$250,000 grant in limbo following procurement issues

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. – Supervisor Diane Benczkowski pulled a resolution to purchase a used electric vehicle from West Herr Chevrolet of Williamsville after several Councilmembers questioned if the town’s procurement process was followed.


The resolution to purchase a used 2012 Nissan Leaf for $8,094.00 was co-sponsored by Supervisor Benczkowski and Councilmember Timothy Meyers to give the town a chance to achieve a Clean Energy Community designation this week and have greater odds of winning a $250,000 NYSERDA grant.
http://cheektowagachronicle.com/2500...rement-issues/

I'd say focus on reasons why people are fleeing the town instead of an electric car. Specially while 99% of the town's vehicles are gas burners.

“We’re risking $250,000 that we would be losing out on, and to me, the best interest for the town was getting the $250,000. We had the three quotes; this has been done in the past. Shame on the prior board for not questioning this procurement policy previously,” continued Ms. Benczkowski.
$250k to be used for what? Could we use that $250k to replace sodium lights with LED lighting?

Cheektowaga is also one action step away. Initially, the town was hoping to close the deal by installing an electric vehicle recharging station at little cost, but when the vendor provided an install date in the fall, Supervisor Benczkowski looked at purchasing the electric vehicle so Cheektowaga could check off the action step sooner.
Little cost? How much?

So who would drive the electric car?

Anyone ever calculate what the solar panels the town purchased cost us in the long run? Including any possible costs for roof leaks and maintenance?


The Engineering Department provides technical support and guidance to the Town Board, in its role as the manager of the Town's infrastructure. This guidance during the planning, permit and approval process for public works projects initiated by the Town, by other governmental agencies, or by private developers, ensures the orderly extension and improvement to Town owned and maintained facilities. The Department plays an important role in promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the community through its management of the Town's sanitary sewer systems, administration of storm water and flood control activities and its role in enhancing and protecting the interests of the Town in the project approval process, ensuring responsible development.

Manage and monitor photovoltaic solar panels on the four Town buildings

http://tocny.org/Departments/Engineering.aspx