The DeKalb City Council authorized Mayor Greg Sparrow to sign an agreement with Lovett’s Rite-Way Rebuilders Inc. as the city’s lone relocation service.

The period of service started Feb. 1 and will continue until Jan. 31, 2005.

“It is the desire of the city of DeKalb to contract with a single contractor to provide the necessary labor and equipment to perform the towing services,” according to the city of DeKalb’s standard of specifications for the relocation of motor vehicles.

City Manager Jim Connors said the city sent out several proposals to towing companies in the area. Connors said the only company to return a bid was Lovett’s.

Lt. Dan Gerace of the DeKalb Police Department said that he publicized in two local newspapers.

“We sent out a letter to local tow companies with the specifications that were required,” Gerace said.

Lovett’s is going into its 12th year as DeKalb’s towing service, Lovett’s owner Bill Lovett said.

The specifications for the towing company include maintaining trucks that can handle light, medium and heavy vehicles.

“I have everything they asked for,” Lovett said. “I’ve bid against people in the past. I was fortunate enough to be the lowest bid.”

Gerace said the company needs to be able to handle any vehicle, including semi-trucks.

He also said the tow company also is responsible for providing a fenced off area for keeping the towed vehicles.

The standard of specifications requires the contractor to protect the relocated property and to be responsible for the damage to the property.