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Agenda Report
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March 24, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Pasadena Police Department
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE FULLY OUTFITTED WITH EMERGENCY
EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT CANINE
UNIT DONATED BY JOE PEREZ, OWNER OF CALIFORNIA METRO
PATROL
RECOMMENDATION:
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1 It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" Exemption that CEQA only applies to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept the donation of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe fully outfitted with emergency equipment for the Pasadena Police Department Canine Unit donated by Joe Perez, owner of California Metro Patrol.
BACKGROUND:
I The Pasadena Police Department Canine Unit was created in 1991. The unit has evolved to augment police services in the community, including but not limited to locating illegal substances, explosives, evidence and apprehending criminal offenders. All canine teams are issued a police vehicle to transport their canine partners to and from work and police related ! business. Canine officers can also use their department issued K9 vehicle to handle any necessary veterinarian appointments.
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MEETING OF.03/24/2025AGENDA ITEM NO..2
Authorize the City Manager to accept a donation of a fully outfitted 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe to the Pasadena Police Department
March 24, 2025
In 2023, the Pasadena Police Department canine unit became fully staffed with four dual purpose (2 narcotic/2 explosive) patrol dogs and one single purpose explosive detection dog.
Each canine team is assigned a marked patrol unit specifically outfitted for the needs of their canine partner. Each canine vehicle contains an interior kennel (keeps the canine safe in the event of a collision), a temperature warning system that monitors the temp inside of the vehicle, a power inverter to supply power to a radio docking station, and an AC outlet to charge canine-specific equipment.
Over the past decade, our canine unit has been crossed-trained to be a fully functional tactical element. The dogs are used for daily patrol operations and assist in operations with our specialized units such as the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU), and our Street Crimes Unit (SOU). Our canine handlers are cross trained as tactical operators and carry specialized equipment. They also carry additional equipment for patrol operations. This equipment includes entry and search tools such as rams, picks, ballistic shields, helmets gas mask, bolt cutters, trauma kits, and less lethal munitions. This is in addition to the normal items needed to care for and train our canines.
These items include leashes, harnesses, muzzles, food/water bowls, food, bite sleeve, bite suit and odor detection kit.
This fully equipped emergency vehicle, offered by Joe Perez, owner of California Metro Patrol will have a Motorola radio, MAV and HAVIS mobile data terminal and CODE 3 package. The package which includes emergency light bar (forward facing red) on the rooftop, emergency lighting on the front bumper, sideview mirrors, running boards, rear spoiler, and rear license plate. The vehicle will also be equipped with low frequency siren that can be used with Code 3 sirens and speakers to help clear intersections and alert pedestrians.
A gas-powered vehicle meets operational needs that require specific considerations to make it more suitable. A gas-powered vehicle can sustain extended operational hours without requiring recharging, which is critical during emergencies, extended searches, or when officers may not have the ability to charge the vehicle at home since the officers take these vehicles home with them. The vehicle is equipped with a robust temperature monitoring and cooling system, ensuring the canine's safety during all weather conditions. Gas-powered engines offer consistent power to maintain these systems without the variability associated with electric vehicles. Additionally, the Chevrolet Tahoe's gas-powered engine provides the necessary reliability and performance for urban environments, ensuring consistent operation during high-demand scenarios such as patrols, community events, and response to protracted critical incidents. Furthermore, the donated vehicle's electrical system is designed to support the additional load from lights, sirens, radios, and the canine compartment's life- support features, whereas electric vehicles may face limitations in accommodating such high- power demands while maintaining operational range.
Despite applicable California Air Resource Board (CARB) public safety fleet exemption, the Police Department performed extensive research of available zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) to replace existing gasoline powered vehicles in use. Research and development efforts are ongoing. The public safety industry awaits proven vehicle manufacturer's design builds of a pursuit rated ZEV. City departments await the City's completion of an independent Authorize the City Manager to accept a donation of a fully outfitted 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe to the Pasadena Police Department
March 24, 2025
comprehensive assessment to aid the City's transition to ZEV. Currently, there are no equivalent pursuit rated ZEV models available as a donation to the Police Department.
Staff recommendation is for the City Manager to accept the donation of the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe fully outfitted with emergency equipment for the Pasadena Police Department Canine Unit. If approved, the donated vehicle will replace a current K9 vehicle that has reached its service limit. The donated vehicle make and model is similar to the other K9 units in the Police Department vehicle fleet and the Fleet Maintenance Division has the necessary experience to service and maintain the vehicle.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The proposed action is consistent with the City Council's Strategic Plan Goals to support public safety by ensuring the canine unit has the needed equipment to perform.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The proposed action has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the "Common Sense" Exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The acceptance of a vehicle for the Pasadena Police Department Canine Unit would provide for the continued deployment and operation of the Canine Unit, with no potential to cause any additional or exacerbated environmental effects.
The subject vehicle complies with all South Coast Air Quality Management District rules and regulations for engine emissions and clean air standards in the South Coast Air Basin.
Authorize the City Manager to accept a donation of a fully outfitted 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe to the Pasadena Police Department
March 24, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fully outfitted donated vehicle holds a value of $73,500 and will be exclusively used by members of the Canine Unit. There will be support costs of maintenance and repairs estimated at $2,000 per fiscal year which will be absorbed in the Police Department's operating budget in the General Fund.
Respectfully submitted
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EUGENE HARRIS
Chief of Police
Prepared by:
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Domino Scott-Jackson
Lieutenant
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Approved by:
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MIGUEi-NARQUEZ
City Manager
Attachment A - Donation/Gift Acceptance Form