The City Council voted 7-0 on Oct. 10 to approve a marketing partnership with Toyota that could save up to $1 million for the city to use Toyota vehicles free for two years on city beaches as the “official vehicle of San Diego lifeguards.” San Diego Lifeguard Services Chief Rick Wurts, along with Mary Lewis, the city’s chief financial officer, made the proposal to the City Council. Lewis estimated the savings between $555,000 and $1.1 million, and calls for the free use of the Toyota vehicles without the obligation of purchase or lease during the two-year agreement. Toyota will loan 34 vehicles, some of which will be used in television commercials to be filmed at unspecified city beaches. “31 of the 34 (city lifeguard) vehicles are past due for replacement,” Lewis told councilmembers on Oct. 10. The city will have an option to purchase the vehicles after the two-year deal expires. Because the vehicles will be used at the beach where ocean conditions can pummel them, Toyota will undercoat the bottom of the vehicles to prevent rust. The city will be responsible for repairs and gasoline during the contract. “I really want to compliment Toyota,” said Wurts. “One of the important things we need to do the job are reliable vehicles to get to the rescues.” Other rescue officials echoed the sentiment. “We’re grateful for this deal. We’re really in favor of this,” lifeguard Larry Sanders told councilmembers. “We understand that savings will be put toward our budget, which will help our training.” District 8 City Councilman David Alvarez made the motion to authorize Mayor Jerry Sanders to sign the agreement, a move seconded by District 1 City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner. In approving the deal, the council also authorized a commission of more than $49,100 to the marketing consultant who brought the Toyota deal to the city. Alvarez and District 5 City Councilman Carl DeMaio were critical of paying the commission, but Lewis said it had been authorized by the City Council beforehand. No specific beach area was mentioned as to where the commercials will be made or when. The Japanese automaker will reportedly reimburse the city for the cost of staff time for recording commercials. Toyota will be mentioned on the city’s website and direct marketing to municipal employees will be extended, according to the plan. Toyota will also sponsor city-organized “Water Safety Days” events in San Diego. The proposal was first heard Sept. 21 by the council’s Budget and Finance Committee and was then forwarded on to the City Council for a presentation of terms and formal approval.