HOISINGTON — During the City Manager report at the end of the Hoisington City Council meeting, discussion led to action on the purchase of a second police vehicle through the Mid-America Council and Shawnee Mission Ford. While the action item itself was not on the agenda, it arose from discussion following the City Manager’s Report, which was included on the agenda.
Mitchell announced since the Jan. 28 city council meeting, the city had submitted the order for one police vehicle to be replaced in 2019. This vehicle had been slated for replacement as part of the department’s regular rotation, and the department had accounted for it in it’s 2019 budget.
But, in January, a 2013 police vehicle was involved in an accident and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company, and would also need to be replaced. At the last meeting, the council had agreed to wait until February in hopes the state contract would be released and a second vehicle could be ordered at a potential savings of $200 to $400.
At the time Mitchell ordered the first vehicle, no revised time frame for delivery had been given, so the earliest expected delivery date could be sometime in July or August.
“Because it is a new model vehicle, some hold backs are expected,” Mitchell said. In addition, no developments on the state contract for police vehicles had been announced, and hope that one would be announced in February was lukewarm.
“Once we hear something, we will bring that to you and get that second vehicle ordered and on the way,” Mitchell said.
Councilman Darren Reinert, Ward 2, spoke up.
Whether the contract is announced or not, the city needs another police vehicle, he said. He was concerned that waiting could mean not taking delivery on the second vehicle until nearly the end of the year. He suggested at least getting on the Mid-America list now, rather than wait until the state made its announcement.
Mitchell clarified that doing so would mean the city was committed, and would pass up any potential savings from the state. That savings was estimated to be between $200 and $400.
Mitchell asked Police Chief Kenton Doze if he had any strong feelings on the subject.
“The sooner the better,” he said. “I can tell you right now we have cars that are eventually going to go down.”
City Clerk Donita Crutcher reviewed her notes from the previous meeting and provided the cost to purchase the second vehicle through the Mid-America Council contract, and Mitchell called for a formal motion. Reinert moved the city should order a second police vehicle, complete with lights, siren and police package for $35,904, with payment to be made at delivery. Councilman Jim Morris, Ward 3, seconded the motion and it carried 7-0.
An executive session included on the agenda was removed because City Attorney John Horner was not in attendance.
