Gurnee approves police and fire equipment purchases, station modification

GURNEE, Ill. — The Gurnee Village Board on June 16 approved a series of public‑safety purchases and a small capital project the village said are included in this year—s budget.

Trustees voted unanimously to buy a 2025 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1,000 from Nielsen Enterprise for $29,054 to replace a 2008 two‑passenger UTV used for parks, events and river‑trail response; to waive bidding and purchase 142 rifle plates and 62 ballistic helmets from Galls for $130,521.46; to purchase a 2025 E‑1 Typhoon rescue pumper from Fire Service Inc. under Sourcewell cooperative contract for $1,180,719; and to award a Fire Station No. 1 maintenance‑shop modification to the low proposer (listed in the agenda packet) for $23,300.

Why it matters: Village staff said the police UTV is beyond its expected service life and a newer six‑passenger, enclosed‑cab model better meets operational needs (weather protection, higher top speed and improved suspension). Staff briefings said the department—s current rifle plates and helmets are expired or bulky; new lightweight plates that integrate with existing vests will be worn continuously rather than added externally. The fire‑department purchase continues a scheduled replacement cycle for engines and was procured through a cooperative purchasing contract to secure a discount.

Details and procurement notes: Fleet administrator Craig Lambrick and Deputy Chief (presented in staff memo) told trustees they tested alternatives and found the proposed vendors and models met operational needs and budgeted amounts. Staff said they solicited competitive options where available (McCullough Kubota was consulted for UTV alternatives but had no comparable model) and used cooperative purchasing contracts for large apparatus when it produced the best price. The police equipment purchase was presented as a waiver of the bidding requirements based on vendor relationship and quoted pricing; Chief—s and deputy chief—s memos supporting the purchases were in the meeting packet.

Formal actions: Motions to approve each purchase were made and seconded by trustees (recorded movers and seconders in the meeting minutes) and carried by unanimous roll call votes. The board recorded that budget funding exists for each item and staff said the departments will stagger future similar purchases when possible to avoid large single‑year expenditures.

What the board did not do: Trustees did not direct additional operational changes or create new recurring budget commitments during the meeting; approvals were to complete budgeted procurements and contract awards.

Next steps: Departments will coordinate delivery, outfitting and training as needed. Finance and fleet staff will track invoices and report completion in future department updates to the board.