Massachusetts Law Enforcement Network

Massachusetts Police News, Information and Discussions on MassCops

Posted by: kwflatbed

The board may also explore converting some town vehicles to use LNG for fuel.

This image shows an Connellsville, Pa., police cruiser that runs on electricity. In response to rising fuel costs, officials in Middleboro have recommended the town consider hybrid vehicles for its police department.

By Eileen Reece
ENTERPRISE CORRESPONDENT
Posted Jun 10, 2008 @ 05:31 AM
Last update Jun 11, 2008 @ 06:50 AM

MIDDLEBORO —
In light of the continued increase in gas prices, selectmen said it is time to review the town policy of recycling high-powered former police cruisers within the town and instead consider smaller vehicles or hybrids.
Selectmen considered the policy change following a request by Health Officer Jeanne C. Spalding to replace three department vehicles, which have reached their life, with three small sedan crossover vehicles for $10,300 each. The crossover vehicles get 30 miles per gallon, she noted.
Selectmen vice-chairman Patrick Rogers, who is also chairman of the Capital Planning Committee, said the Police Department plans to replace three vehicles and suggested Spalding consider those vehicles.
Spalding responded that it is expensive to convert a police cruiser for regular use and expensive to run.
Selectmen Marsha L. Brunelle agreed, saying, “We need to start changing our way of thinking.”
She noted with the cost of gas, repairs, and conversion, “it is not worth to use police cruisers for smaller departments.”
“This is a policy issue, a rethinking of the way we do business,” said Brunelle, adding the town should consider the use of hybrid vehicles.
“I don’t know too many towns that are buying hybrid vehicles yet,” said Rogers.
Selectmen Stephen Spataro suggested selectmen send a letter to the Middleboro Gas and Electric Department and ask what it would cost to convert gas vehicles to LNG.
The agency has an LNG gas station on Route 44 in Middleboro.
Selectmen Muriel Duphily suggested Spalding develop a list of alternative vehicles. Town Manager Stephen J. Lombard agreed and suggested that all town departments be asked to develop a list of more suitable vehicles.
Selectmen voted unanimously to support a motion by Brunelle to revisit Spalding’s request during the fall town meeting and in the meantime, asked her to submit a list of more suitable vehicles.
In other actions, selectmen voted to invite Police Chief Gary Russell to attend next Monday’s meeting and discuss enforcing the town ban on the use of bicycles and skateboards from the sidewalks in downtown Middleboro.
“I can’t tell you the number of people who tell me how they are almost hurt by kids using bicycles and skateboards,” said Selectwoman Muriel Duphily, who asked selectmen what could be done about the problem.
Duphily added she is concerned the problem will become worse once school gets out.
Lombard said it is an issue of enforcement.
“It becomes a tremendous burden to enforce it,” he said, adding that skateboarders also use the steps at the Town Hall.
Brunelle also asked that Russell discuss the issue of noise from motorcycles.
Selectmen plan to ask Highway Superintendent Donald Boucher to meet with them to discuss the removal of dead trees along town roads that fell victim to the gypsy moth invasion.
Selectmen held a public hearing on issuing a permit to operate to the Tispaquin Family Campground on Tispaquin Pond. Selectmen voted to deny the permit until a ruling is reached in court over the number of units at the campground.

http://www.enterprisenews.com/homepa...ybrid-vehicles

---

vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
vB Easy Archive Final ©2000 - 2008 - Created by Stefan "Xenon" Kaeser