City Council Agenda Report
October 20, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Ozzie Ramos, Deputy City Manager
Rita Ruiz, Director of Public Safety
Amber Bulosan, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 26-63 - BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR AUTHORIZATION TO
ACQUIRE AND EQUIP A VERSATILE PUBLIC SAFETY VAN
Background:
Since the 1990s, the City has demonstrated a commitment to neighborhood policing through the deployment of mobile law enforcement centers. In 2002, the Department of Public Safety purchased a recreational vehicle (“RV”) to deploy at Neighborhood and Business Watch meetings to increase a public safety and community engagement throughout the City,. Though useful, the RV’s maintenance and difficulty in maneuverability has created the need for a vehicle that would provide efficiency and accessibility for Public Safety personnel, law enforcement and the community. Deployment of the RV is limited due to its size and parking limitations. Currently, the RV is unable to be navigated in certain parts of the City, specifically areas that are narrow and impacted with limited street parking, like the one-ways. Because of its large size, the RV requires a spotter to follow behind to ensure safe driving and maneuvering.
Additionally, after inspection by the City’s fleet maintenance division, a determination was made that there are significant issues with the RV, parts are no longer readily available, and it is not cost-effective to continue to attempt to maintain the RV. The recommendation is that the RV needs to be replaced.
Therefore, Public Safety is proposing the investment of a Sprinter Cargo Van. The Public Safety van will be equipped with internal workspaces, secure storage, and upgraded technology. A dedicated, clearly marked, Public Safety van will provide efficient transport of equipment, establish a visible point of contact, and coordinate operations throughout the City. Specialized teams, like CSP, HOPE, and the Office of Emergency Management will then utilize the vehicle as a mobile command center that is mission ready for immediate on-scene coordination, City Council October 20, 2026
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authorized operations and special events. It would provide the capability to engage with the community, respond to coordinated quality of life issues and crime through a modernized approach with advanced technology, and rapid deployment capabilities will further the City’s commitment to neighborhood policing.
Logistically, using a Sprinter Cargo van allows for feasible mobility in all parts of the City; A smaller van will allow access to these areas. Staff will be able to park the van in high volume shopping and business centers with limited negative impact to parking for patrons and the community. Not only will the Sprinter van be easier to navigate, but it will also allow Public Safety to operate officially in dynamic environments. Rather than transporting pop-up tents and tables, the van will be equipped with workstations that will allow personnel to work safely and efficiently, while also providing a compact meeting room for them to speak privately with residents The van will not only offer a presence of high visibility, which can assist in crime deterrence, but it will support critical department operations. As a mobile command center, the versatility of the vehicle will support public safety, planning, and communication. The unit will be deployed strategically during planned evening events, partner operations, City events, or in the event of an emergency, the van can be used as an extension of a citywide activation of the EOC and will provide a visible Public Safety presence for staff to organize equipment and coordinate information.
Anticipated uses of the van include, but are not limited to, the following:
• CSP outreach meetings and events at schools, shopping centers, and community events; • Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch Meetings;
• HOPE team overnight details and clean-ups with agency partners and LASD; • City events;
• Emergency operations;
• Drone operations requiring a mobile command location; • And other Public Safety activities
The van can serve as a mobile command post, deploying drones to hazardous areas, emergencies, disasters, and substandard structures to provide live aerial video and real-time situational awareness. This enables personnel to assess conditions, coordinate operations, conduct safety briefings, and evaluate critical infrastructure from anywhere in the City. Drone support can also assist law enforcement with street takeovers, missing persons, and other incidents, as well as provide aerial support during City events and authorized operations. By deploying the van anywhere throughout the City, staff can safely evaluate situations without putting themselves and others at risk. Responsive drone deployment within the mobile command center will serve as an additional resource among the other versatile uses of the van.
A Mobile Data Computer (“MDC”) will also be included in the van to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen coordination with the Sheriff’s Department. The MDC will provide authorized personnel with secure, real-time access to critical law information, including the ability to verify the status of suspicious vehicles and identify potential public safety concerns. This City Council October 20, 2026
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capability will improve situational awareness, support timely, and informed decision-making, while enhancing coordinated responses during neighborhood patrols, special operations, community events, and emergencies. This technology is the basis of the Department’s operational functionality during deployment. By including an MDC, the vehicle’s mission is strengthened through its ability to serve as a mobile command center and community resource in support of public safety operations.
Fiscal Impact:
The upfront cost of the beginning of the custom build mobile van is estimated at $89,680, which includes the lease of a Mobile Data Computer (MDC) and 50% of the estimated cost of the outfitting of the van. After the initial expense, Public Safety will pay an estimated $34,428.60 annual 5-year lease for the van and remaining 50% of the outfitting over the span of 5-years with tax and fees included for the lease. The total estimated cost of the vehicle and equipment is $249,719. The following planning allocation illustrates the proposed maximum cost; individual amounts are not vendor quotes and may change as specifications and procurement are completed:
UPFRONT COST ANNUAL LEASE TOTAL PURCHASE
Van $ 17,828.64 $ 81,039.00
Custom Build $ 79,000.00 $ 16,599.96 $ 158,000.00
MDC $ 10,680.00 $ 10,680.00
Total $ 89,680.00 $ 34,428.60 $ 249,719.00
The preliminary project estimate is anticipated to be expensed from the City’s Equipment Replacement Fund. Ongoing fuel, maintenance, insurance, connectivity, and replacement costs would be addressed through the Department’s operating budget and future budget requests as needed.
Staff would bring this back to City Council if the final project cost exceeds the approved amount or if further action is required under the City’s purchasing rules.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
The recommended action will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 2: Work in Partnership with Our Community to Achieve Safe and Livable Neighborhoods: Objective 1: Re-invest in existing and aging infrastructure.
City Council October 20, 2026
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Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council:
a. adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-63, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQURE AND EQUIP A VERSATILE PUBLIC SAFETY VAN, in the amount of $249,719; and b. approve the acquisition and custom building of one high visibility community safety van for the Department of Public Safety at a total project cost not to exceed $249,719, including the cost of the van at $81,039; and
c. authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the necessary purchase and installation agreements and any amendments in accordance with the City’s purchasing requirements, provided there is funding in the budget and it is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in forms approved by the City Attorney; d. authorize the City Manager to surplus the recreational vehicle.
Attachments:
Resolution No. 26-63