Council approves police vehicle, DPW truck replacements, fuel contract extension and drug-court grant

The St. Clair Shores City Council on Dec. 1 approved several routine purchasing and grant items, including a police vehicle purchase, replacement trucks for the Department of Public Works, extension of a regional fuel contract and the continuation of a Michigan drug court grant.

Sergeant Campbell asked the council to approve buying one Ford Explorer Police Interceptor from Gorno Ford at state-bid pricing of $46,810. He said payment will be split: $31,200 from insurance funds and $15,610 from the fiscal year budget for scout cars. Councilmember Rusey moved the item, supported by Councilmember Frederick; the motion passed by voice vote.

Public Works Director Brian Babcock requested approval to replace four pickup trucks used for plowing and routine operations using the state MyDeal program; older vehicles will be shifted to Parks and Recreation and the oldest will be auctioned. Council approved the purchase unanimously.

Babcock also explained a two-year extension to a consortium bid for unleaded and diesel fuel covering 20 Metro Detroit member communities; the city will exercise the mutual-consent extension under the same terms. Council voted 7-0 to approve the extension.

Representatives of the 40th District Court requested execution of the Michigan Drug Court program grant to continue problem-solving court operations; presenters said the program, in its tenth year of funding, identifies high-risk clients and supports long-term recovery. Council approved the grant extension unanimously.

Each of the purchase and grant items was approved as presented; staff will proceed with orders and execution consistent with the recorded votes.