On June 9, 2008, City Council approved the submittal of the application and acceptance of a 2008 Technology Grant award through the U. S. Department of Justice to purchase a Crime Scene Investigation Vehicle. The new vehicle was delivered to the City in July, 2009.   The old Crime Scene Investigation Vehicle is a 1981 Ford Parcel Delivery Van, Equipment #1599, VIN #1FTJE38G9BHA52742, from which all usable equipment has been removed.  The old van and equipment was purchased with coal tax monies in 1981 for approximately $50,000.  It no longer has the capability to handle the needs at a major crime scene (work stations, storage, communications equipment) for the City of Billings.  It is too small, unreliable and the engine needs to be rebuilt because the van bogs down and has no speed.  Since the old van was purchased with coal tax monies, the Coal Tax Board would like for old equipment to be transferred to another impacted entity for its use.  The Laurel Police Department has expressed interest in the old Crime Scene Van, currently valued at approximately $2,500.  City staff is requesting City Council declare the 1981 Ford Parcel Delivery Van as surplus property, and approve the transfer of this equipment to the Laurel Police Department.  The Laurel Police Department has completed the "Release of Claims Form", which is attached. 

The City Council may:

• Approve declaring the old crime scene van as surplus property and transfer ownership to the Laurel Police Department; or
• Not approve declaring the old crime scene van as surplus and keep the vehicle in fleet to be sold at auction.

The 1981 Ford parcel delivery van used as the old Crime Scene Van is currently in the Equipment Replacement Program with replacement cost at $19,886.    The replacement date keeps being moved forward.  By transferring ownership to the Laurel Police Department, the Police Department will reduce its contribution to the 640 Fund by that amount.  

City staff is requesting City Council declare the 1981 Ford Parcel Delivery Van, Equipment #1599, as surplus property, and approve the transferring of this equipment to the Laurel Police Department.