Public Health & Safety committee approves PACE scheduling software and seven patrol vehicles

The Village of Hoffman Estates Public Health & Safety Committee on Jan. 27 authorized a three-year agreement for advanced scheduling software for police and fire operations and approved a purchase of seven Ford Explorer Interceptor utility vehicles, officials said.

Committee members approved a contract with PACE Scheduler of Naperville, Illinois, for a three-year term not to exceed $57,900 to provide advanced shift and staffing scheduling tailored to public safety operations. Committee members said the village is implementing a new ERP system and required a scheduling solution that supports nonstandard public safety shifts.

The committee also voted to waive formal bidding and award a purchase order to Friendly Ford of Roselle, Illinois, for seven optioned Explorer Interceptor utility vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $330,946.21. The vehicles include four marked patrol units, one for investigations, one for traffic and one administrative unit; the committee recorded that sufficient budget exists for the purchase.

Officials said the PACE software fills a gap left by the village’s current scheduling software, which staff described as suitable for civilian schedules but not for public safety. The chief who presented the vehicle purchase told trustees Friendly Ford’s quote was lower than a Suburban Purchasing Cooperative price; the department has purchased from that dealer previously.

Both items were approved by voice vote; the transcript records the motions, seconds and the chair’s announcement that “the ayes have it” but does not include a roll-call tally of individual trustees in the public transcript.

Department reports received earlier in the meeting noted letters of commendation for police and fire personnel and referenced the department’s drone program. The committee received and filed those monthly reports without further action.