Problem Statement:

The City of Nampa is honored to nominate the Public Works Department Fleet Services Division for the 2020 Innovation Idea Award. Fleet Services efforts have been instrumental in enhancing customer service, operational productivity, and strategically addressing immediate and long-term needs for the Public Works Department as well as other City departments and divisions.

The Fleet Services Division (“Fleet”), led by Superintendent Doug Adams, is responsible for maintaining and repairing one of the most diverse fleets in the state with 591 vehicles and pieces of equipment valued at over $13.5 million. Eleven highly trained staff oversee the maintenance, procurement, strategic planning, and environmental requirements for vehicles including fire apparatus, heavy equipment, police cruisers, police motorcycles, parks machinery, general vehicles and small engines. Doug and the Fleet team provide a high level of customer service to the largest full-service City in Idaho with over twenty City divisions and departments including utilities, streets, parks, police, and fire.

Summary of Solution:

In 2019, Fleet developed a five-year workforce plan to enhance customer service, improve operational efficiency and continue to develop a positive and proactive work culture. The collaborative process recognized a 10% reduction in maintenance and repair costs and set a goal of 80% real-time shop productivity (above industry standards).

Fleet, in partnership with Public Works Business Manager Jacob Allen, reinvented the way services are provided by successfully developing and implementing the City’s first Fleet Services Master Plan in 2015. The team prepared a strategic equipment replacement matrix to maximize the use of equipment and minimize maintenance costs and downtime. The plan established a long-term replacement schedule reducing overall costs and setting more uniform budget amounts. These efforts have increased productivity and elevated the overall level of service to the City.

Labor, Equipment, Materials:

Fleet installed a 4-wheel alignment machine and emission control testing equipment in FY19. All staff secured state certified emissions inspector certificates. Fleet streamlined the emissions testing system, conducting 100% of 4-wheel alignments and emissions testing in-house.

Rather than outsourcing the vehicles and motorcycles, Fleet staff will absorb the extra hours to complete the work in-house – Increasing police and fire up-fit capacity and adding emission control and alignment capability.

Summary of Expenses:

N/A

Savings/Benefit of this Solution:

Fleet mirrors the City of Nampa’s mission to provide high level customer service productivity and efficiency. Currently, Fleet saves the City $73,000 in outsourced costs annually and has identified the need to expand their facilities to increase operational capacity by adding auto body and paint capabilities.