Label
Electric Lawn Mower Equipment
DPS/ Urban Beautification
Megan Robson (x9306), Sara Stacy (x2305)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract utilizing a purchasing cooperative for the purchase of electric, commercial grade lawn equipment; authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $70,000 from the 1% for the Environment funding; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
Traditional lawn care practices are characterized by use of gas-powered lawn mowers and other fossil fuel–dependent equipment; these come with a significant environmental footprint. Furthermore, the routine maintenance of gas-powered lawn mowers requires the storage and handling of gasoline, which poses risks to both human health and the environment. Spills and leaks can contaminate soil and water sources, leading to long-term environmental damage. These factors highlight the urgent need for more sustainable alternatives in lawn care practices.
In 2024, City Council passed a RES. 583-24 declaring the intent of the Toledo City Council to replace the City Fleet’s oldest, least efficient vehicles with efficient and cost-effective Electric Vehicles. There are a myriad of reasons why Electric Vehicles are beneficial from financial, environmental, and public health lenses.
Electric lawn mowers, particularly battery-powered ones, often have a higher initial purchase price than gas mowers due to the cost of the battery and its components. While gas mowers can seem more affordable upfront, especially in the entry-level range, they tend to have higher lifetime ownership costs due to the need for fuel, oil, and regular maintenance. Electric mowers, on the other hand, generally have lower running costs and require less maintenance.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into a contract utilizing a purchasing cooperative for the purchase of electric, commercial grade lawn equipment, upon terms and conditions acceptable to the Director of Public Service and the Director of Law.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $70,000 is authorized from the 1% for the Environment funding, Account Code 1001-24500-6232003ENVONE
for the purchase of electric, commercial grade lawn equipment.
SECTION 3. That the Finance Director is authorized to draw their warrant or warrants against the above Account Code in payment of the above authorized obligations in an amount not to exceed $70,000 upon presentation of proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that the same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and property, and for the further reason of improving our sustainability commitment made to protect and steward the shared environment and natural resources.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council