Board approves three capital purchases for police and public works; consent agenda passes unanimously

Middletown Township supervisors approved the consent agenda and authorized three budgeted capital purchases for public safety and public works.

The consent agenda was moved, seconded and approved without public question; the chair announced the motion carried 5-0.

Chief Bartirilla asked the board to authorize two previously discussed capital items. He described breaching tools as "valuable life saving tools for our police department" that permit officers to make entry into locked or secure structures and said one set would be placed in each patrol vehicle. The board authorized the breaching tools purchase for $16,384.74 to be paid from the capital fund (motion carried 5-0).

Chief Bartirilla also described a VIRTRA V100 LE firearms-training simulator to be installed in the townships indoor range, saying it offers scenario-based training including active-shooter simulations and could be made available to neighboring departments. The board authorized the simulator purchase for $54,356.96 (motion carried 5-0).

Director of finance Eric Gartmeyer presented a budgeted replacement 2023 Ford F-450 pickup truck equipped with a plow and lift gate. The board authorized the purchase and related equipment for $84,708.25 from the capital fund (motion carried 5-0). Gartmeyer noted the purchase was included in the 2023 budget.

All three motions were approved by roll call with five votes in favor and none opposed. No amendments were proposed at the meeting.

Next steps: staff will proceed with purchase orders and coordinate training and deployment schedules for the equipment and simulator.