The staff of Government Fleet magazine recently honored Culver City as one of the Elite Fleets of the year at the Government Fleet Expo & Conference in Denver.
Culver City, joining an extraordinary group, shares the award with only three other North American Elite Fleets, based in Mesa, Az, Portland and Troy, Mi.
Elite Fleets are former No. 1 fleets that continue to perform at a high level and retain the same leadership.
Two years ago, Culver City previously was named the No. 1 Best Municipal Fleet in North America by the 100 Best Fleets National Fleet Certification/Recognition program.
Paul Condran, Fleet Services Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the city.
This achievement is awarded to only a handful of public fleet organizations in recognition of “outstanding contributions and leadership, particularly in the advancement of accountability, efficiencies, and advanced technologies.”
Award-winning fleets must maintain high operational standards while demonstrating consistent sustainability practices. Only previously No. 1-ranked fleets may participate in the Elite Fleet program that identifies only the best of the best. Since the inception of this program, just four municipal fleets have been named an Elite Fleet.
This intensely competitive program is open to all federal, state and local government fleets in North America. It is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, tailored to the challenges and requirements of government fleets.
The criteria, which were carefully established by industry leaders and past winning fleets, include:
• Accountability
• Technology implementation
• High trust culture
• Acknowledgement
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Doing it right the first time
• Quick/efficient turnaround
• Staff development
• Resource stewardship
• Competitive pricing
“The city stands out as one of the early adopters of Compressed Natural Gas technologies as the sole fuel source for our entire fleet, transit, refuse and the rest,” said Mayor Mehaul O’Leary.
“It is gratifying to know that Culver City can share its experiences and best practices with other municipal fleets.”
Mr. O’Leary said that through the use of Compressed Natural Gas, which is environmentally friendly, Culver City conserves 850,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel per year.
This saves taxpayers $1.4 million annually.
Mr. O’Leary commended Mr. Condran and his team for being repeat winners.
“That is impressive,” he said.
Culver City strives to protect the environment through sustainable practices. The city’s fleet operation is certified by the state Dept. of Toxic Substances Control as a Green Model Shop.
“Culver City has a robust recycling goal that adheres to a 100-point recycling program approved by the state,” Mr. O’Leary said.
The program includes the proper management of all waste, including the recycling and proper handling of metals, fluids, and oils.
The Equipment Maintenance & Fleet Services Division was designated an Elite Fleet in 2014, making this the second consecutive year as an Elite Fleet. The team was awarded the No. 1 Best Overall Government Fleet designation in 2013 and the No. 1 Best Green Fleet Award for North America in 2009. In 2008, the Division was awarded the prestigious Natural Gas Vehicle America Leadership award, and it is a three-time winner of the Environmental Leadership Award.
Culver City consistently has been ranked among the top 12 fleets in North America since 2006.
For nearly 30 years, Mr. Condran has helped to convey the importance of the city’s government fleet operations in the public sector and has led the industry in promoting and implementing alternative fuel technologies.
For information about these awards or the Transportation Dept., Equipment Maintenance & Fleet Services Division, Mr. may be contacted at 310.253.6520.