Sikeston City Council mulls bid for DPS vehicles

SIKESTON -- The Department of Public Safety looks to replace worn-out vehicles.

Approval was sought in Thursday Sikeston Council meeting by the DPS to purchase three new vehicles.

A sealed-bid was opened from Don Brown Chevrolet of St. Louis for three vehicles: one 2016 four-wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit ($38,404), one four-wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoe Special Service Vehicle ($38,392) and one 2017 four-wheel drive Silverado Special Service Vehicle ($32,920) -- a sum of $109,716.

As part of DPS's annual replacement cycle, the plan is to replace the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoes with new vehicles and distribute them among the DPS administration and to the fire and police departments.

DPS Director Drew Juden said the 2004 vehicles have over 200,000 miles on them. "They're pretty well-shot but still in service," he said.

Council member Gerald Settles asked Juden if DPS can get another 25,000 miles on them.

"It could put cops in risk," Juden replied. He explained that driving the vehicles isn't the problem. SUVs run 24/7, sometimes just sitting and idling, which could be more harmful than driving. "The hours on these vehicles are unbelievable," said Juden.

It's possible that DPS can sell the old vehicles. Cab companies from New York City bought the department's three old Ford Crown Victorias for $2,400. It'll be the first time DPS tried to sell SUVs.

The motion was tabled by the Council for a second hearing to consider other appropriations.

The Council approved Bill 6027, commonly called the ethics ordinance, or conflict of interest ordinance.

This ordinance is renewed biannually and requires the city manager, and city clerk to file a personal financial statement with the Ethics Commission on an annual basis. However, the City Council doesn't have to provide a financial disclosure, unless any member of the Council receives more than $500 in remuneration from the city.

Following the seconding reading, Bill 6028, authorization to execute right-of-way signage agreement with Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, was approved.

For this story and more, see the Friday edition of the Standard Democrat.