Round Lake Beach approves two police 'trike' vehicles for $25,240

The Village of Round Lake Beach board voted June 16 to purchase two three-wheeled police “trike” vehicles and training, approving a $25,240 expenditure to supplement the police department's bike unit.

Chief Rodriguez told the board the trikes would increase officer mobility at village events and help the department keep pace with faster modern bicycles such as e-bikes. “It is an all wheel drive, police vehicle ... when they're stationary, that they still remain about a foot above pedestrian and foot traffic and have a vantage point that that really helps them,” Chief Rodriguez said. He told the board the request included training and that the department plans to train one officer as an in-house trainer.

The board approved the purchase after a motion and second. Trustee Stout moved to approve the purchase; Trustee Husk seconded. A subsequent roll call vote recorded affirmative votes and the mayor announced, “The ayes have that. Motion will pass.”

The presentation was the substantive discussion on the item; no public comment was made on the purchase. The transcript did not specify the funding source for the purchase or whether the expense will come from the police budget, a grant, or other village funds.

The purchase directs the police department to receive the units and conduct the planned training; the village did not record any amendments to the motion or contingent approvals in the meeting record.

Mayor Scott R. Nichols and the full board were present for the vote. The department said the trikes are intended to supplement — not replace — the existing bike unit and to offer a higher vantage point for officers at events and when monitoring e-bike activity.