Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Tow Vehicle Classifications/Equipment: 1. Service Provider shall use only tow vehicles that have been approved by the Police Department. 2. At its expense, Service Provider must have the following equipment that conforms to California Highway Patrol’s Classification (CHP Class) for the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) of truck chassis1 . The Service Provider’s vehicles must also be in compliance with the applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code, applying to tow trucks (615 CVC), including but not limited to Sections 615, 21711, 24606, 25100, 27700, 27907, and all other regulations pertaining to lighting and safety equipment. Service Provider shall equip and maintain tow trucks in accordance with the provisions set forth in the California Vehicle Code and consistent with industry Standards & Practices. 3. Service Provider must have a minimum of three (3) standard tow vehicles, 1-ton rating or greater with dual rear wheels and one flat bed tow vehicle always available. 4. None of the vehicles shall be converted pick up trucks or vehicles not specifically built by manufacturer for towing other vehicles. 5. Service Provider shall have access to either, through a sub-contract, or as an owner of equipment, a tow vehicle capable of towing large trucks (semi type). 6. All tow vehicles shall have necessary communications equipment for radio transmission and reception and shall comply with FCC regulations and requirements. City frequencies shall not be used. Equipment shall be purchased and maintained solely at Service Provider’s expense. 7. Each tow vehicle shall have a cable of sufficient size and capacity to retrieve vehicles that may have gone over embankments or off traveled portions of roadways and into inaccessible locations. 8. The Police Department shall have the right to inspect all tow trucks annually.. The Chief of Police or his designee may conduct additional inspections without notice to the Service Provider during regular business hours. B. Tow Drivers: 1. Service Providers shall ensure that only qualified and competent tow drivers respond to calls initiated by the Police Department. Tow drivers shall be at least 18 years of age and possess the appropriate minimum class Drivers' License and qualifications. 2. All tow drivers shall be thoroughly trained in the proper and safe use of all equipment used in the performance of their duties. 3. All drivers shall be uniformed with the name of the towing company and their individual name. 4. All personnel acting on behalf of the operator shall be finger printed and photographed by the Police Department. The City may at its own discretion, conduct a background check as part of the proposal evaluation process of any employee that may include, but is not limited to: fingerprinting; a check of criminal convictions; credit history; driving history; and civil liens and judgments. If the City determines, through a background check, that an employee is not qualified to provide services to the City as specified in the RFP, the City will notify the Service Provider in writing as to the City’s findings. Although the Service Provider may retain the disqualified employee, the Service Provider must not use or dispatch the disqualified employee for a service that Service Provider provides to the City pursuant to the Agreement. 5. The Service Provider shall as a minimum, maintain the following information for each employee: i. Full name of the driver; ii. Date of birth; iii. California Driver’s License number; iv. Copy of valid medical certificate (if required); v. Job title and description; vi. Current home address and phone number; and vii. Types of vehicles the driver has been trained and instructed to operate.
