Report Prepared By: Jeff Bennyhoff, Director of Information Technology
Title
SUBJECT: Adopting a Resolution Repealing Resolution 2017-57, to Re-Adopt the Authorization of Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to repeal Resolution 2017-57 and to Re-adopt the authorization of use of unmanned aircraft systems.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2024-84, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Rescinding Resolution No. 2017-57 and Authorizing the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve with amendments (specified in motion): or,
2. Continue to a future meeting: or,
3. Take no action.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Expand the City’s UAS program to include non-Public Safety use.
DISCUSSION
Since November of 2017, when Resolution 2017-15 was adopted, drone technology has continued to advance and expand both within and beyond the realm of public safety. Both consumer and professional tier drones can now be smaller, safer, cheaper, and more feature rich. This increase in capability and decrease in cost has positioned drones as an attractive option for departments looking to benefit from faster, more efficient data collection and therefore, lower operational costs. Additionally, the unique visual perspective drones enable offers new opportunities for improved marketing and communication of city projects to stakeholders and residents.
Resolution 2024-84 will approve City personnel to utilize drones for the same, public safety-oriented purposes outlined in Resolution 2017-57 while also authorizing the following new use cases:
• Inspections: Performing surveys and assessments of properties and assets, including bridges, building exteriors, facades, rooftops, and assets located in difficult-to-reach areas such as solar panels and roof-mounted AC units.
• Construction Management: Conducting inspections of project sites to ensure contract and environmental compliance, documenting areas of erosion, and creating informational materials for progress reports and completed projects.
• Environmental Monitoring & Documentation: Inspecting vegetation types and health, wildlife, and waterways, as well as assessing the condition and health of City-owned Street trees.
• Marketing, Public Outreach, and Video Production: Using drones to capture video and still photographs as elements of City video productions and for educational and outreach purposes.
• Surveying and Mapping: Deploying drones equipped with various sensors, such as high-resolution cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), thermal sensors, and multispectral cameras, to capture detailed images and measurements of the City’s surface and features.
• Testing and Training: Testing a UAS’s features and performance. Instructing pilots and evaluating their ability to operate UAS.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
There is no General Fund fiscal impact related to submission of the Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2017-56
2. Resolution 2024-84