Lawndale : Trolley Payment Withheld
Citing chronic mechanical problems with the city’s two trolleys, the City Council voted to withhold a final payment of $29,775 to Specialty Vehicles, which sold the trolleys to the city. The city paid 80% of the bill in December.
“We are not getting service out of these vehicles,” Councilman Harold Hofmann said, noting that the trolleys have not been running for the last 8 to 10 days. “They haven’t been road-ready since we’ve had them on the street.”
The Specialty Vehicles’ trolleys began service last Sept. 1, according to City Manager Paul Philips. The city’s free trolley service began in May, 1985.
Councilman Dan McKenzie said problems such as defective steering and fuel leaks were reported by Community Transit Service, a management company contracted by the city to regularly evaluate and maintain the trolleys.
Hofmann said the trolleys should operate trouble-free for 30 days before final payment is considered.
A report on the city’s legal options to rescind the purchase of the trolleys will be presented at the Feb. 16 council meeting.
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