Cherry Hill Township’s police department was approved for 13 new cars at last week’s meeting.
The bid was awarded to Carman Dodge located in New Castle, Del. The final cost of the fleet is $692,584, which will be paid over a period of six months, according to the resolution.
The new cars will include supply and instillation of new equipment as well as removal and reinstallation of existing equipment and an extended warranty for a term of 36 months or 100,000 miles, according to the resolution. It also includes decals.
“One thing Mayor [Chuck] Cahn wants to do is invest smartly and manage inventory efficiently,” said Bridget Palmer, township communications director.
According to Palmer, the township retires cars at about 100,000 miles. The vehicles are then turned over for secondary work in the township, including use by off-duty officers to secure a roadside construction site, public works and code enforcement inspectors.
“We use them as long as possible and then the cars are auctioned off,” Palmer said.
Thirteen cars are currently being phased out.
“We may actually use a car up until 200,000 miles with the right maintenance,” Palmer said. “You don’t want a police vehicle with the wear and tear of 100,000 miles out on patrol every day.”
According to Palmer, the police department has a comprehensive fleet management system that allows it to monitor the vehicles and plan for the necessary upgrades.
Last year’s fleet included 14 new vehicles.
“You need cars that are serviceable and work in case police officers respond to an emergency. They can have a car they can rely on,” Palmer said. “It’s about investing in and enhancing public safety.”
According to Palmer, purchasing the cars is part of the bigger picture.
“It’s been a concerted effort to stay on top and manage our fleet efficiently. There’s some sticker shock initially, but it’s something every department prepares for,” Palmer said. “It’s important your law enforcement officials are given the right equipment to work and protect our residents.”
In other news:
The township agreed to a shared service agreement with Voorhees Township and Lindenwold Borough.
Certified recycling professional Steve Musilli will be working with both towns to certify Recycling Tonnage Reports, which require a certified recycling professional, according to Palmer.
As a result of the tonnage reports, Cherry Hill received a $140,000 state grant, which is based on the amount a community as a whole recycles.
According to Palmer, the township must gather information and sign off on it. Lindenwold and Voorhees don’t have certified recycling professionals.
“In the spirit of being good neighbors, the township has agreed to provide the service through a one-year agreement,” Palmer said. “I think their hope is that it will make it easier to apply for these tonnage grants.”
According to Palmer, Cherry Hill is eighth in the state in recycling and able to realize the state grants annually.
“Since we have the infrastructure, we were willing to share. The agreement is until the towns are willing to get one in-house or if they certify someone,” Palmer said. “Anything that encourages a town to recycle is beneficial to all of us.”
The next council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
