Saline Buys Tahoe From Crispin Chevrolet

At Monday's meeting, City Council approved the purchase of a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe from at a cost of $26,734.15. Council also approved spending $6,841 with Priority One Emergency to outfit the vehicle as a police vehicle.

Each year, the police department purchases a new patrol vehicle to replace the oldest vehicle in the fleet. The Tahoe replaces a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria with 115,000 miles on it. Ford Motor Company no longer produces the Crown Victoria, which has been the department’s main vehicle.  In a memo to council Chief Mike Lindman said the department could choose between the few remaining Crown Victorias, Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Caprice or Tahoe. He recommended the Tahoe.

Lindman said the Tahoe offered safety, utility, resale value, roominess and a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain. Lindman said the Tahoe was quickly becoming the primary vehicle of many local agencies, including the Michigan State Police, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Pittsfield Township Police and Ypsilanti Police.

Crispin was the second lowest bidder, behind Shaneen Chevrolet in Lansing.

“I would recommend purchasing the Tahoe from our local dealer based on known good service and the convenience of working with a local dealer,” Lindman said.

City Approves Stage Rental Policy 

Saline City Council approved a new policy for use of its portable stage.

The stage was purchased with donations from Saline Community Education, the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, Picnic in the Park, the Saline Downtown Merchants Association and the city and was used mostly for their events. According to Downtown Development Director Art Trapp, the city is getting more requests to use the stage.  The new policy states that users will be charged $25 per section per day to use the state, which has 10 sections. Using the full stage would cost $250 daily. The city’s Department of Public Works will deliver, set up and remove the stage. Transport and set up/tear down will cost $85 hourly during regular business hours and $120 after regular business hours.

Council member James Roth said he thought the price was might be prohibitive for non-profit groups. City manager Todd Campbell said part of the justification of the fees is that more use will cause more need for repairs and maintenance.

City Reviews and Approves Liquor License Requests 

The city approved liquor license renewals for Ruby Tuesday, Dan’s Downtown Tavern, Brecon Grille, Mangiamo’s, Biwako Sushi, Mac’s, Maplewood Lanes and the American Legion. The approval came after review by the building department, police department, fire department, and treasurer’s office.

Knights of Columbus Sidewalk Fundraiser Approved 

Fundraiser for People with Mental Disabilities

The Saline Knights of Columbus Council #6674 will be out on the sidewalks March 30-April to raise funds for the organization’s 39^th annual fundraiser for people with mental disabilities. Council approved Mayor Driskell’s proclamation declaring March 30 to April 1 as “Help the Mentally Impaired Days.” The motion also encouraged Saline residents to participate in  the cause.

Last year, people in the area raised $6,000, used to support the St. Louis Center near Chelsea and the Michigan Special Olympics.

Taylor Sits On Special Projects Commission 

Council confirmed the appointment of Marc Taylor to the 2012 Special Projects Commission. He is the representative from the city’s parks commission, replacing Justine Madonna, who resigned from the board parks commission due to time constraints.

Swick Joins Historic District Commission 

Council accepted the resignation of Robert Harrison from the city’s Historic District Commission and thanked him for his service. Lori Swick was appointed to complete the term, which expires Dec. 31.

Assessment Roll Opened Next Week 

City council accepted the 2012 preliminary assessment roll from city assessor Catherine Scull. The roll will be opened the week of March 12 for public inspection.