Politics & Government

Union Leader Threatens Litigation Over GPS Proposal

Matt Hattorff said GPS devices for Riverhead trucks are a "waste of money."

A proposal to outfit Riverhead Town highway department vehicles with GPS devices has some seeing red.

At a Tuesday town board meeting, Local President of the Civil Service Employees Association Matt Hattorff blasted the proposal, stating that the cost of approximately $20,000 was too high and unnecessary. He has ein December.

The motion was tabled in order to allow for time to review all bids, as requested by Councilman George Gabrielsen.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If the town board proceeded with the measure, Hattorff said the doors would be open "to litigate."

"We can go out and buy four more wrecks from the city for that much money," he said. "This is just another waste of money."

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He added that at the very least, he'd like to see the resolution tabled, with further discussion at a work session, so that he could have time to review the bid.

The GPS devices would be used to give town officials a sense of where town vehicles are located during snowstorms and can serve as a safety measure not only for residents but town employees, Councilwoman Jodi Giglio said.

Hattorff said there was little snow during the previous winter and the GPS devices are unnecessary in a town that he said isn't as big as municipalities such as Brookhaven Town. "It's not like our town stretches from the ocean to the Sound," he said. 

The GPS devices, board members said, would help keep track of employees. A foreman, Councilman John Dunleavy said, "would know if men are working or having coffee."

Town Highway Superintendent George "Gio" Woodson said accountability and safety were key. "If you're doing your job you have nothing to worry about," he said.

Gabrielsen said perhaps the matter should have been vetted more thoroughly in a public session. "We're spending money," he said.

According to Walter, the approximate amount spent will be $20,080, if all 62 town vehicles are included at $26.99 per month, or $21.99 per month, if certain limited use vehicles are not included.

A GPS system would enhance safety, Dunleavy said. "Even during hurricane season we get emergency phone calls," he said, adding that the system will allow Woodson to see where the nearest truck is, so that it can be sent to the nearest location and also, help LIPA. "This is a public service issue, a safety issue," he said.

"It's sorely needed," said Councilman Jim Wooten. He added that while some might harken the effort to "Big Brother watching," he said employees work for the taxpayers, who have the right to the best and most efficient service. GPS systems have been used by the Suffolk County Water Authority and towns including Huntington, Brookhaven, and Islip, he said, adding that they are a tool for management to best utliize workers and coordinate efforts.

"I really don't see the downside unless someone is doing something they shouldn't be doing," he said.


Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here