Police seek two speed trailers; board weighs adding a scrolling message board at extra cost

Grand Island police asked the town board to approve use of remaining technology grant funds to buy two trailer-mounted speed-display units, known as “scouts,” that also collect traffic-count data.

Staff said the police department has $18,906 remaining in a technology grant and had priced two standard scout units at roughly $17,671 each. The department also explored an alternative: one scout with an added scrolling message board that could display community messages (parade notices, road closures, etc.). Combining a speed unit and a message board would raise the price materially — staff cited a delta of roughly $18,227 (bringing one combined unit toward $25,000–$35,000 depending on configuration).

Board members discussed options: buy two standard scouts now, buy one combined speed-and-message unit plus one standard unit, or delay the message-board purchase to a future budget cycle. Staff said the message boards are “camera-ready” and could accept future camera or license-plate recognition hardware.

Members noted practical benefits: the scouts collect traffic counts and peak-hour data useful for local traffic studies; a roaming message board could also serve Highway, Fire and other departments for road-closed or emergency messaging. Several board members expressed support for obtaining two scouts now and exploring a shared message board in the next budget cycle. One member suggested asking Highway or the Fire Department to contribute funds if a message board is desired immediately.

No formal purchase ordinance was adopted at the workshop. Staff were directed to discuss purchasing options further with department heads, to check grant eligibility and to bring a purchase recommendation and procurement path (state contract vs. RFP) to a future meeting.