Motor Pool Maintenance Shop

New laws in Washington on texting and using cell phones while driving

New laws in the state of Washington make it illegal to read or send a text message while driving (as of Jan. 1, 2008) and to use a cell phone without a hands-free device (as of July 1, 2008).

To learn more, go to:

RCW 46.61.667—Using a wireless communications device while driving [external site]
RCW 46.61.668—Sending, reading, or writing a text message while driving [external site]

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Blue Seal of Excellence

photo: man in coveralls bending over engine compartment

Video: Attracting, Developing and Retaining Professional Fleet Technicians

Fleet Administration

Introduction

Fleet Administration manages the acquisition, maintenance, replacement, and disposal of a large and diverse fleet of vehicles and off-road equipment, as well as the purchasing and warehousing of a large inventory of construction materials and supplies, traffic signs, safety equipment and hand tools. It also accounts for the county-wide personal property and the disposal of all surplus property, and the administration of the county take-home vehicle authorization program. Fleet also provides reimbursable vehicle services, stores materials and supplies to more than 188 cities, jurisdictions, and government agencies.

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About Fleet Administration

The division manages a $27 million annual budget for fleet services, two maintenance facilities, and the acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of 2,700 cars, trucks, heavy off-road equipment, etc. Stores purchases, warehousing, and sales account for over $10 million. The division administers a marketing program for providing external, revenue generating services to more than 188 cities, jurisdictions, and government agencies. The division also manages $2 billion county-wide fixed assets (consisting of more than 54,000 individual assets) which includes the inventory, tracking and disposal of county personal property. The division also manages the countywide take-home vehicle program, the fuel management program, and a complex in-house computerized management information system. This includes a fleet management system, a fuel management system, a manufacturers warranty tracking system, an on-line computerized vehicle repair manual system, an internal payroll on-line system, accounts payable and accounts receivable system, fixed asset data management system, and LAN administration.

The division is committed to high-quality, cost-effective customer service, helping all county employees serve the public. This commitment is reflected in the 99% customer service survey satisfaction response received for 2006 and in our having the lowest patrol car maintenance and operating cost per mile of all organizations surveyed in the region.

Fleet Administration has received several national awards and recognitions for its quality, innovative and environmentally responsible fleet management operation. Major division awards and recognitions include:

2007—Among the top three of the 100 best fleets in North America® program in a field of 38,000 fleets
2006—Among the top nine of the 100 best fleets in North America® from among 90,000, by Utility Fleet Management Magazine
2005—Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties for its Mercury Switch removal program
2004 and 2005—Among the top 100 best fleets in North America® from among 90,000, by Utility Fleet Management Magazine
2004—Wastewise Award (co-recipient) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2003-2008—Enviro Star Award: 5-Star Rating, the highest rating given to businesses and agencies recognizing commitment to preventing pollution and reducing hazardous waste
2003—Selected as lead agency for a national consortium of public agencies to negotiate hybrid vehicles contracts
2002-2008—Blue Seal of Excellence from the National Institute of Automotive Service five years in a row; the highest award for quality in the automotive industry
2000—Larry Goill and Bell Canada Award for its regional fleet partnership from the National Association of Fleet Administrators
1995—US Department of Energy recognition for model alternative fuels program
1993—Quality Fleet Management Ideas and Practices Award from Business Week magazine and the National Association of Fleet Administrators for optimizing vehicle maintenance productivity and repair quality
1993—Clean Air Recognition Award from the American Lung Association for its significant effort for improving air quality

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Contact the Fleet Administration Division

Division Director: Mary Jo Briggs

King County Fleet Administration Division
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
206-296-6521

Fleet Stores:
Marian Honeysuckle, 206-296-8160

Vehicle Maintenance:
Bob Toppen, 206-296-8159
Daryl Dennis, 206-296-5050

Surplus Property Auction:
Russ Johnson, 206-263-6263

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How is Fleet Administration governed?

Fleet Administration is one of four divisions in the King County Department of Transportation. The other divisions are the King County International Airport, Road Services, and Metro Transit. The department director reports to the King County Executive, who is the elected executive officer of county government.

The Metropolitan King County Council, the legislative branch of county government, adopts laws, sets policies and holds final approval over the budget.