HomeMy WebLinkAboutFD Replacement of Fire Hoses and Nozzles_ _ _
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: October 6, 2025
Disposition: Resolution 15460
Agenda Item No: 5.c
Date: October 6, 2025
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Fire
Prepared by: Paul Bernard, Battalion Chief
Thomas Wong, Sr. Mgmt. Analyst
City Manager Approval:
TOPIC: REPLACEMENT OF FIRE HOSES AND NOZZLES
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PURCHASE
ORDERS FOR FIREFIGHTING HOSES FROM L.N. CURTIS & SONS, INC., IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $82,506, AND FOR HOSES AND NOZZLES FROM
ALLSTAR FIRE EQUIPMENT INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $152,718
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute
purchase orders for firefighting hoses from L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc., in an amount not to exceed
$82,506, and for hoses and nozzles from Allstar Fire Equipment Inc., in an amount not to exceed
$152,718.
BACKGROUND:
The delivery of water to a fire scene is made possible through two critical tools: fire hoses and nozzles.
Fire hoses transport water from the pump on the fire apparatus to the nozzle, which the firefighter
controls to apply water directly to the fire. Both components are essential to effective firefighting
operations, and the performance of each directly impacts the safety and success of fire suppression
efforts.
San Rafael fire engines come equipped with a standard complement of nozzles. These nozzles are
typically replaced when a fire apparatus is replaced or when nozzles become worn from regular use.
Much of the current nozzle inventory in the San Rafael Fire Department is approaching the end of its
service life due to wear and tear, as well as the unavailability of replacement parts for older models. To
maintain optimal firefighting performance, the Fire Department is seeking to replace its most frequently
used nozzles.
Fire hoses are another vital piece of equipment carried by San Rafael fire engines, with each engine
equipped with over three-quarters of a mile of various hose sizes. Only three of the department’s nine
fire engines currently meet the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) recommended 10-year
lifespan for hoses, meaning a significant portion of our hose inventory is overdue for replacement.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
For optimal performance, nozzles must be correctly matched with compatible fire hoses to deliver water
at the desired flow rate, pressure, and spray pattern. Currently, San Rafael’s hose inventory does not
meet the specifications required by the new nozzles, which hinders the Fire Department’s ability to
maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of our firefighting operations. Replacing outdated hoses
alongside the nozzles will ensure the system functions cohesively, delivering the required water flow
and pressure to safely and efficiently suppress fires.
ANALYSIS:
A committee of Fire Department members conducted a thorough evaluation of fire hoses from three
reputable suppliers: Key Hose, Matex, and American Hose. After extensive testing and review, the
committee unanimously selected Key Hose as the preferred supplier due to its superior performance,
particularly at lower operating pressures. This is a critical factor in ensuring consistent and reliable
water delivery during fire suppression operations.
Key Hose was chosen based on several key factors:
•Maneuverability and Handling: The hoses demonstrated excellent ease of handling for
firefighters, enabling them to perform efficiently in high-stress, dynamic environments.
•Resistance to Kinks: Key Hose exhibited a significant reduction in kinking compared to other
options, which improves water flow consistency and enhances operational effectiveness.
•Adaptability: The hose easily integrates with our current fire apparatus configurations,
minimizing the need for costly or time-consuming modifications to our existing equipment.
New nozzles have been carefully selected for their higher water stream performance, simpler design,
easier maintenance, and overall lower cost, making them both operationally effective and fiscally
responsible.
Purchasing hoses and nozzles concurrently will ensure full compatibility between the hose and nozzle
systems, improving water flow and delivery performance. The Fire Department will also benefit from
increased operational reliability and enhanced firefighting capabilities, leading to more effective
responses to emergencies.
The Fire Department issued a formal request for bids in accordance with City’s Purchasing guidelines
on August 18, 2025. Four bids were received by the deadline of September 9, 2025. Bids were
submitted by Key Hose, Elkhart Nozzles, Allstar Fire Equipment, L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc. The low bid
for Snap-tite hose was received from L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc.
