COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Daniel Cohen, Interim Chief of Police
DATE: February 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of K9 and Headset Equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the receipt of donations of K9 and Headset Equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council to enhance safety in the Santa Maria Police Department.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the donation of K9 and headset 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 training 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 h ave donated many items of equipment and funded training for 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 acknowledg e and express appreciation for donations; and 5) assure donations are properly inventoried and accounted for.
DISCUSSION:
The donation of funding to purchase an additional K9 service animal, training, and equipment necessary to expand the K9 unit will s ignificantly benefit the department and 2 community. The additional K9 service animal will expand the availability of this tool, which allows officers to safely locate concealed evidence and suspects.
The donation of headset equipment will replace equipmen t that is past its functional service life. The headsets provide portable radio connectivity allowing for essential communications during SWAT and K9 operations. The headsets are also critical to protect the hearing of officers during these operations as well as during range training.
Fiscal Considerations
There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund associated with this donation. The total cost of the K9 expansion includes purchase of the K9, all travel costs necessary for training as well as equipmen t needed and is estimated at $51,140, which will be paid in full by the SMPC. Minimal costs outside of these expenses will be absorbed within the existing budget of the unit.
The total cost of the headset equipment is estimated at $35,904 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 highlights the vital role the Santa Maria Police Department plays in the community, as recognized by the Santa Maria Police Council. The donated equipment and associated training will significantly enhance the safety of both police officers and the community, further supporting the department's ongoing efforts to protect and serve.
Attachments:
A - Resolution