By Paige Gurgainers
The City of Springhill held a workshop last Thursday, Aug. 8 where District 5 Alderman Derek Melancon presented a package urging council members to consider installing GPS fleet tracking software on city-owned vehicles, including equipment and police cars.
Melancon explained the many benefits of having such software for the City of Springhill which included accounting for annual budgets, tracking assets, cost reductions, safety and security.
City of Springhill Chief of Police Will Lynd agreed that having GPS installed on his police fleet would be beneficial and add an extra layer of protection for his officers. But city appointed Public Works Director Mike Dunaway differed in opinion.
“Do you not trust the people working for you?” asked Dunaway.
Melancon ensured Dunaway that this was not an issue of trusting the employees.
“You’ve got grown men working out here and you’re treating them like kids,” continued Dunaway. “I have the best crew I have ever had working for me. I think it’s a waste of money and a waste of time.”
Melancon noted that he does receive reports from constituents of city-owned vehicles outside of the city limits, but according to Dunaway if he or a public works department employee is seen outside of the city limits, it is to retrieve parts or materials for city business.
“It isn’t going to be good. They don’t like it,” said Dunaway. “They are talking about quitting. It’s telling them you don’t trust them. I could see it if you are in Shreveport or Bossier, where God knows where you could be, but on my end of it, it’s unnecessary. We are working.”
The room was full of bright colored shirts signifying the presence of many public works employees at Monday’s council meeting where Melancon asked the council to consider adding to the agenda equipping 32 city vehicles with the GPS system for a year-long study on cost savings. According to Melancon the monthly cost would be $510, totaling $6,124 annually.
“This study aims to analyze the impact on operating costs, potentially saving the city and taxpayers money on fuel and maintenance. Implementing this GPS system will aid in making informed decisions about fleet management,” Melancon continued. “By monitoring vehicle use, we can reduce unnecessary trips, optimize routes and extend the lifespan of our fleet.”
It was quickly rejected by a 3 – 2 vote with District 1 Alderwoman D. Nicole Fraizer, District 2 Alderman Dennis Smith and District 3 Alderman Stacey Willard voting “no” and District 4 Alderman Mike Whitlock and Melancon voting “yes.”