MOUNT VERNON — For the first time in quite a while, Monday’s city council meeting was short and to the point.
Council members authorized Safety-Service Director Joel Daniels to solicit bids for and buy three new police vehicles at an estimated cost of $26,000 each. Daniels said the new cruisers will be SUVs, which provide more room for equipment and are easier for the officers to get in and out of.
One vehicle will be converted to accommodate a second K9 unit. Law Director Rob Broeren said safety features include an alarm when interior temperatures get too high and a special door for the dog to enter and exit the SUV.
Council also authorized Daniels to bid for and buy a 3/4-ton van and an SUV for the water/wastewater department.
Appropriations council authorized include $15,000 from Arms of An Angel Foundation for a second K9 drug dog, $40,920 from a Community-based Corrections Program Subsidy Grant and $17,000 from a Probation and Incentive Improvement Grant.
Council members amended an ordinance relating to pay for the administrative assistant/deputy clerk ($18.87 per hour) in the probation department and the MERIT drug court coordinator ($22.40 per hour). The pay remains the same for each position; however, the portion paid by the city’s general fund is reduced or eliminated and the PIIG and subsidy grants pick up a larger share.
