Elmhurst Should Do Better In Buying Cars: Aldermen

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst aldermen agreed Monday to buy two new police cars, costing a total of $140,000.

But three aldermen urged the city to do more to consider hybrid and electric options.

At a City Council meeting, Alderman Jacob Hill said the two Ford Expeditions may well be the best option for the city, noting Ford offers no hybrid version of the model. But he said the smaller Ford Explorer has such an option.

"I think there are opportunities where we could show the public that we are at least exploring the costs and the options and showing a dialogue where we have considered the options," Hill said.

At the same time, he said he heard other towns were having "teething issues" with their hybrid police cars.

"I just think it needs to be a priority and more deliberate," Hill said.

Alderman Michael Bram agreed. Years ago, he said, the city adopted a policy that it would look at alternate vehicles.

"I don't think we do a good enough job," Bram said. "We just need to do a better job of discussing as well as documenting that we have reviewed the options and here's the reason why we did or did not go along with that option."

Alderman Rex Irby said the council needs to include statements in its reports on vehicle purchases about the review of hybrid and electric options.

The council voted unanimously for the Expeditions. Aldermen Guido Nardini and Karen Sienko were absent.