Because vehicle purchases consistently exceed this threshold, this requirement often results in missed opportunities, increased costs, and reduced vehicle availability-especially in a volatile market.
These challenges are particularly pronounced when replacing essential fleet assets, such as police vehicles, where timely procurement is critical for operational readiness.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
To address current delays and enhance operational responsiveness, staff recommend amending the City’s Purchasing Ordinance (Chino Municipal Code Section 3.32) to authorize the City Manager to approve vehicle purchases upon completion of competitive bidding.
Delegating vehicle purchase authority to the City Manager will streamline the procurement process, reduce administrative delays, and improve the City’s ability to secure vehicles in a competitive and time-sensitive market. This approach will ensure timely acquisition of fleet assets while maintaining full compliance with competitive bidding requirements.
The Finance, Police, and Public Works Departments jointly recommend the ordinance amendment to authorize the City Manager to approve vehicle purchases following a competitive bidding process.
The proposed change to the Chino Municipal Code (Ordinance 2024-013) current language is proposed to be amended as follows (new text is bold underlined) below:
3.32.130. Approval Authority
The City Manager is hereby authorized to approve acquisitions and execute contracts of up to $150,000 and vehicle purchases of any amount. The City Manager is authorized to delegate signature authority within this limit to appropriate City staff. The City Council shall retain the authority to approve all acquisitions and contracts exceeding $150,000, except for City vehicle purchases, which the City Manager is authorized to approve in any amount provided competitive procurement processes are followed in accordance with applicable rules.
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2025-004