NORWICH – Although the City of Norwich had anticipated being able to forego buying a new police car this year, unforeseen circumstances have made it likely that the city will need both a police car and an ambulance in 2008.
At the January Finance / Personnel Committee meeting, Police Chief Joseph Angelino told the committee that one police car had been taken out of service in 2007 due to an accident, and that it would need to be replaced. “I had intended to skip the replacement of a police car this year, but last year one was involved in an accident and was totaled,” Angelino explained.
The chief told the committee that while he had requested a member item grant, the money, if received, would probably not be available until 2009. Angelino suggested that the car be purchased prior to receiving the grant, since police cars are manufactured in limited quantities and available for only a portion of the year.
The police chief said the state bid amount for a vehicle identical to those the city uses is currently around $19,437. Currently, the city budget has approximately $15,000 set aside for police department equipment expenses. Angelino told the committee that he hopes to use $8,000 of that money toward the cost of the police car, and transfer an additional $12,000 from capital reserves.
Angelino explained that much of the equipment needed would be transferred from the damaged vehicle to the new one, but added that once a radio and striping details were added to the vehicle, the cost would probably be around $21,000. Sixth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey made a motion to recommend council approval for the purchase and funds transfer. Fifth Ward Alderman Paul Laughlin seconded and the motion was passed unanimously.
Angelino also told the committee that the fire department would need to replace one of its three ambulances in the coming year. Currently, the city has three ambulances. The newest has been in service for less than a year, the second has been in service for approximately five years, and the last was purchased in 1994. “The 1994 ambulance has over 80,000 miles and is starting to turn into a maintenance situation,” Angelino said. “It has outlived its useful life.”
In an effort to save a little money, Angelino discussed the possibility of purchasing a demo-type model. Using criteria similar to those used by Superintendent of Public Works Carl Ivarson, who recently purchased a demo-style street sweeper, Angelino hopes to cut down on the delivery time by purchasing a demo model instead of a custom machine.
“If ordered to specs, it could take nine to 10 months to build,” Angelino said, explaining that a demo model could be available in as little as 40 to 50 days. The move would also save the city money. Angelino explained that a new ambulance would usually cost approximately $130,000, but the cost for a demo with 8,000 miles or less is between the $112,000 to $120,000 range.
City Finance Director William Roberts said that currently $124,000 is available in capital reserves for the purchase of ambulance equipment.
Alderman Jeffrey asked if a demo model would still come with a warranty. Ivarson explained that a warranty and other specifications could be included in the bid. The committee passed a motion to approve the bid preparation.
Angelino told the committee that the next oldest ambulance is five years old and should be in service for at least five more years.