Council Votes to Purchase GPS for Vehicles

The Borough will be able to keep better track of its vehicles after the Council voted Tuesday to buy GPS devices for 15 of its sanitation and recycling vehicles.

Guy Picone, Department of Public Works superintendent, said the GPS units would allow for better accountability over Borough workers. In addition, the information provided by the devices could lead to better fuel economy, work performance and customer service.

The Borough will contract with Where Technology Happens to purchase software and technical support for the GPS devices. The Borough's initial outlay of funds, which includes the software and the installation of modems on the 15 vehicles, is $16,750.

The Borough will purchase the modems from a different company. After the initial purchase, it will pay WTH $2,500 a year for technical support and maintenance of the GPS devices, and about $3,600 a year to a wireless carrier.

Picone said he talked to representatives from other municipalities, who said the purchase would be worthwhile.

"It's really not a tool to reduce the manpower, it's to increase the efficiency of the operation," Picone said.

Borough Administrator Joseph D'Arco said not being able to keep track of its vehicles is costing the Borough money. When trucks get back late from their routes, he said, he has to approve overtime.
With the GPS devices, D'Arco would be able to monitor whether truck drivers are sticking to their routes as they collect garbage.

"We're really kind of shooting in the dark to evaluate: How long does it take to collect?" D'Arco said.

Ultimately, the Council voted 4-0-1 to approve the plan, subject to certification of the funds. Councilman Alan Brundage abstained because he uses the same system in his capacity as a Bergen County Police Lieutenant, but supported the Council's decision.

"Obviously, I'm a fan," he said.