The Macomb City Council voted Monday to purchase 18 laptop computers for the Macomb Police Department.
Police Chief Todd Tedrow said they will replace in-car and desktop computers that have reached their end of life.
Timbuk Tech will provide laptops for $26,973.
Aldermen also discussed voting on a purchase next week of 30 self-contained breathing apparatus units for the Macomb Fire Department at a cost of $251,000. Fire Chief Dan Meyer said $75,000 would come out of his department’s budget and the remaining cost would come through a five-year bank loan.
The council also voted to purchase a business registry module from BS&A Software at an annual fee of $4,155, plus installation and training fees. The module would help local businesses register for the city’s new business registry.
Aldermen voted to approve an ordinance creating a special event liquor license for the Raising Saints Block Party from 5-11 p.m. July 25. Regional reorganization has placed St. Paul Catholic Church within the boundaries of St. Hubert’s Parish, which is sponsoring the event. There will also be a children’s event on the afternoon of July 25.
The City Council approved issuing a microbrewing liquor license to the Busted Cup Brewhouse at 324 N.
Lafayette St. The business was also approved to use the city parking lot that surrounds it as long as it assumes responsibility for the lot’s maintenance.
Aldermen voted to adopt a battery energy storage system ordinance. City Attorney Lisa Scalf said the ordinance applies to solar and other renewable energies. It allows the holding and release of energy prior to its transfer to the power grid.
The council authorized spending $62,623 to purchase chlorine equipment for the city sewer plant and for the University Drive sewer lift station. Plant Manager Josh Peters said current units are more than 25 years old and can’t meet current demands. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said the use of chlorine feeders is part of a strategy to meet Environmental Protection Agency compliance.
Aldermen voted to approve a $3,500 fee for Benton and Associates to administer a $168,800 federal grant for upgrades at the Carper Amtrak Station. City Administrator Scott Coker said the work would include painting, deep cleaning, added air conditioning, the re-laying of pedestrian pavers, building tuck pointing, and re-striping of the parking lot.
Two items of business were approved for the Community Development Department. J.R. Hyde was hired as building inspector, and a job description was approved for a planning and development specialist. Alderman Dave Dorsett cast the lone vote against the new position, saying current vacancies should be filled before a new position is added.
Mayor Mike Inman told the council that Macomb would be receiving $500,000 for capital improvements as the result of an earmark from State Sen. Mike Halpin.
The City Council received a May activity report from the Macomb Police Department. There were 1,390 calls for service received, and officers made 63 arrests. There were 25 theft cases and 23 traffic accidents. A taser was displayed during a May 29 warrant arrest .
