CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
January 27, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Michael Ellis, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: APPROVE A PURCHASE FROM SEASIDE HELICOPTERS, LLC.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve a purchase of a main rotor gearbox from Seaside Helicopters, LLC. for the total amount of $132,300.00 (ref# Q001351).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Approve the purchase of a replacement main rotor gearbox for the Police Department’s helicopter from Seaside Helicopters LLC.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds in the amount of $132,300 are available in the FY 2024-25 Police Department Operating Budget, Other Equipment (101-2012-66189-00000).
DISCUSSION:
The recommended action will authorize the purchase of a replacement main rotor gearbox for the Police Department’s MD 500 Model E helicopter from Seaside Helicopters LLC. City code requires any purchase over $150,000 per vendor, per fiscal year, to be approved by City Council. With this gearbox purchase, the Police Department will exceed the $150,000 combined threshold for the year.
This critical component must be purchased in anticipation of the existing gearbox running outside of its serviceable hours restriction, per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. This will allow mechanics to replace the gearbox in a timely manner and get the helicopter back into service as soon as possible. Otherwise, the City of Pomona would lose the valuable service that its police helicopter provides to the community.
In fiscal year 2023-24, staff went out to bid for a vendor to provide helicopter parts for the Police Department’s. Seaside Helicopters, LLC (Seaside) was the successful bidder and has been providing helicopter parts to the Police Department as needed.
Purchasing the main rotor gearbox from Seaside LLC will ensure that the Pomona Police Department’s Helicopter meets all FAA regulations and other relevant safety standards. Approval will ensure that the helicopter operates safely, minimizes risk and ensures peak performance.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS: This item supports the 2021-2022 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal B: Improve efficiency and effectiveness of City services to businesses and residents.
Prepared by:
Iain Miller, Lieutenant
ATTACHMENT (S):
Attachment No.1 – Seaside Helicopter LLC Quote
Approval of a sole-source to Seaside Helicopters, LLC.
Approval of a sole-source to Seaside Helicopters, LLC.