Town staff seeks board input on two speed-trailer purchases; option to add one scrolling message board would increase cost

The police department told the Town Board it has about $18,906 in technology grant funds and sought direction on buying two portable speed trailers that also collect traffic counts and time-of-day profiles.

Staff said the base price for the two “Scout” speed trailers would be covered by the grant; a combined order that replaces one unit with a speed trailer that includes a scrolling message board (for notices such as "road closed" or parade alerts) raised the quoted total to $35,897. Staff presented the delta between the two options — roughly $18,226.75 in the presentation — and asked whether the board preferred two basic speed/count trailers or one basic trailer plus one trailer with a message board.

Board members discussed alternatives, including buying two standard units now and budgeting for a message board later, or partnering with the fire or highway departments (and a larger grant) to share costs. One board member noted message boards are particularly useful on highway or hard-closure incidents, and the fire department might also benefit.

Members generally supported ordering speed-count trailers but did not adopt a formal binding vote in the workshop. Staff said they would continue work with the tech-grant fund and follow up with the board; some members suggested tabling the purchase until the next meeting to check available funds and possible partner contributions from highway or fire departments.

Staff also emphasized that the trailers are "camera ready" (able to accept a camera add-on) and can download traffic data for later analysis. The board did not commit tax dollars at the meeting.