A number of discussions overshadowed the purchase of a Koch 33 Ford Toyota for Bethlehem Township Police at the Jan. 16 commissioners’ meeting, and the issue wasnot resolved.

Commissioner John Gallaguer questioned the necessity of this purchase, asking, “Has anyone looked at what is required to get one of these vehicles back to shape?” He suggested replacing parts of the vehicle to be replaced.

Township Manager Doug Bruce said mechanics had already ruled that out.

Gallaguer presented a motion to remove the purchase order from the night’s agenda. It passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Jan Beatty abstaining.

Budget allocation for a new vehicle is $40,000. Cost for the vehicle in question is $38,000.

According to Commissioner Luke Verdes, this is an opportunity for the township to start looking into the costs of purchasing electric vehicles and/or hybrid ones, “especially if we want to move toward a more fuel-efficient fleet.” He is calling on the township’s Environment Board to do some research in what types of vehicles are out there which can be of use to the township, as well as any grants the township could qualify for.

There was a tense moment when Commissioner Dale Sourbeck brought up an email sent by Gallaguer to the board which questioned the impartiality the former might have on the purchase order.

Sourbeck said he retired 28 years ago and took a retirement buy-out 15 years ago. He made it clear that he no longer has ties to the company and said Gallaguer’s email was uncalled for.

Commissioners passed a motion allowing MKSD Architects to replace the roof of the municipal building, as well as park pavilions.

The last time the roof of the municipal building was replaced was in 1997. This new agreement has a 25-year guarantee.