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Date Adopted:
Date Approved:
Effective Date:
City Attorney Approval: ______
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Resolution No.
RESOLUTION NO. ____________
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN EXCEPTION
TO FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES AND APPROVING
THE SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE OF AN AIRBUS H125
HELICOPTER FOR THE FRESNO POLICE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the Fresno Police Department currently operates two EC120 Colibri helicopters to conduct airborne law enforcement operations; and WHEREAS, the EC120 helicopters were originally manufactured by American Eurocopter, now known as Airbus Helicopters, Inc., which discontinued production of the EC120 in 2017 and shifted to producing the Airbus H125 helicopter; and WHEREAS, the City of Fresno purchased its first EC120 helicopter in 2003, and the aircraft now has over 14,700 flight hours, making it increasingly costly to maintain due to unscheduled repairs, limited parts availability, and outdated technology; and WHEREAS, the Fresno Police Department’s Air Support Unit has evaluated various helicopters and determined that the Airbus H125 is the only acceptable replacement option due to its superior performance, reliability, and compatibility with existing pilot training and equipment; and
WHEREAS, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. is the only manufacturer of both the EC120 and H125; and
WHEREAS, the H125 has similar flight characteristics and technology to the EC120, making the transition for pilots seamless and avoiding additional costs for retraining or new equipment; and
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WHEREAS, the purchase of the Airbus H125 will be leased for 10 years, with a total amount not to exceed $4,700,833.01.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Fresno as follows:
1. The Council has received and considered the report and recommendations of City staff.
2. The Council finds it is proper to dispense with the competitive bidding requirements and approve Airbus Helicopters, Inc. as the sole source vendor for the purchase of an Airbus H125 helicopter.
3. The total purchase price shall not exceed $4,700,833.01.
4. The purchase of one Airbus H125 will replace one outdated EC120 helicopter, ensuring continued airborne law enforcement operations with improved efficiency and capabilities.
5. The City Manager or designee is authorized to execute all documents necessary to complete the lease purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters, Inc.
6. This resolution shall be effective upon final approval.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF FRESNO ) ss.
CITY OF FRESNO )
I, TODD STERMER , City Clerk of the City of Fresno, certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Council of the City of Fresno, at a regular meeting held on the day of 2024.
AYES :
NOES :
ABSENT :
ABSTAIN :
Mayor Approval: , 2024
Mayor Approval/No Return: , 2024
Mayor Veto: , 2024
Council Override Vote: , 2024
TODD STERMER, CMC
City Clerk
By:
Date
Deputy
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ANDREW JANZ
City Attorney
By:
Jennifer M. Wharton Date
Deputy City Attorney