1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Michael Albanese, Chief of Police
BY: Courtney Padgett, Police Administrator
SUBJECT: Acceptance of the Donation of a 1986 Eurocopter AS350B1 Helicopter from Malpaso Productions , LTD , for the Police Department’s Air Support Program
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the donation of a 1986 Eurocopter AS350B1 helicopter from Malpaso Productions, LTD, for the Police Department’s air support program, and authorize the City Manager or designee to take any necessary action to effectuate the donation transfer.
BACKGROUND
The Burbank Police Department (Department) operates a law enforcement air support unit to provide public safety services for the community. These services include airborne crime suppression efforts and strategies, response to crimes in progress and other criminal incidents, coordination of ground resources, assistance with special operations for City departments and regional law enforcement partners, and support to other first responders for equipment and supply insertion during natural disasters, rescue operations, and other critical incidents.
DISCUSSION
Since 2007, the cities of Burbank and Glendale have combined resources to operate the Joint Air Support Unit (JASU). The collaboration has enabled both cities to be more efficient and economical while enhancing the level of airborne law enforcement services for each community. The JASU operates out of a facility located at the Hollywood Burbank Airport leased from the Bu rbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority at no cost to the City.
2 The JASU fleet currently consists of three MD 5 20 NOTAR® model helicopters (years 1998, 2007, and 2014). There are six full time staff assigned to JASU: two police officers from the City of Burbank and two police officers, one police sergeant, and one mechanic from the City of Glendale. The sergeant manages the day-to-day operations of the JASU, and the four officers alternate in the role of pilot or observe r for mission flights. JASU program costs, including personnel, operating, and equipment costs are equally distributed between Burbank and Glendale.
The City was recently contacted by Malpaso Productions, LTD, to offer a donation of a 1986 Eurocopter AS350B1 helicopter. Malpaso Productions, LTD, is the original owner of this helicopter, having purchased it new from the manufacturer, and has used it solely for private purposes . The airframe and engine have accumulated only 1,500 hours of flight time during its time in service with Malpaso Productions, LTD. This an exceptionally low number of hours for the years it has been in service. By comparison, the current JASU MD helicopters typically accumulate between 500 to 700 hours of flight time per year.
This aircraft make and model is a current industry-standard platform for law enforcement patrol helicopter operations. A retired Burbank Police Captain and current Reserve Officer has been one of the primary pilots for this specific helicopter. He is thoroughly familiar with the flight time and maintenance records, which are in good order. The airframe is in excellent condition and is expected to have a useful lifespan beyond the operational needs of the Department. The Eurocopter AS350B1 helicopter has an appraisal value of $825,000.
3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval to accept this donation has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate fiscal impact to the City for the acceptance of the donation. The City will conduct a fiscal analysis after acceptance of the donation to determine all costs associated with the potential integration of the helicopter into the JASU fleet. This analysis will include costs for pilot training, equipment outfitting to accommodate public safety use, operation and maintenance, fuel, insurance, and equipment depreciation. The results of this analysis will be reviewed in consultation with the City of Glendale and the City Manager’s office and presented to Council at a future date for consideration. Malpaso Productions, LTD, agrees that the City may sell the helicopter after three years from the date of the donation acceptance. Proceeds from the sale of the aircraft will go to the City.
The helicopter will be stored at the JASU airport facility and will not be utilized pending the outcome of the fiscal analysis and development of a plan to integrate the unit into the existing air support fleet.
CONCLUSION
Pursuant to Administrative Procedure VI-12 Contribution of Merchandise or Money to City Departments, Council’s acceptance of t his donation of a 1986 Eurocopter AS350B1 Helicopter from Malpaso Productions , LTD, furthers the Department’s public safety air support program. Although there are many details to be determined regarding utilization of the aircraft, acceptance of this generous donation allows the City to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity and is of great value for the City and its public safety services.
Air support i s an integral component of the City’s public safety system and is a force - multiplier for the Department’s ground patrol units to efficiently respond to incidents, apprehend suspects, and protect the community.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Letter of Intent to Donate