Three bids were received by Pea Ridge city officials to install equipment in six new police vehicles expected to be received Oct. 20. Bids were opened at the Pea Ridge City Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 19.
A bid from Police Chief Ryan Walker was not received, though council members had approved him bidding on the project at the August Council meeting. A request for a home occupation from Walker to the Pea Ridge Planning Commission was tabled after commission members questioned the legality of them issuing a permit when covenants for the subdivision prohibit home business.
When asked why he did not bid, Walker responded: "My attorney said no comment."
Bids were received from Tactical Auto Outfitters, Bentonville; Smith Two-Way, Rogers; and Superior Auto, Siloam Springs. According to the bids, there will be three different types of installations -- one vehicle will be outfitted as a canine unit, one as the captain's car and four as patrol units.
Bids ranged from the low of $12,119.60 from Tactical (canine patrol car, $2,234.90; captain's car, $1,633.10; and four patrol cars at $2,062.90 each); to a high of $28,465.86 from Smith Two-Way. The bid from Superior was $1,528, slightly higher than the one from Tactical.
Alderman Bob Cottingham asked why a new unit is being used for the canine unit. Mayor Jackie Crabtree said specialized locks, specialized cooling and a "hot dog unit" are required for the canine unit.
Walker said vehicles could either be stored in Pea Ridge between transport to the agency providing the service or at the agency if there was a secure area. He said the bids do not include graphics which he plans to have installed by Sign Studio. When asked if their prices are reasonable, Walker said: "For the quality of work, I'd say they are.
"He is honoring the price he gave us last year. I feel like that's a good deal," Walker said.
Alderman Steve Guthrie said he likes the advantage of Tactical being closer than Superior which would lesson travel time in delivering vehicles.
General News on 09/27/2017