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Belvidere committee approves trade-in and purchase to transition police handguns to 9mm, waives two-week layover
Summary
The Belvidere Committee of the Whole authorized trading eight Glock .45 handguns and purchasing eight Glock 9mm handguns with red-dot sights, citing ammunition cost savings and ergonomics; the committee also voted to waive the two-week vendor layover. Chief Woody and council members said the department tested sights and will solicit local bids before final purchase.
Belvidere’s Committee of the Whole voted March 24 to authorize a trade-in of eight Glock .45 handguns and to purchase eight Glock 9mm handguns with Holosun red-dot sights, weapon-mounted flashlights and holsters, and to waive the council’s usual two-week layover for the procurement.
Chief Woody told the committee his master firearms instructors tested the 9mm against the department’s .45-caliber handguns and recommended switching because the 9mm offers lower ammunition costs, higher magazine capacity and lighter weight. The memo in the council packet listed a proposed trade-in payment for the current equipment of $2,584 and a purchase price of $6,310.16; Chief Woody cited an ammunition cost savings of “roughly $4,200 a year.”
Alderman Peterson asked whether the recommended red-dot sight had been tested in the lighting conditions officers would encounter; Woody said instructors tested several sights and recommended the make in the packet. Peterson also asked whether the department had solicited local dealers; Woody said staff had contacted regional Glock dealers and would present additional bids at the next meeting.
Alderman Stevens moved to authorize the trade-in and purchase as presented; Alderman Peterson seconded. The committee voted in favor of the purchase motion and then voted to waive the two-week layover requirement (the layover waiver references section 2-87(g) of the city code). The motions passed.
Council members said they prefer buying local when feasible but supported proceeding with the purchase authorization as presented and allowing amendments on second reading if a local bid proved preferable. The procurement will return to the council in ordinance form with the trade-in amount and vendor named, per staff direction.
Actions taken at the committee will be reflected in two motions on the forthcoming council agenda: first a motion to waive the layover and second the purchase authorization itself. The committee did not finalize a contract at the March 24 meeting; staff said finalized vendor selection and any additional local bids will be reported at the next meeting.
