FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 18, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Donation of Drone Equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the receipt of a donation of drone equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council to enhance the safety operation capabilities of the Santa Maria Police Department that include high-risk interior and exterior SWAT operations, area searches, and crime scene and traffic collision diagramming.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the donation of drone equipment to the Santa Maria Police Department from the Santa Maria Police Council.
BACKGROUND:
The Santa Maria Police Council (SMPC) is a 501(c)(3) non -profit corporation with the mission to serve and support the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) by way of purchasing safety materials, equipment, and supplies for the men and women of the department over and above what the City’s operating budget has allocated. Since the SMPC’s formation in August 2007, they have donated many items of equipment and supplies to the SMPD.
Government Code Section 37354 provides that the City Council may accept any gi ft, bequest, or devise made to or for the City, or to or for any of its offices in their official capacity, or in trust for any public purpose. City Administration Memo CAM 2017-01 sets forth procedures for reviewing, accepting, and acknowledging gifts and /or donations offered to the City in order to: 1) establish compliance with the law in a consistent manner regardless of the source of the donation ; 2) establish uniform procedures for the receipt of donations to the City; 3) cultivate an environment where residents and businesses want to contribute to the City’s programs and facilities ; 4) promptly acknowledge and express appreciation for donations ; and 5) assure donations are properly inventoried and accounted for.
2 DISCUSSION:
The drone equipment donat ion will significantly benefit the department. The equipment includes an overwatch drone and upgraded drones that, together, have capabilities that will greatly enhance the safety of operations, including high -risk interior and exterior SWAT operations, area searches, and crime scene and traffic collision diagramming. A few of the technology upgrades included in these new state-of-the-art drones are thermal imaging, extended flight times, and automated flight stabilization to name a few. This new technology will reduce training time for operators and increase the capabilities of the department’s current drone program . Ultimately, this equipment will enhance safety by allowing officers to maintain distance, thus reducing their exposure to dangerous situations.
Fiscal Considerations
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund associated with this donation. The total cost of the drone equipment is estimated at $ 97,869 and will be paid in full by the SMPC. In accordance with the City’s Gift and/or Donation Policy, offers of donations valued at more than $25,000 must be accepted by the City Council.
Impact to the Community
This donation validates the important contribution that the City of Santa Maria Police Department makes to the community as recognized by the Santa Maria Police Council.
This generous donation to the Police Department will greatly assist staff in providing and maintaining a high level of service to the community.