Edison International recently offered to buy Avalon a new fire engine at $600,000.
The City Council on Tuesday, March 18, voted 4-0 to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement. Councilmember Mary Schickling recused herself because she works for Southern California Edison.
This was originally a Consent Calendar item, but was pulled for comments by Mayor Anni Marshall.
Background
“In 2024, the City of Avalon Fire Chief was contacted by a representative from Edison International interested in supporting the City Fire Department with wildland fire efforts. After a number of meetings, Edison International agreed to fund the purchase a new fire engine for a sum not to exceed $600,000,” according to the staff report by Senior Management Analyst Devin Hart and Fire Chief Michael Alegria.
“To secure the funding, Edison International providing a Contribution Agreement for the City’s consideration. The agreement establishes terms and conditions in considerations for the fire engine purchase, including commitment from the City to:
“Provide a final impact report after the funds are expended;
“Provide for site visits with relevance to the contribution purpose, as requested by Edison International;
“Ensure the funds will be used for the purpose described in the agreement;
“Continue to work in partnership with Edison International in support of community needs and priorities;
“Receive written approval from Edison International before releasing information about the contribution to the press or other news media and not use Edison International’s trademarks or service marks without Edison International’s prior written consent,” Hart and Alegria wrote.
Discussion
Selena Luna, government relations manager at Southern California Edison commented on the offer from Edison International.
“I just wanted to give a couple brief remarks um Edison is really proud to partner with the city of Avalon in strengthening our wildfire resiliency and emergency response,” Luna said.
“Our contribution towards a firetruck represents our continued commitment to this community and the residents and the first responders that serve your community by working together we can enhance Catalina’s ability to respond swiftly to any emergencies that start,” she said.
Marshall had questions for Fire Chief Michael Alegria.
“A new fire truck is only $600,000?” Marshall asked.
Alegria said it was a type three truck. “It’s built for the wildland and the urban interface,” Alegria said.
“We can send that out in the hills for our mutual aid and we still keep the engine in town,” Alegria said.
“That’s exciting,” Marshall said.
Alegria said that right now the wait for a fire engine is four years.
According to Alegria, there are “a couple of options” that would allow delivery of the new fire truck in December.
Councilmember Michael Ponce moved approval.
