1 RESOLUTION NO. ______________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE,
CALIFORNIA, DISPENSING WITH COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER OR A DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH MD HELICOPTERS, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NEW MD-350F HELICOPTER.
WHEREAS, the Joint Air Support Unit (“JASU”) for the Cities of Glendale and Burbank currently has three (3) MD No-Tail Rotor (NOTAR) helicopters. One of those helicopters (N102CG) has been in operation for 26 years and needs to be replaced because of its age and the lack of replacement parts due to the phasing out of such helicopter models by MD;
WHEREAS, the JASU is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) ratified by both the Glendale City Council and Burbank City Council; WHEREAS, the MOU provides that the aircraft operated by the JASU be replaced after 20 years from the initial date of purchase or 15,000 flight hours, whichever comes first;
WHEREAS, the JASU is currently operating three (3) MD Helicopters (MD- 520N), one of which (Helicopter N102CG) was purchased in 1998 (26 years ago); WHEREAS, Helicopter N102CG needs to be replaced because of its age and the lack of replacement parts due to the phasing out of such helicopter models by MD; WHEREAS, the MD-520N model has been phased out and is no longer being produced by MD;
WHEREAS, the MD-530F model was introduced as the successor to the MD- 520N, incorporating a conventional tail rotor while maintaining the core design and operational characteristics of its predecessor;
WHEREAS, the MD-530F model retains compatibility in terms of mechanics and operation with the existing MD-520N helicopters within the JASU fleet, ensuring a cohesive operational capability;
WHEREAS, switching to another manufacturer would require additional training for both pilots and mechanics;
WHEREAS, having pilots rotate between the two MD helicopters and a new helicopter with different features and manner of operation, could create safety issues; 2 WHEREAS, purchasing the next generation model helicopter from MD (Model MD-530F) will ensure continuity of service and will create a smooth transition as the new model has the same core design and functionality as the previous model; WHEREAS, Article VI, Section 9 of the City of Glendale Charter provides an exemption to competitive bidding where the City Council determines it is in the best interests of the City to dispense with competitive bidding; and WHEREAS, MD Helicopters, Inc. is the only source from which to obtain the Model MD-530F helicopter with all the required features and compatibility as set forth above.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE:
1. That the foregoing facts are deemed to be true and correct and a basis for dispensing with competitive bidding and the Council hereby finds that it is in the best interest of the City to dispense with competitive bidding.
2. That the City Manager or a designee is authorized to execute an agreement with MD Helicopters, Inc. for the purchase of a New MD-350F helicopter.
Adopted this day of , 2024.
____________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) SS
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
I, SUZIE ABAJIAN, Ph.D, City Clerk of the City of Glendale, certify that the foregoing Resolution No. was adopted by the Council of the City of Glendale, California, at a regular meeting held on the day of , 2024, and that same was adopted by the following vote:
3 Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
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City Clerk