1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: November 19, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Michael Albanese, Chief of Police
BY: Viviana Garzon, Police Administrator
SUBJECT: Approval of a Joint Purchase Agreement Between the City of Burbank and the City of Glendale with Airbus Helicopters, Inc. for the Purchase of a Helicopter for the Burbank Glendale Police Joint Air Support Unit and Approval of an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024- 25 Adopted Budget in the Amount of $1,019,089.20
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the joint purchase agreement between the City of Burbank and the City of Glendale (Attachment 1) with Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Airbus) for the purchase of an H125 helicopter for the Burbank Glendale Police Joint Air Support Unit.
2. Approve a budget amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024- 25 Adopted Budget for the appropriation of $1,019,089.20 from reserve account 532.ND000.30015.1038.000000.00000 (Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund, Non- Departmental, Budgetary Reserve, Helicopter Capital) to expenditure account 532.PD08A.15101.0000.00000 (Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund, Air Support Unit, Capital Clearing Account).
BACKGROUND
Since 2007, the cities of Burbank and Glendale have collaborated to operate the Joint Air Support Unit (JASU), enhancing public safety in both communities. The JASU provides a wide range of services, including airborne crime suppression strategies, rapid response to crimes in progress and other criminal incidents, coordination of ground resources, and support for special operations involving City departments and regional law enforcement partners. Additionally, the unit assists other first responders by facilitating equipment and supply delivery during natural disasters, rescue operations, and other critical incidents.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
2 This partnership has allowed both cities to deliver enhanced airborne law enforcement services while maximizing efficiency and cost -effectiveness. JASU operates out of a facility at the Hollywood Burbank Airport, leased from the Burbank -Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority at no cost to the City.
DISCUSSION
The JASU is staffed with six full- time personnel: 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 oversees JASU's day -to-day operations, while the four officers alternate between the roles of pilot and observer during mission flights. Program costs , including personnel, operations, and equipment , are equally shared between Burbank and Glendale.
The current JASU fleet consists of three MD 520 NOTAR® model helicopters (manufactured in 1998, 2007, and 2014). Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the cities of Burbank and Glendale, JASU aircraft are scheduled for replacement after 20 years of service or 15,000 flight hours. The 1998 model, now 26 years old, is no longer operational, and the 2007 model, at 18 years of age, is approaching its replacement threshold.
Command staff from the Burbank Police Department (BPD) and the Glendale Police Department (GPD) have met multiple times to evaluate options for replacing the aging helicopters. One potential solution for consideration was to purchase an updated MD - 530F model to maintain fleet consistency. However, due to unforeseen internal shortages and MD Helicopters' decision to cease taking small contracts for single aircraft, alternative solutions were required.
After researching viable alternatives, both agencies have determined that the best option for the future of the JASU is the acquisition of an Airbus H125 helicopter. The H125 helicopter is a reliable and versatile aircraft that meets JASU’s operational demands and is widely used by neighboring law enforcement agencies in the region. While it differs from the current MD helicopter fleet, it offers enhanced features tailored for law enforcement. Additionally, Airbus’ strong reputation for after -sales service and robust parts availability ensure long- term operational support. The transition to the H125 helicopter will introduce new operational dynamics and provide significant advantages.
These include superior range and performance, advanced technology, increas ed lift capacity, and modern avionics systems, which will enable operations at higher altitudes.
The H125 helicopter holds approximately 75% of the U.S. market share for law enforcement applications, with over 83 variants currently operating in California. It is highly adaptable to a variety of mission types, including:
3 • Responding to patrol calls in urban environments;
• Monitoring and surveilling criminal activity;
• Conducting pursuit and search missions;
• Supporting special operations;
• Conducting search, rescue, and escort operations; and • Providing response capabilities during natural disasters.
The BPD and G PD have negotiated an agreement with Airbus to purchase an H125 helicopter, which includes Airbus’ comprehensive training program.
The Airbus H125 is the industry -standard helicopter platform for law enforcement in the region, utilized by agencies such as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), among others. It is also widely used by media outlets and private industr ies in the area, further underscoring its versatility and reliability . The H125 is renowned for its consistent performance and dependable supply chain, with parts and maintenance services readily and widely available. In contrast, the MD platform is not as widely adopted, has limited access to additional maintenance services, and has faced repeated supply chain disruptions for parts. Transitioning to the H125 will significantly enhance operational efficiency, resulting in substantially increased flight availability and reduced maintenance downtime.
4 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This approval of this agreement 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
The City’s Vehicle Replacement Fund provides for the replacement, repair, and maintenance of all motorized equipment. Replacement funds for Burbank’s portion of the JASU fleet, through annual appropriations to the Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund, are approved by Council as part of the prior FY annual budget process. Although the reserve currently covers the replacement of all three helicopters, the purchase of the H125 will deplete funding for the next replacement. Airbus' projected lifespan for the H125 helicopter depends on factors such as total flight hours, working environment, and operational demands. According to information on Airbus’ website, the longest -serving H125 is 46 years old. On average, the JASU operates each helicopter for approximately 1,500 hours per year. Command staff from both departments will assess the best options for the future of the JASU as new air technologies for law enforcement emerge.
The JASU MOU provides that each city shall be responsible for one- half the cost of any new helicopter and the purchasing of equipment and supplies shall be conducted through the City of Glendale’s Purchasing Department. Once the cities receive the new helicopter, ownership and title shall be held jointly in the name of the City of Burbank and the City of Glendale.
The total cost of the new helicopter is $6,162,293.00 plus California sales tax. With Burbank and Glendale equally sharing the cost, Burbank’s portion is $3,081,146.50. Burbank will also be responsible for its share of sales tax estimated at $315,817.52. This results in a total cost to the City of Burbank of $3,396,964.02. To meet the 30% down payment required for the new helicopter, staff is requesting Council approval to amend the Fiscal Year ( FY) 2024-2025 Adopted Budget by appropriating $1,019,089.20 f rom reserve account
532.ND000.30015.1038.000000.00000 (Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund, Non- Departmental, Budgetary Reserve, Helicopter Capital) to expenditure account 532.PD08A.15101.0000.00000 (Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund, Air Support Unit, Capital Clearing Account).
Council’s approval for the balance of $2,377,874.82 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund will be requested during the FY 2025-2026 budget process. The balance will be payable upon the successful delivery of the helicopter to the JASU , anticipated in spring 2026.
Operational funds for the JASU are budgeted annually, with no additional impact on the annual budget.
5 Following the purchase of the new helicopter, the two aged helicopters will be sold at a price estimated between $450,000 and $550,000. Staff will explore options for their sale, which will be conducted at a time mutually agreed upon by the department's command staff. Half of the revenues will be deposited into the Vehicle Equipment Replacement Fund. The helicopters will be disposed of jointly by the Glendale and Burbank Purchasing Managers, in accordance with the provisions of each city’s Purchasing Code.
CONCLUSION
Following Council approval, the agreement will be executed, with the helicopter estimated to be operational by spring 2026. The Glendale City Council approved the joint purchase agreement on November 5, 2024.
The JASU is an integral component of the City’s public safety system and is a force- multiplier for the Department’s ground patrol units , enabling efficient responses to incidents, timely suspect apprehensions , and enhanced community protection . The Airbus H125 helicopter is an important investment that offers advanced capabilities and reliability to meet the JASU’s evolving operational needs. This ensures the Department’s continued delivery of excellent public safety services to the Burbank community.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Purchase Agreement