Administrative
Report
H.6., File # 23-6552 Meeting Date: 9/5/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE
APPROVE AN AGREEMENT AMONG SOUTH BAY CITIES FOR THE JOINT USE OF A SURVEILLANCE SKY TOWER AND TOW VEHICLE OBTAINED USING 2020 STATE HOMELAND
SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On April 19, 2022, City Council approved the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) 2020 Grant Agreement. The $337,928 of grant funding for Redondo Beach and other regional participating agencies (Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes Estates) was for the purchase of certain authorized Police Department equipment. In compliance with the grant requirements, the City issued two RFP’s, one for the purchase of the Surveillance Sky Tower and the other for the purchase of a Tow Vehicle.
On November 8, 2022, the City Council approved the purchase of the Surveillance Sky Tower. The purchase of the associated Tow Vehicle was approved by City Council on March 21, 2023. The grant application was submitted as a regional project with Redondo Beach taking the lead. The Police Department now seeks to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreement with the other participating South Bay Police Departments for joint use of the Surveillance Sky Tower and Tow Vehicle. The participating Cities will share any future maintenance and operations costs as identified in the Agreement.
BACKGROUND
The approved 2020 SHSP grant is a regional grant which includes the cities of Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates and Redondo Beach. The Police Department secured $337,928 of grant funding to acquire specific equipment to increase the security and surveillance capabilities of the participating agencies at large-scale events.
Upon completion of the RFP process, the Police Department purchased the Surveillance Sky Tower from Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. in the amount of $253,202. The Sky Tower is a towable cabin providing a high-level 360-degree observation platform with the ability to extend to a height of more than two stories. The Sky Tower is equipped with multiple thermal and visible surveillance cameras, a recording system, radios, public address system and roof-mounted flood lights. The tower cabin has space for two operators or can be deployed unmanned utilizing wireless connectivity that allows authorized personnel to remotely monitor video feeds from the affixed cameras.
The Sky Tower is a specialized piece of equipment which provides the capability to rapidly launch
H.6., File # 23-6552 Meeting Date: 9/5/2023
The Sky Tower is a specialized piece of equipment which provides the capability to rapidly launch and capture live video during events and critical incidents. The Sky Tower can help the Police Department respond faster to calls for service, gather intelligence, increase protection for large crowds, monitor events and provide a strategic perspective for Police Department personnel. The Sky Tower provides a unique physical presence that is a highly visible deterrent for criminal activity.
As part of the 2020 State Homeland Security grant, a suitable tow vehicle was approved to transport the Sky Tower. A separate RFP process was conducted for the vehicle which resulted in the Police Department purchasing a 2022 Ram 5500 Stake Bed truck from Van Nuys Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for $80,553. The purchased Tow Vehicle meets all of the requirements and capabilities to safely and effectively tow the Sky Tower.
The Sky Tower and Tow Vehicle will be shared equally among the participating cities for critical incidents, as needed, and reserved for tactical and community events using a shared electronic calendar. Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. will provide operator training and conduct maintenance on the Sky Tower for the first four years of use, as listed in the Purchase Agreement. Participating cities will share the responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and operation costs associated with the Sky Tower and Tow Vehicle in accordance with the attached Agreement.
COORDINATION
The Police Department coordinated with the Redondo Beach Public Works Department and City’s Attorney’s Office, and the City Attorney’s Offices of the other participating South Bay agencies to prepare the MOU.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Police Department and Fleet Services Division estimate the annual cost for the routine maintenance of the tow vehicle to be roughly $300. Estimated annual maintenance cost for the Sky Tower, after the initial four-year service plan, will be approximately $1,500. These amounts, and any additional maintenance costs, will be divided equally among the participating agencies.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Agmt- MOU with Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes Estates for Joint Use of the Surveillance Sky Tower and Tow Vehicle