Council approves fleet purchases and $91,000 pedestrian signal as part of consent agenda

During its July 21 meeting the Auburn City Council approved several consent-agenda items affecting public safety and traffic safety.

Fleet purchase: Council authorized Item 8C2, a contract with Stivers Chrysler Dodge Jeep to acquire 2026 Dodge Durango all-wheel-drive pursuit SUVs for the Public Safety Department in the total amount cited in the packet ($169,892.96). Council discussion focused on fleet policy and budget impact: one member asked about the number of spare vehicles and the fact these were expansion vehicles not included in the original budget; proponents argued moving toward a one-officer/one-vehicle model will improve vehicle stewardship and help recruit and retain officers. Staff said the vehicles were identified in contingent capital and could be released during the year if funds were available; the council approved the purchase by voice vote.

Pedestrian signal: Item 8C5 authorized a $91,000 construction contract with Thalamus LLC to install a new, fully controlled pedestrian signal at 320 West Magnolia Avenue. Planning and public-safety staff said the new signal will replace the current push-button crosswalk and operate as a traffic signal to stop vehicle traffic and allow larger pedestrian groups to cross, improving safety and traffic flow near the campus; some equipment will be taken from inventory and replaced under the project. Council members noted the project was under budget and expressed support; the item passed by voice vote.

Context and next steps: For the fleet purchase, the equipment-and-upfit costs for each vehicle were discussed separately in the agenda and will follow as supplemental expenditures. For the pedestrian signal, staff will manage procurement and coordination with the university where the crossing abuts campus property.