Morton Grove Board approves ambulance purchase, equipment and digital evidence contracts; several items pass unanimously

The Morton Grove Board of Trustees on Feb. 11 approved a cluster of resolutions covering a new ambulance purchase, equipment and software contracts for the police department, the replacement of public works equipment and the warrant register.

The measures passed unanimously. Trustees approved Resolution 25-06, authorizing the purchase of a 2026 type 1 advanced life support ambulance for $478,728; Resolution 25-07, approving the sale of surplus vehicles and the purchase of a 2025 S70 Mini Bobcat skid steer; Resolution 25-08, adding automated license plate recognition (ALPR) licenses for in-car Axon cameras at a 48-month cost of $53,267.85 (with $11,000 due in 2025); and Resolution 25-09, expanding Axon digital evidence storage with unlimited capacity from March 2025 through March 2029 at a total cost of $75,658.50 (with $17,962 due in 2025). The board also approved the warrant register for Feb. 11, 2025, totaling $697,266.85.

Why it matters: the actions commit the village to multi-year technology and vehicle expenditures, set procurement paths via existing cooperative contracts, and refresh equipment that affects emergency response and public works.

Key details and outcomes - Ambulance (Resolution 25-06): Motion made by Trustee Mink, seconded by Trustee Travis. The measure authorizes purchase through a cooperative contract with Foster Coach Sales, using the Northwest Municipal Conference suburban purchasing cooperative (SPC) contract number 214, which had been extended through May 2025. The ambulance will replace a 2011 International Med Tech conversion reserve vehicle; the fiscal impact is $478,728 and the department estimates a three-year delivery timeline. Vote: 6–0 (Khan, Minkx, Sheba, Phil, Travis, Whitcomb recorded as voting "Aye").

- Surplus sale and skid steer purchase (Resolution 25-07): Motion made by Trustee Thill, seconded by Trustee Minkx. The resolution authorizes sale of surplus vehicles and purchase of a 2025 S70 Mini Bobcat from Atlas Bobcat of Elk Grove Village. Vote: 6–0 (Clerk announced the measure passed 6–0).

- Axon ALPR licenses (Resolution 25-08): Motion made by Trustee Travis, seconded by Trustee Phil. Staff said the village is expanding Axon services to maintain a single, integrated platform compatible with Cook County systems and the village's existing Flock ALPR system; staff recommended continuing with Axon rather than seeking separate competitive quotes to preserve system integration. Total cost over 48 months: $53,267.85; $11,000 due in 2025. Vote: 6–0.

- Axon unlimited evidence storage (Resolution 25-09): Motion made by Trustee Travis, seconded by Trustee Whitko. Staff said increased volume from body-worn cameras and other digital evidence will exceed current capacity; the contract extension runs March 2025'March 2029 for $75,658.50, with $17,962 due in 2025. Vote: 6–0.

- Warrants: Trustee Khan moved approval of the Feb. 11, 2025 warrant register in the amount of $697,266.85; motion seconded and approved 6'0to 0.

First readings and other non-action items - Ordinance 25.05: first read to accept a drainage easement at 9120 Waukegan Road (no vote taken). - Ordinance 25.06 and Ordinance 25.07: first reads on the Parkview Elementary special use permit and an amendment to the Ponto Collection PUD for residential fencing; no final action taken (see companion article on plan commission cases).

What comes next: first-read ordinances will return for further consideration at future meetings. Capital equipment deliveries (ambulance, skid steer) have multi-year delivery timelines and the Axon contracts create vendor-specific multi-year commitments. The board hosted no recorded dissent on the votes that passed.