NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The City of North Myrtle Beach Fleet Maintenance Division was recently awarded the Jan Smoak Award for Quality Fleet Management. The annual award is sponsored by the Southeast Governmental Fleet Managers Association, according to a release from the City.

The award recognizes governmental agencies whose innovative fleet management practices have improved productivity and quality, or produced substantial savings for their agency or department. It is made in the memory of Jan Smoak, director of support services at the Department of Health and Environmental Control from 1989-2007. Smoak consistently showed a high level of proficiency and professionalism for the fleet operation of his agency, according to the release.

The City of North Myrtle Beach Fleet Management Division received its award for the manner in which it has saved taxpayers money over the past year. For example, instead of purchasing new rolling stock, the division has been replacing engines and transmissions from retired Ford Crown Victoria police cars. This has saved the City about $2,500 per engine and $1,500 per transmission. It has also saved the City's end user from excessive and expensive downtime.

In addition, the Fleet Maintenance Division has saved the City's Beach Services Division significant money by using old parts from unused four-wheelers to repair existing vehicles. This includes parts such as axles, electrical ECM modules, tires and body parts. The division also repaired and transferred to Beach Services two retired trucks, delaying the need for two new trucks.

The Fleet Maintenance Division is made up of five mechanics and a supervisor. They maintain 400 pieces of rolling stock, plus minor equipment. The division also conducts a preventive maintenance program on all City-owned vehicles. It handles an average of 15 repairs daily and has personnel on standby for emergency repairs on weekends and holidays. The division also performs minor fabrication work, emergency repairs and towing, and handles service calls, the release stated.