New billboard design planned
By Robert Cloud
Motorists will see a new billboard promoting New London on U.S. Highway 45 in 2024.
The New London Common Council unanimously approved the new design when it met Dec. 19, 2023.
The motion also recommended that the $4,000 cost of the design be covered by using designated funds from the Economic Development Assigned Fund Balance.
During their meeting, council members also approved nine equipment expenditures recommended by the Capital Projects and Equipment Committee.
Vehicle lease agreement
They voted to spend $16,000 with Enterprise Fleet Lease to replace four city vehicles.
These vehicles will replace a 2011 Ford Fusion with about 96,000 miles that is used as a training car, a 2013 Ford Interceptor with 108,200 miles that is used by the building inspector; a 2013 Ford Interceptor with 89,500 miles that is used by the Public works Department; and a 2017 Ford Interceptor with 101,000 miles that is used by Parks and Recreation.
Under the city’s current system, the police department typically uses a squad car for two years, then transfers it over to another department.
The city’s agreement with Enterprise Fleet Lease is for the four 2024 Ford Explorers at $31,000 annually. The lease has been prorated in 2024 at $16,000 because delivery of the vehicles is expected on June 24.
The council also voted to replace two police cars for an estimated cost of $100,000 and to install a new air conditioning system in the police department at an estimated cost of $42,650.
New London plans to replace a 1967 Layton roller with a used one for $65,000. Public Works uses the roller for street maintenance.
Public Works will also replace a loader plow and wing used for snow removal at a cost of $58,000.
Another piece of equipment that will help the city clear the streets after a winter storm is a 5,100-gallon brine tank with pump at a cost of $10,500.
Parks and Rec will spend $130,000 to replace a 2016 Toro 5100 D Batwing Mower used for cutting grass in the ballparks.
The council approved $25,000 each for patching streets and sidewalks, as well as $12,000 for a new, more user-friendly firewall that provides security for the city’s networked computer system and Laserfiche, the program city staff use to archive documents.