New vehicles for sheriff's department
Sean HarkinsThe Alpena Sheriff Department is expanding the size of its fleet. The Alpena County Finance Committee approved the purchase of two vehicles for the department during its meeting on Wednesday.
The department will be purchasing either a 2004 or 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe and a Ford Crown Victoria.
Undersheriff Terry King told the committee the Tahoes range in price from $17,500 to $18,000. He said the the department has looked at Crown Victorias from model years 2004-2007, and they will cost $8,500 to $12,000.
The sheriff department has $29,815 set aside in the budget for vehicle replacement. The committee approved spending up to that amount for the two new vehicles.
Sheriff Steve Kieliszewski said when the two new vehicles are brought in, two older vehicles will be decommissioned. Kieliszewski said having money set aside for new vehicles is something the department is trying to do each year.
"That's something we've tried to do since I was elected," he said.
King said he will now determine which of the vehicles being looked at are the best value for the department. The full county board of commissioners will have to give final approval to the spending at its meeting on Tuesday.
Assistant Maintenance Superintendent Wes Wilder informed the board of an issue with the boiler in the county annex building.
Wilder said a crack was discovered in the boiler 4-6 weeks ago and emergency repairs were done to the unit. Permits were not obtained for the repairs and now the work has to be re-done and inspected again.
Despite the problem with the repairs, the steam boiler likely will be replaced with at least one hot water boiler, finance committee chairman Gerald Fournier said.
"We're probably going to go to a two-boiler system too," Fournier said.
The committee did not take action on an address ordinance brought to them by Equalization Director Jerry Halas.
In the past, addresses were given out using a map and descriptions from property owners. Halas said that has led to some less-than-ideal addresses.
The ordinance would allow the equalization department to change addresses to what they should be.
"Right now I really have no authority (to change the addresses)," Halas said.
Committee member Mark Hall said having the proper addresses will be important for computerized mapping used emergency agencies.
"There's going to be a problem if you've got these inconsistencies with your numbering," Hall said.
In other business:
- The committee approved the purchase of up to 20 computers and 16 monitors by MIS Director Brad McRoberts. Four laptop computers, a network printer and two units to backup information will also be purchased.
McRoberts said the money for the purchase was in the department's budget.
- Brenda Fournier approached the board asking for a donation to buy a new dock at Beaver Lake Park. The existing dock is in bad shape and has poor wheelchair access. A new dock will cost $3,900.
Committee member Cameron Habermehl acknowledged the dock was in need of replacement.
"We could end up with a lot bigger problem if we don't do something," he said.
Habermehl and Hall voted to donate $500 for the dock. Because Brenda is his wife, Gerald Fournier abstained from the vote.
Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.
