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Forest Park approves police SUVs and plow trucks after debate over aging fleet
Summary
Council authorized purchases of two Chevy Tahoes for the police department and two heavy-duty plow trucks after members pressed staff about an aging fleet and the need for a formal maintenance and fleet-management program.
The Forest Park Village Council on Jan. 24 unanimously approved purchases of two fully equipped 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles and two heavy-duty 2024 plow trucks, following a sustained discussion about the village's aging fleet and maintenance practices.
A motion to buy the police SUVs (Ordinance O-05-22) passed with no discussion. The subsequent motion to purchase two heavy-duty plow trucks (Ordinance O-06-22) prompted multiple council members to question why the replacements were not made earlier. One committee member said it was "sort of alarming" to read background information showing the plow trucks "have reached their end of life years ago," and asked whether the timing reflected problems predating current staff.
Village staff and the public-works director responded that the village has been addressing fleet issues over the last three years, creating a fleet management plan and establishing an equipment fund. The director said they have worked to correct the backlog but emphasized that without a robust maintenance program the problem can recur.
After the discussion, the council moved to a vote and approved both ordinances by unanimous roll call. Commissioners voiced support for the purchases while reiterating the need for ongoing fleet oversight and better maintenance to ensure new equipment is used efficiently.
The council did not attach conditions to the purchases in the motion; staff said they will continue work on the fleet-management program and maintenance scheduling as part of ongoing public-works operations.