Both selected vendors were found to have been responsive and have provided quotes matching their
bids, as attached.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of purchasing hoses and nozzles is $235,224. Funding is provided through appropriations
included in the FY 2025-26 approved budget, within the Fire Department Equipment Replacement Fund
(Fund 625). While funding is available for this purchase, future Fire Department equipment replacement
needs exceed the available balance (Fund 625). This shortfall is estimated to increase by about
$170,000 annually, which will require the City to identify and secure additional revenues.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider:
1.Adopt the resolution authorizing the city manager to execute purchase orders for firefighting
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
hoses from L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $82,506, and for hoses and
nozzles from Allstar Fire Equipment Inc., in an amount not to exceed $152,718.
2.Do not adopt the resolution approving the purchases.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute
purchase orders for firefighting hoses from L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc., in an amount not to exceed
$82,506, and for hoses and nozzles from Allstar Fire Equipment Inc., in an amount not to exceed
$152,718.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2.Quote from Allstar Fire Equipment Inc.
3.Quote from L.N. Curtis & Sons Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. 15460
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PURCHASE
ORDERS FOR FIREFIGHTING HOSES FROM L.N. CURTIS & SONS, INC., IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $82,506, AND FOR HOSES AND NOZZLES FROM
ALLSTAR FIRE EQUIPMENT INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $152,718
WHEREAS, fire hoses and nozzles are critical tools for delivering water to a fire; and
WHEREAS, each San Rafael fire engine has a standard complement of nearly ¾ miles
of hoses and nozzles; and
WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends hoses be
replaced every 10 years; and
WHEREAS, over 65% of the Fire Department's hoses exceed this recommended
standard; and
WHEREAS, a committee of Fire Department members conducted a thorough evaluation
of hoses and nozzles and selected specific models; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2.55 of the San Rafael Municipal Code, on August 18,
2025, the City issued a request for bids for firefighting hoses and nozzles; and
WHEREAS, L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc. and Allstar Fire Equipment, Inc., were the lowest,
responsive, responsible bids; and
WHEREAS, funding to support the purchase of hoses and nozzles is provided through
appropriations included in the FY2025-26 budget (Fire Department Equipment Replacement
Fund);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby authorizes the City Manager to purchase firefighting hoses from L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $82,506, and hoses and nozzles from Allstar Fire Equipment Inc., in an amount not to exceed $152,718.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution
was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the
City of San Rafael, held on Monday, the 6th day of October 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Llorens Gulati
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
SALES QUOTE
12328 Lower Azusa Road 2613 Barrington Court SRFD091125
Arcadia, CA 91006 Hayward, CA 94545 Written By
(626) 652-0900 (510) 887-6295 Justin Eldridge
San Rafael Fire Department Ship To:Same
1375 5th Street Attn: Jimmy Alvarez
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: Email:
Date Date Required Cust. Order #Tax Exempt #Terms F.O.B.Salesperson Ship Via
Quantity U/M Price Amount
38 EA 398.80 15,154.40
38 EA 166.55 6,328.90
20 EA 517.80 10,356.00
20 EA 166.55 3,331.00
160 EA 359.00 57,440.00
192 EA 245.00 47,040.00
Subtotal $139,650.30
Comments:
Sales Tax 9.250%$12,917.65
Freight $150.00
Total $152,717.95
Quote Expires in 30
Days
Bunker Drop Ship
Description
Bill To:
9/11/2025 QUOTE
Elkhart 0033XD0F-010100010A XD Shutoff 1.5"
Inlet with 1.5" Outlet, NO Pistol Grip, 1-3/8"
