Explanation
The Finance and Management Department, Fleet Management Division, would like to serve on a state chapter board of the Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association (MEMA), which is governed by the articles and bylaws established by MEMA.
The mission statement of MEMA is "To improve the quality of service in the public sector by providing a forum for the free exchange of experience, technical knowledge, ideas and opinions that enhance the delivery of public services and promote the personal and professional growth of our members. MEMA will serve public safety by helping to ensure that environmentally responsible, safe and efficient stationary and mobile systems are at work." Regional Chapter MEMA-OH is one of the first regional MEMA chapters in Ohio and membership is open to entities throughout the state, including other local municipalities.
MEMA was established in California in 1952 and currently has over 600 members nationwide and is a well-recognized leader in the public sector Fleet industry. MEMA furthers the mission of "shared services" for public entities by sponsoring and endorsing mechanic training for Light and Heavy Duty emergency vehicles, as well as training for the use of alternative fuels. They also sponsor fleet conferences and tradeshows, As well, networking opportunities for its members is encouraged and promoted.
Participation in MEMA promotes the Mayor's "shared services" initiative which began in early 2011 as well as the culmination of the region's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) coalition. Membership in MEMA offers public entities the ability to formalize and enhance regional cooperation for fleet professionals throughout the state. Membership furthers our shared service initiative to expand throughout the Ohio region, which should result in lowered operating costs for both the City of Columbus through shared training, shared bid specifications, shortened learning curve for fleet related issues as well as for other public entities through shared training opportunities and cooperative purchasing. The City of Columbus has the opportunity to benefit due to higher volume purchasing, and other municipalities may elect to leverage Columbus' volume discounts on parts and services for their benefit.
Shared service agreements also offer the ability to form cooperative fuel agreements, including but not limited to access to CNG fueling infrastructure established by the City of Columbus. Greater access to CNG fueling furthers the Mayor's Green Fleet Action Plan by reducing our dependency on foreign oil, cleaning our environment through significantly lower vehicle fuel emissions, and saving money by reducing the cost of fuel by as much as 50% per diesel gallon equivalent (dge).
This resolution is intended to express support for serving on the MEMA board. No City funds are obligated by this resolution.
Fiscal Impact: There is no cost to serve as a board member on the state chapter board of MEMA. No funds are obligated or implied by this resolution beyond the current annual membership dues of $125 for the City.
Title
To support the Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association (MEMA) for the purpose of allowing a representative from Fleet Management to serve on the State Chapter board of the Ohio State MEMA chapter.
Body
WHEREAS, the Fleet Management Division wishes to participate as a member and may, from time to time, participate as a board member on the State Chapter board of the Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association (MEMA); and
WHEREAS, board participation with the State Chapter board of MEMA is a logical continuation of the Mayor's shared services initiative as well as the CNG coalition; and
WHEREAS, membership in MEMA assists with the City's efforts to formalize and expand regional cooperation for fleet professionals locally and eventually throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, shared services initiatives results in lowered costs to both the City of Columbus and smaller municipalities through shared training opportunities and cooperative purchasing; and
WHEREAS, participation in MEMA furthers the Mayor's Green Fleet Action Plan through MEMA's support of alternative fuels; and
WHEREAS, no City funds are obligated or implied by this resolution and the project budget does not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor and City Council support the Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association (MEMA) and agree that a representative from Fleet Management serving on the State Chapter board of MEMA is beneficial to the City of Columbus.
SECTION 2. That this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.