FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 3, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Donation of Horse Trailer from the Santa Maria Police Council
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the receipt of a donation of a horse trailer from the Santa Maria Police Council to be utilized by the newly formed Mounted Enforcement Unit.
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 a horse trailer 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 donat ed many items of equipment and supplies to the SMPD.
Government Code Section 37354 provides that the City Council may accept any gift, 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 department recently created its first -ever Mounted Patrol Unit. This unit will be responsible for fulfilling multiple roles within the City. Some of these roles will include community outreach for community events such as National Night Out, parades, school presentations, peace officer memorials, and Downtown Friday Nights to name a few.
Over time, they will also have an enforcement role and b e deployed to problem areas throughout the City.
The department does not currently have a trailer to safely transport horses. Through this generous donation from the Santa Maria Police Council, the department and its mounted enforcement officers will hav e the ability to transport their horses to monthly training, special events, and enforcement details safely and efficiently.
Fiscal Considerations
The total cost of the horse trailer is estimated at $52,73 9. Operating and maintenance expenses are estimated to be $1,400 annually.
Impact to the Community
The 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 City will greatly assist staff in providing and maintaini ng a high level of service to the community.