Seized vehicles a real steal for high bidder

Some enterprising person may soon acquire a used vehicle at a truly affordable price.

Sugar Grove's village board passed Tuesday an ordinance declaring six vehicles as surplus property, allowing them to be sold to the highest bidder via sealed bids.

According to Police Chief Brad Sauer, the vehicles were seized under a state law that allows for the confiscation of a car or truck that was driven by someone whose license was suspended because of a DUI conviction.

"The drivers didn't necessarily own the vehicles," Sauer told the board. "I think some people are learning don't let anyone whose license was suspended because of a DUI drive your car."

The vehicles are a 1991 Chevy S-10 truck, a 1994 Toyota Corolla, a 1995 Dodge Neon, a 1994 Ford Explorer, a 1995 Honda Civic and a 1995 Chevy pickup. All the vehicles were confiscated since January.

Officials ruled out a police auction because it is time-consuming to set up and turnout typically low. The village was considering using a Web-based auction for the sale, but the company which runs the Web site charges a fee of 25 percent of the proceeds.

"We want the best price we can get," Sauer said. Proceeds will go to the village's general fund. The sale will be advertised.

Also Tuesday, the village board approved an agreement allowing Sugar Grove police to use an indoor firing range at the Montgomery police station for an annual fee of $2,000.

Sugar Grove police have used an outdoor range at Sauer Farm in Sugar Grove Township. However, the village insurance carrier was concerned about liability issues regarding private citizens.

Sauer also reported five Sugar Grove police officers were commended by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for DUI enforcement.

The officers who issued the most citations for drunken driving over the past year are Gary Fenili, Robert Bogle, Brent Thoele, Thomas Swaboda and Maria Durham.