Thursday March 28th, 2024 3:06PM

Oakwood hopes new policy will save fuel, reduce pollution

By Ken Stanford Contributing Editor
OAKWOOD - The city of Oakwood hopes a new policy covering city vehicles will reduce air pollution and cut the cost of fuel for its fleet.

City Manager Stan Brown said Wednesday the council on Monday adopted "An Idle-Reduction policy for city vehicles and equipment. The intent of the policy is to reduce idling of vehicles in order to enhance air quality and to safe fuel."

The policy sets parameters for initial warm-up; places limits on idling time, while providing for emergency situations; and leaves it to the operator's discretion "where safety may be compromised by shutting down the engine." (A copy of the ordinance is posted below.)

Also at the meeting, Mayor Lamar Scroggs, who has held the office since 1976, announced that he will seek re-election in this year's Nov. 5 city election. Councilman Sam Evans, who has been a council member since 1999, also announced plans to run again.

Qualifying will open Aug. 26 and end Aug. 28. The qualifying fees are $324 for mayor and $216 for council.


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City of Oakwood
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Vehicle & Equipment Idle Reduction Policy




1.0 PURPOSE:

The City of Oakwood is committed to the reduction of unnecessary vehicle / equipment idling as a means of reducing air pollution and fuel expense. The City is committed to the best environmental practices possible. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the idling of municipal vehicles and equipment. Limiting idling times reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributes to healthier work environments and the efficient use of City resources.

2.0 SCOPE:

This policy applies to all City of Oakwood vehicles and equipment.

3.0 DEFINITIONS:

3.1 IDLING:
Idling is the operation of a vehicle or equipment while it is not in motion and not being used to operate related auxiliary equipment.

3.2 FUELS
This policy applies to all vehicles or equipment items that operate on gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas.

3.3 VEHICLES
For the purpose of this policy, "vehicles or equipment items" refers to cars, light trucks, vans, heavy trucks, loaders, backhoes, graders, packers and any other equipment operated by staff.

4.0 PROCEDURES:

4.1 MANUFACTURERS GUIDELINES (Recommendations)
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for idling.
 

4.2 INITIAL WARM-UP (Gasoline and alternative fueled vehicles)
Idle times up to five (5) minutes are allowed for vehicles during their initial shift warm up and subsequent times when the vehicle is being restarted after a prolonged period of shut down resulting in vehicle conditions similar to those prior to initial shift warm up.

4.3 INITIAL WARM
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