Town submits tech order before 5% hike

Centerville councilors voted to approve leasing 25 laptops just before a vendor’s 5% price increase.

At council’s April 29 meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Lawrence noted the need for computers for town utility workers, firefighters and police officers.

Lawrence said some utility workers use phones to complete tasks because their tablets barely turn on, and current police laptops aren’t designed for extreme temperatures.

Lawrence sought prices from three companies — Dell, Getac and Panasonic — for 25 laptops with integrated Wi-Fi. Eight include barcode readers for license scanning. The other 17 would go to town workers and Centerville Fire/Rescue.

Council asked the Panasonic representative about security, temperatures and warranties. Panasonic serves 60% of the first responder/utility market and will replace damaged devices. They can be stored from -40 to 160 degrees and operated in temperatures of -20 to 140 degrees.

Panasonic’s price increased 5% May 1.

Town attorney Ed Martin questioned if state purchasing law had been followed to secure the lowest, most responsible and responsive competitive bid, and recommended tabling the purchase to confirm. However, after gathering more information as the meeting concluded, he determined guidelines were met. Council quickly reconvened to approve Panasonic’s five-year lease option for about $140,000. Funds will come from the three recipient departments.

In other technology news, police Chief Ed Buchholz reminded council that its body cameras need replacing because they’ve “had nothing but problems.” One payment remains.

Town hall lease

Council is accepting sealed bids to lease the former town hall at 204 E. Main St. for one year. Two independent appraisers assessed the property and determined the minimum annual rental is $21,900. Sealed bids must be submitted to Clerk Sarah Rice by 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. Council will open them at its meeting at that time. After review, bids will be awarded or rejected at council’s June 10 meeting. Centerville library leaders previously expressed interest in using the town hall while its building is renovated.

Utility savings

Town Manager Kevin Slick said he expected the water main project would find 80-90% of galvanized lines needing replacement. However, only about 9% fall in that category, so approximately $600,000 can be spent on further investigation and replacement of problematic lines as they’re found.

In other business

• Interviews are being scheduled after Centerville Police Department officers were eligible to apply to replace the retiring Buchholz.
• Centerville Youth League received permission for its parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, which is just after the fire auxiliary’s breakfast at Station 1.
• Wayne County Railroaders can use restrooms and close a street near Maplewood Park for their caboose’s 118th birthday party. The 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 14, event is free to the public. Organizers especially want to invite caboose birthday party alumni from its era at McDonald’s in Richmond.
• Main Street Centerville received permission to add mulch around trees during their May 3 downtown and park cleanup.
• Council’s next meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at town hall.
• The veterans’ parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17, along Main Street.