Waterway, Bale Color: Black
Laser Etching: Logo
Elkhart 66755007 187-XD Smooth Bore
7/8" with 1.5" Inlet, Bumper Color: Black
Elkhart 0069XD0F-010100010A XD Shutoff 2.5"
Inlet with 1.5" Outlet, NO Pistol Grip, 1-3/8"
Waterway, Bale Color: Black
Laser Etching: Logo
Key DP25-1000 Combat Ready Double Jacket
Through-the-Weave Attack Hose, 2.5" x 50'
Coupled with 2.5" NST,
Color: Green
Stencil Both Ends: TBD
Key DP17-100S Combat Sniper All Polyester Nitrile
Lined Fire Hose, 1.75"x 50', CPLD 1.5" NST,
Color: (56) Red, (56) Blue, (40) Orange,
(40) Yellow
Stencil Both Ends: TBD
Net 30 Origin
Elkhart 66759007 187-XD Smooth Bore
1-1/8" with 1.5" Inlet, Short Barrel,
Bumper Color: Black
Ph: 510-839-5111
TF: 800-443-3556
oaksales@lncurtis.com
UEI#: DDLSADSWN7U7
Pacific North Division
6723 Sierra Court, Suite C
Dublin, CA 94568
www.LNCurtis.com
Page 1 of 2
Quotation
CUSTOMER:SHIP TO:
San Rafael City Fire
Department CA
1375 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael CA 94901
San Rafael City Fire Department
CA
52 Union Street
San Rafael CA 94901
QUOTATION NO.ISSUED DATE EXPIRATION DATE
358223 09/09/2025 10/09/2025
SALESPERSON CUSTOMER SERVICE REP
Shawn Sweeney
ssweeney@lncurtis.com
530-308-9575
Diana Limbrick
dlimbrick@lncurtis.com
510-268-3362
REQUISITION NO.REQUESTING PARTY CUSTOMER NO.TERMS OFFER CLASS
Wong Snap tite Thomas Wong C35881 Net 30 FR
F.O.B.SHIP VIA DELIVERY REQ. BY
DEST Standard Shipping
NOTES & DISCLAIMERS
Thank you for this opportunity to quote. We are pleased to offer requested items below. If you have any questions, need additional information, or
would like to place an order, please contact your Customer Service Rep as noted above.
Safety Warning Notice: Products offered, sold, or invoiced herewith may have an applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) as prepared by the
manufacturer of the product. The SDS is provided with the product. In addition, manufacturer’s safety and/or warning notices, instructions and
information relating to the proper use and care of the product is provided with the product. All applicable SDS, safety and/or warning notices,
instructions and other information provided with the product should be thoroughly read, reviewed, and understood prior to handling, distributing,
using, reselling, or servicing any and all products provided by Curtis. Materials utilized to clean, repair, maintain and/or service your owned
equipment, as well as Curtis owned equipment, may contain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to meet national standards or original
equipment manufacturer specifications. For other important product notices and warnings, or to request an SDS, product specifications,
manufacturer’s safety notices, instructions and/or warning notices, please contact Curtis or visit https://www.lncurtis.com/product-notices-warnings
Transportation is included in below pricing.
LN QTY UNIT PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION PL UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
1 128 EA HFX40X50Y35N
SNAP-TITE
4X50' Cpld 3.5NH Yellow Hfx Nitrile
Rubber Hose
$485.00 $62,080.00
2 64 EA HFX15X50R15N
SNAP-TITE
1.5X50' Cpld 1.5NH Red Hfx Nitrile
Rubber Hose
$210.00 $13,440.00
Ph: 510-839-5111
TF: 800-443-3556
oaksales@lncurtis.com
UEI#: DDLSADSWN7U7
Pacific North Division
6723 Sierra Court, Suite C
Dublin, CA 94568
www.LNCurtis.com
Page 2 of 2
LN QTY UNIT PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION PL UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
Small Business
CAGE Code: 5E720
SIC Code: 5099
Federal Tax ID: 94-1214350
UEI #DDLSADSWN7U7
This pricing generally remains firm until 10/09/2025. Pricing is subject to change if product is affected by the implementation of a
tariff. Contact us for updated pricing after this date.
Due to market volatility, global supply chain pressures, and supply shortages, we recommend contacting your local L.N. Curtis
and sons office prior to placing your order to confirm pricing and availability. This excludes our GSA Contract and other Fixed
Price Contracts which are governed by contract-specific prices, terms, and conditions.
Subtotal $75,520.00
Estimated Tax Total $6,985.60
Transportation $0.00
Total $82,505.60
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