City of Gonzales
CITY ATTORNEY
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: January 20, 2026
FROM: Michael Rodriquez, City Attorney
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 2026-156 Authorizing the Purchase and Use of an Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) and Making Findings in Compliance with Gonzales Police Department Policy Manual 709 Military Equipment
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council to introduce, waive reading, and read by title only Ordinance No. 2026-156, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Purchase and Use of an Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) and Making Findings in Compliance with Gonzales Police Department Policy Manual 709-Military Equipment.
BACKGROUND
On June 20, 2022, the Gonzales City Council adopted Ordinance 2022-131 approving Gonzales Police Department Manual Policy 709-Military Equipment which included an inventory of the Department’s limited amount of military equipment and procedures for use and maintenance of the same. Policy 709 establishes a military equipment use policy that is consistent with the Department’s current practices, complies with the requirements of the Government Code, ensures regulation and compliance with relevant law on an ongoing basis, and provides a means for community engagement and transparency regarding the use of military equipment. As required by law, on July 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-54 which accepted the Police Department’s first “Fiscal Year Annual Military Equipment Use Report” and renewed Ordinance 2022-131 for another year.
Since adoption of the first Annual Military Equipment Report, the Council has conducted public meetings at which it has reviewed and accepted subsequent Annual Reports and has thereafter renewed Ordinance No. 2022-131, most recently on August 18, 2025. Currently, the only military equipment possessed by the Gonzales Police Department is nine (9) semi-automatic rifles, three (3) 38mm “Less Lethal Projectile Launchers,” and an Unmanned Aerial System (“drone”). The drone is the only recent Department AGENDA
ITEM
14 purchase of military equipment, approved by Ordinance 2023-141 in October of 2023. Over the last several years, the drone has been used successfully for surveillance purposes, such as during 4th of July and New Year’s Eve celebrations, for warrant service, for search and rescue operations, and for ascertaining the condition of public facilities during storm conditions.
In the latter part of 2025, the City was notified by District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez that $2,662 in funding was available for the purchase of another drone. Such funding was specifically sought on behalf of the South County cities to facilitate drone purchases. The Police Department has indicated its desire and willingness to take advantage of this funding.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 7071, a law enforcement agency must obtain the City Council’s approval, by ordinance, prior to acquiring military equipment. The Gonzales Police Department has indicated its intent to purchase a new “Unmanned Aerial System,” commonly known as a “drone.” Under the provisions of Government Code Section 7070 and Gonzales Police Department Policy 709, Section 709.1, “unmanned remotely piloted aerial vehicles” are considered military equipment.
The Unmanned Aerial System in question consists of a DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo package to be purchased from General Pacific Inc, the same company from which the City’s other drone was purchased.
The purchase would include accessories necessary for the drone’s use, such as a remote-control console, battery and charger, and also includes customer assistance. The DJI Avata 2 Fly More model is significantly smaller than the City’s other drone unit and can be used for indoor flights, such as securing a building or a residence during a search warrant service. The Avata 2 can be flown into a building prior to sending in officers and it can perch itself onto a table or countertop allowing a live video feed of the area where the officers are about to enter. This would be an extra layer of defense against a potential ambush situation.
The Avata 2 is flown on a First-Person View (FPV) platform where the pilot wears goggles that display a live video feed of the Avata 2’s camera. The Avata 2 model has propeller guards to prevent injuries to people or damage to the drone. It also features a “turtle mode” which enables the unit to flip itself over if it ends up upside down inside of an area where officers don’t have access to it. The drone currently in use by the City does not have propeller guards and is too large to be flown indoors. The Avata 2 model would also be useful at schools and businesses during active-shooter type situations. It can be flown inside of a vehicle’s open window, such as a school bus, and can be used to search for suspects hiding inside. The current Gonzales Police Department Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilot has previously flown the Avata 2 unit and is familiar with its flight characteristics. He has had training flying the Avata 2 inside of school buses and into other tight areas. The Police Department believes this new drone will complement the uses and service provided by the City’s existing drone.
Based on the quote from General Pacific, the cost of the drone and attendant equipment and technical assistance is $2,772.04. See Attachment A- General Pacific Inc. Quote. This price falls below the City’s threshold requiring purchases by bids. See Gonzales City Code Section 3.16.050.
As with the City’s existing drone, use of the new drone will be subject to Gonzales Police Department Policy 609, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment B, to enhance the Department’s mission to protect lives and property when other means and resources are not available or might be less effective. All uses must comply with all Gonzales Police Department Policies and relevant laws concerning Constitutional guarantees and privacy rights, as well as Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Additionally, use of the drone will be overseen by the Chief of Police as the City’s Military Equipment Coordinator.
Staff has prepared an Ordinance for Council’s consideration that after incorporating the facts set forth above, authorizes and directs the City Manager to execute a purchase order for the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo package for a drone, controller, and attendant equipment, as well as customer service program from General Pacific Inc. for a cost not to exceed $2,772.04. The Ordinance also directs the Police Department’s Military Equipment Coordinator to incorporate this purchase, information concerning the use of the equipment, and other relevant data in the Police Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Military Equipment Use Report.
Ordinance No. 2026-156 is before the Council this evening for waiver of reading, introduction, and reading by title only. If approved, the Ordinance would come back to the Council on February 2, for consideration of adoption and be in effect thirty days thereafter.
Approval of the Ordinance is exempt from environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. As a purchase of equipment for law enforcement purposes, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this Ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: The proposed purchase and use of an unmanned aerial system will assist the Police Department’s efforts to maintain the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Gonzales.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: Providing the Police Department with tools that will enhance its efforts to maintain safety and order in the City will have a positive impact on the quality of life in the City.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes ____ No X N/A
• Housing Yes ____ No X N/A
• Recreation Yes ____ No X N/A
• Environment Yes ____ No X N/A
• Education Yes ____ No X N/A
Explain: N/A.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not introduce the ordinance for purchase of an Unmanned Aerial System.
2. Do not introduce the ordinance for purchase of an Unmanned Aerial System and provide staff with direction for modification of the ordinance or further research.
BUDGET IMPACT
Funding for the proposed purchase will come primarily from $2,662 in grant funds with the difference in the drone price coming from the police department general budget.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council to introduce, waive reading, and read by title only Ordinance No. 2026-156, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Purchase and Use of an Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) and Making Findings in Compliance with Gonzales Police Department Policy Manual 709-Military Equipment.
Attachments:
1. Attachment A - General Pacific Inc. Quote
2. Attachment B - Gonzales PD Policy 609
3. Ordinance No. 2026-156 Drone Purchase with Exhibit A