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Salem City approves purchase of police vehicles, a 60-foot bucket truck and utility poles
Summary
Council approved staff recommendations to buy two fully equipped police patrol cars, a 60‑foot bucket truck for the electric department at a cited cost of $282,194, and 37 utility poles from Bridgewell Resources for $17,168; staff warned failing to replace equipment could hamper repairs.
The Salem City Council approved three procurement items recommended by staff: two replacement patrol vehicles for the police department, a 60‑foot double‑bucket truck for the electric department and 37 Southern Pine utility poles.
Chief of Police Chase presented the patrol car procurement. He said staff solicited bids from qualified vendors and that Bellman Dodge of Troy submitted the lowest overall price once upfit and equipment costs were included. "The vehicles from Landmark Dodge and Independence were about $2,000 higher per car," Chase said, and staff recommended awarding the purchase to Bellman Dodge. Alderman Whelan moved to approve the bid and the council voted unanimously in favor.
For the electric department, staff presented three bids for a standard 60‑foot double‑bucket truck. The department recommended an Olathe Fleet 2026 model, with a cited total of $282,194 and an estimated delivery in several months. The council approved the purchase after Alderman McKenzie moved and an alderman seconded.
On utility poles, the electric department said it was short several 40‑foot poles and solicited bids specifying Southern Pine meeting ANSI O5.1 standards. Two firms responded; staff recommended Bridgewell Resources' bid for 37 poles at $17,168. Alderman Whelan moved to approve the Bridgewell bid; the council voted unanimously.
Why it matters: staff said failing to replace the bucket truck or maintain pole inventory could hinder the city's ability to make timely electric repairs. The approvals authorize spending from budgeted funds to maintain city services.
