Ludington Council may approve purchase of new police radar units

LUDINGTON — City Council is expected to take action tonight, during its regular meeting, on a request from Ludington Police Department to purchase new radar and lidar equipment for traffic speed enforcement.

LPD currently has five in-car radar units, one handheld radar unit and one lidar unit. The newest radar unit is over 10 years old and the oldest is over 25 years old. The lidar unit was purchased used and is 21 years old. Only one of the radar units is fully functional, the rest have been taken out of service. According to a memorandum from LPD Chief Chris Jones to the Council, repairs on the units are costly.

The Council is considering using some of its remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID-19 relief funds in the amount of $12,632.

The Council is also expected to take the following action:

• Approve an updated Freedom of Information Act procedures and guidelines.
• Approve a request from S. Hegg Ludington, LLC, 111 N. Rath Ave., for a license to place a stairwell landing in the right-of-way on the north side of the property.
• Approve a request from Ludington Beach Volleyball League for expanded courts and equipment at Stearns Park.
• Approve the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival activities for July 4.
• Approve the Lakestride Half Marathon, 10K race, 5K race and family run for June 7 and 8.
• Approve a resolution amending the rules of conduct for public comment at city council meetings.

City Council meets at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 400 S. Harrison St.