TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN HALL, 85 MAIN STREET
PITTSFIELD, NH 03263
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MEETING MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 5:30 P.M. by Ed Vien, Chairman.

MEMBERS PRESENT

Ed Vien (EV), Chairman, Denise Morin (DM), Vice-Chairman, Fred Hast (FH) [Arrival at 5:40 P.M.], Paul Rogers (PR), Gerard LeDuc (GL), Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

AGENDA REVIEW

None.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEM

1. Discussion and Action on Purchase of Police Cruiser

(PS) Board will find two quotes in your packet of information. The Police Chief has located two particular cars as discussed at last week’s meeting when it was noted that there would be sufficient funds to purchase the vehicle.

Chief Wharem: As you will note by the E-Mail, we would like to replace the 2006 Crown Victoria which has 107,000 miles on it. Vehicles over 100,000 miles tend to have costly maintenance and this one also has about 3,700 hours idle time. Unfortunately, in the past there was extensive transmission repair after the extended warranty ran out. Part of the CIP is the replacement of a vehicle once a year with a six year rotation. We have historically used the Crown Victoria as a replacement vehicle but they are no longer being made. He noted that the Town’s last replacement vehicle was a Dodge Charger which is a little more expensive than the current quote for the Crown Victoria (See attached) but the mileage can be better, according to the operator.

The reason I am present tonight is that there are only two applicable vehicles available until March; the 2012 Dodge Charger at Central Chrysler Jeep/Dodge & Mitsubishi in Raynham, MA and the 2011 Crown Victoria out of The Irwin Zone in Massachusetts. Both are good cars. The Interceptor will be replacing the Ford Explorer as the car of choice but there is no track record as of yet pertaining to that. I would not recommend the Chevy’s due to their size.

The Crown Victoria is already painted black and white and the Charger is black. (DM) Would it be cheaper to have the dealer paint the car? Chief Wharem: Yes, they would do a better job. (DM) The car we are replacing, is that the one that we replaced the transmission in? Chief Wharem: Yes, about 2 ½ years ago.
(PS) Who does the change out on the car? Chief Wharem: We use a company in Mass. He recommended the Charger because it is newer and because they have had no problems with the current vehicle in use, though I do like both cars. (GL) I think the Warranty on the Dodge would be better. (FH) I know of five other towns that use Dodge Chargers and are happy with them. Chief Wharem: It is a powerful vehicle and economical if used the right way. (FH) asked Chief what was their protocol on pursuits which Chief explained to Board.

(PR) Motion to approve purchase of 2012 Dodge Charger from Central Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge & Mitsubishi in Raynham, MA 02767 not to exceed $25,000. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Chief Wharem: I will try to keep the changeover as low as possible.

2. Pittsfield Police Association Purchase of a Tahoe

Chief Wharem: The Pittsfield Police Association would like to purchase a Tahoe ($33,500) for use as the canine vehicle and donate it to the Town. I understand that in order to do this it would have to be addressed at a Public Hearing. If the Board is agreeable, I would like to schedule the Public Hearing as soon as possible. This is a gift from the Association to the Town. It does not cover outfitting the Tahoe (approximately $11,000. – lights, radio, dog cage, split dog compartment, etc.) because the current equipment does not fit. The equipment in the old cruiser would be retained, painted black and it could be used for Emergency Management.

(PS) We can schedule the Public Hearing for January 3, 2012. Chief agreed he would provide (PS) with the written information for posting. This vehicle would be at no cost to the Town. (DM) Just the insurance. I think it is fantastic for the Association to do this.

Chief Wharem noted that the canine (Cache) is now fully certified and in the near future, a demonstration can be provided to the Board to show his capabilities.

ADJOURNMENT

(DM) Motion to adjourn. (PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:00 P.M.

Approved: December 20, 2011

____________________________ _______________________
Edward Vien, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 and publicly posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

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Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

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