SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen last night rejected a request that Michael’s Towing be added to the rotation of towing companies utilized by the police department.
The request was made through a letter from Police Chief David Ricardi.
Selectman Joseph Deedy owns the third company previously used by the town. Upon his election, he withdrew his tow trucks from rotation to avoid a conflict of interest.
Deedy said the contract prevents Michael’s, located in Westfield, from being a permanent addition to the rotation.
“I don’t think we can do this,” said Deedy. “According to the contract I signed, you have to be in Southwick.”
Deedy added that Michael’s is already the third company called by police when the two contracted companies are not available.
“So if we put them in rotation, he gets every third call and that supercedes the Southwick companies,” said Selectwoman Tracy Cesan.
“Right,” said Deedy. “He is already the alternate.”
Deedy then suggested the board could put that in writing. A motion was made by Cesan and seconded by Deedy to approve Michael’s Towing as the alternate towing company for the town. It was approved unanimously.
