WATERVILLE $ The city will buy three new police cruisers this year, but will explore buying a less-costly car that is better on gasoline for future purchases.

City councilors voted 6-1 Tuesday to award a $61,908 contract with Darlings Ford of Maine to buy three 2009 Ford Crown Victorias. The price includes trade-in value of three 2005 cruisers.

The vote followed a lengthy discussion about the cost of the Ford Crown Victoria versus a Chevrolet Impala, a debate prompted by Councilor Charles "Fred" Stubbert, D-Ward 1.

Councilor Henry Beck, D-Ward 2, started off the discussion by asking Deputy police Chief Charles Rumsey if there are any hybrid vehicles on the market that law enforcement agencies could use. Rumsey said there are none that the Police Department is aware of.

Stubbert said he was very concerned that Chevrolet was not on the bid list, with Rumsey saying no such bids were received.

"It's a cheaper car and it's more efficient," Stubbert said.

Rumsey said police take into consideration issues such as the type of driving officers do, including pursuit driving, safety, liability, and comfort when deciding what type of vehicle to use. Also, most officers in the department are trained on rear-wheel drive vehicles, and Chevrolet Impalas are front-wheel drive.

He said the department is open to exploring other options, including training for front-wheel drive vehicles.

"That's do-able," he said. "It can be done."

Mayor Paul R. LePage said he had no problem recommending approval of the bid but asked that police look at training officers to use front wheel drive vehicles for next year.

"We also in the future ought to check out the hybrid idea..." Councilor John O'Donnell, D-Ward 5, said.

"I think we're very open to doing what's best for the city and our employees, every year," Rumsey said.

Stubbert said Impalas are 70 percent better on gas than Crown Victorias. LePage said he did the math and the difference would not cover the cost of training on front-wheel drive vehicles.

Stubbert was the only councilor who opposed buying the Crown Victorias.

In other matters, councilor voted 7-0 to approve the signing of a contract with Winslow for fire chief services. Fire Chief David LaFountain is employed by the city and Winslow will pay Waterville for his services to that town.

Waterville's 60 percent share is $53,721 and Winslow's, $35,814.

Councilors took final votes to approve a contract for architectural services for the library renovation project; accept a $20,000 donation for operation and maintenance of cross country ski trails off Quarry Road; and accept $289 from Jim Begin and the Waterville Senior High School Tennis Boosters to buy new nets and other items for the courts on North Street and at Pine Ridge.

The council voted 6-1 to change the zoning on Drummond Avenue to allow for a woodworking shop and office to be located in the former animal shelter facility. Councilor Stephen R. Aucoin, D-Ward 7, was the lone dissenter.

Councilors tabled a discussion about whether to spend $50,000 more as part of a contract with Pike Industries of Fairfield for paving projects; they discussed the matter in private session prior to the meeting.

They also voted 7-0 to buy a $44,025 skid steer loader and named O'Donnell to serve on the Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee.

Amy Calder $ 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com