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Council authorizes purchase of unmarked hybrid minivan for police investigations
Summary
The council approved the purchase of a hybrid Toyota Sienna to replace a 2014 investigative vehicle, citing space needs for equipment and a lower purchase price (approx. $39,000) after soliciting bids; the purchase was previously discussed at the Public Safety Committee.
Windsor Heights — The City Council approved a purchase request for an unmarked hybrid minivan to support the police department’s investigations unit during its Aug. 19 meeting.
Staff said the vehicle is intended to replace a 2014 Taurus (unit 21) with about 78,000 miles and that a hybrid minivan was selected because it provides needed cargo space for investigative equipment and is less expensive than a police SUV. The department solicited bids; staff reported the lowest bid came from McGrath (Iowa City) with a purchase price around $39,000, well under a previously discussed $60,000 estimate.
Staff noted the minivan was approved at the June 20 Public Safety Committee meeting and explained the department’s decision-making: two planned unmarked replacements the prior year were swapped for one marked hybrid SUV, leaving a need this year for an investigative vehicle. The vehicle will also be used for staff travel to conferences and other multi-occupant trips.
Council members expressed support for adding hybrid vehicles to the fleet as a cost-saving and environmental step. Council approved the purchase on roll call; staff said unit 21 will be retained briefly for operational commitments and then either reassigned to another department or sold via GovDeals.
Next steps: Procurement and equipment outfitting will follow; staff did not specify an exact delivery or assignment date.
