COUNCIL COMMITTEES

The Council Committees Meeting was held on November 27, 2000, at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Weller. Mr. Gorman was absent

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilman Carey and Mr. Merritt. Councilmen Pitts and McGlumphy were deputized to serve in the absence of Councilman Gorman and Mrs. Street.

Purchase of Command Post Vehicle and Special Operations Response Team Van

In conjunction with the City’s Capital Investment Plan, an amount of $177,000 was included in the Police Department’s budget for the purchase of a command post vehicle and SORT van. The Police Department submitted a request to purchase the vehicles from the Sirchie Group, Vehicle Division, located in Medford, New Jersey; both fully equipped with the latest technology available, at a cost of $105,450 and $49,950 respectively. The base price for the command post vehicle, model MCV9000, is $96,036 including features required by the Police Department. Costs for additional equipment is $9,414, for a total cost of $105,450. The base price for the SORT vehicle, model SWAT9000-14, is $41,603. Cost for additional equipment is $8,347, for a total cost of $49,950.

Members were advised that the Sirchie Group was identified as the sole vendor/specialty supplier, offering complete vehicle design, all required equipment, and training on the use of the equipment. Although there is another vendor for this type of equipment, they are located in Michigan and require the user to design the vehicle layout. The Police Department does not have in-house expertise for designing the layout. In addition, design work would delay the project and require travel to Michigan. The additional costs for time and travel would significantly increase the total price. The Police Department previously purchased a surveillance van and an evidence processing van from the Sirchie Group and have been very satisfied with the vehicles and the services and support provided by this company.

Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of the purchase of a command post vehicle and SORT van from the Sirchie Group, Vehicle Division, located in Medford, New Jersey, both fully equipped with the latest technology available for these types of specialty vehicles at a cost of $105,450 and $49,950 respectively. The motion was seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

It was noted that, due to time constraints, staff requested that this matter be considered during the Council Meeting later this evening for final approval. There were no objections from members to allow Mr. Salters to present this matter to Council for final approval.

Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

By motion of Mrs. Malone, seconded by Mr. Carey, the Council Committee Meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robin R. Christiansen

                                                                                    Council President

RRC/tg

S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes200011-27-2000.min