Fleet Maintenance

Includes: automotive, special equipment repair.

Fred Montano, Interim Manager (30 years with APS, recently appointed Interim Manager of Fleet Maintenance) 15 technicians and support personnel

Craft Shops include Vehicle Maintenance; Specialty Equipment Maintenance; Tire; and Fueling Station. Fleet Maintenance provides safe and reliable vehicles and grounds equipment for use by the entire District. Its approximately 1,136 vehicles (44 fewer than last year) consist of cars, trucks, heavy equipment, earth-moving equipment, backhoes, loaders, road graders, snow removal equipment, and wreckers. The District’s grounds equipment, approximately 69,500 pieces, includes timers, mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and more.

In addition to being certified mechanics, all technicians are also skilled welders and hold a Commercial Drivers License. Emissions tests and certifications for the APS fleet are conducted on-site. The highly qualified technicians work in a state-of-the art facility consisting of 26 bays and a welding shop. Off-site work is provided by the Tire Shop technicians who provide road service repair as well as drive wreckers.

Unlike all other M&O departments, Fleet Maintenance is not in the SchoolDude/FIMS system. FleetVision, the Department’s “smart” management software system, includes security features that track mileage and gas use, as well as maintenance records.

The Fleet Maintenance Department is short a parts supervisor and a secretary and the positions will not be filled at this time. The wage/billing rate for Department mechanics has remained the same since the 2008-09 fiscal year, $28.48 an hour. Commercial auto repair charges are considerably higher ($60-90 per hour at low end, source: aa1car.com; $82-$115 per hour is more typical, source: Consumers’ Checkbook). APS’ in-house fleet maintenance operation is responsible for  considerable savings for the District.

As funds are not available to replace vehicles, the Department is especially challenged with maintaining the aging fleet. These high mileage vehicles require more maintenance and breakdown more frequently; reactive work is required to maintain aging fleet.

Highlights

Improved level of service, in spite of being short of staff

• Technicians are getting vehicles out in record time without compromising quality of service, cost to District, or safety.

Transmission and exhaust work brought in-house

The Fleet Maintenance Department no longer uses outside contractors to perform this work. (This leaves only newer vehicles under warranty, some specialty vehicle repairs, and body work that are not performed in-house.)

Increased volume of school equipment

With the opening of new schools in the District, approximately 50 pieces of additional grounds equipment are being maintained.

Increased vendor list

• Provides more competition among vendors and more options. Due to the economy, vendors are motivated to provide better service and products at competitive costs.
• Provides more price negotiating leverage.
• Able to investigate new products geared toward fuel and maintenance savings.

Changed to a synthetic motor oil to extend life of engine

• Provides better mileage and more engine protection.
• Used on police and APS management cars.
• Increased savings on maintenance.

Purchased 14 new police vehicles

• Some vehicles were replaced due to age and other purchased due to expanded police force.
• All new vehicles are more fuel efficient.

Mini vans replaced large mail trucks

• The two new vans and two previously-owned vans purchased by Fleet Maintenance for use by Graphics/Mail Department are more fuel and maintenance efficient.

Extended life of 11 old vehicles

Cars that “should have been salvaged” were serviced, painted, and re-upholstered, extending their life and usefulness.

Reduced overall fleet by 44 vehicles

• 24 vehicles and equipment (cars, trailers, tractors, and equipment) are currently going to auction and another 20 are being prepared for auction.
• Saving maintenance and fuel costs.
• Money from sales will go into the general fund.
• Vehicles won’t be replaced.

PM programs (ongoing)

• Four maintenance schedules based on mileage; Schedule 1 (every 4 thousand miles, takes 3.5 hours – well in excess of any commercial service).
• Seven full-time mechanics handle PM and reactive work orders.
• A complete inspection is performed with every PM work order.
• Extends life of vehicles: APS previously turned vehicles over every five to seven years, however, during 2009-10 fiscal year, it was determined that vehicles will be kept 10 years wherever possible. (City of ABQ turns vehicles over every three years.)

Goals

Status of 2009-10 Fiscal Year Goals

• Implement an in-house paint and body shop / savings would be significant: Not able to meet during the current funding formula. Hope to meet goal in at least four years.

2010-11 Goals

• Improve customer service and fleet maintenance service time on all vehicles by incorporating a 10-point checklist with customer satisfaction questionnaire.
• Improve gas mileage and reliability of fleet.