Lake Wales approves purchase and disposition of seven vehicles, including two K-9 units; disposal definitions and electric vehicles discussed

The City of Lake Wales Commission on a unanimous voice vote approved consent agenda item 6.2 authorizing the acquisition, donation and disposal of seven vehicles, including two outfitted for K-9 use.

The item was pulled from the consent agenda by resident Frank Lumb, who asked for clarification about what the city means by “dispose” and “donation” and whether disposed vehicles retain residual value. "I just have a couple questions that probably can just get answered with the definition of dispose and donation regarding these vehicles," Lumb said.

Lieutenant Figueroa of the Lake Wales Police Department responded that disposal procedures are governed by the city code and that any piece of equipment with a purchase value of $1,000 or more requires City Commission approval before disposal. "So disposal refers to our ordinance. . . any piece of equipment that had purchased value of $1,000 or more requires city commission approval before it can be disposed of," Figueroa said, adding that the typical method for older vehicles is trade-in when buying replacements.

Lumb also asked about added costs for the two K-9 vehicles. Lieutenant Figueroa said the higher price reflects additional equipment and outfitting: "the equipment for a k 9, it requires more equipment like the cage, the sensors, for, like, heat detection," and that figures for the vehicles include the outfitting and radios.

A commissioner asked whether electric vehicles had been considered. Lieutenant Figueroa said staff had looked at electric vehicles but that the city lacks charging infrastructure and that agencies piloting EVs are still testing them for frontline patrol duty. "We did look into, electric vehicles...the infrastructure, we just don't have it quite yet, requiring more charging stations," he said. He also noted operational concerns such as charging during extended responses or transports.

After the discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the item. Roll-call votes show Commissioner Thompson, Commissioner Williams, Commissioner Gillespie, Deputy Mayor Gibson and Mayor Jack Hilligoss voting yes; the motion carried.