Report Prepared by: Casey Wilson, Interim Fire Chief, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Accept and Appropriate $45,000 in the Fiscal Year 2021 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and Approval to Purchase a Fotokite Tethered Drone
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating $45,000 of Fiscal Year 2021 SHSGP Grant program funds for the purchase of a Fotokite tethered drone for the Fire Department and to waive the competitive bidding requirement for the purchase.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting $45,000 from Fiscal Year 2021 SHSGP grant funds, increasing revenue in Fund 1000 General Fund Fire Department and appropriating the same for the purchase of a Fototkite tethered drone; and,
B. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 for standardization of equipment; and,
C. Authorizing the City to purchase requested drone and associated equipment through LN Curtis and Sons for equipment costs not to exceed $45,000; and,
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 - Power
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 405 - Powers Vested in the City Council
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 1105 - Budget Appropriations
Section 3.04.210 - Exemptions from competitive bidding
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety as provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Merced County public safety agencies have been aggressively working to expand technology and capabilities. Merced Fire Department will increase their emergency response ability by having a tethered drone. The drone will allow for additional situational awareness and intel to be gathered for decision making on emergency incidents. Tethered drones have the advantage of unlimited flights times and minimal training requirements.
Merced County Office of Emergency Services has awarded $45,000 to the Merced Fire Department from SHSGP FY21 program funds to cover the allocation of a Fotokite tethered drone.
Within the parameters and requirements of the grant program, the FY 2021 Office of Emergencies State Homeland Security Grant Programs - Equipment, Planning, Administration, Training and Exercises Agreement and the FY 2021 Grant Assurances Agreement have been previously executed.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
This purchase does not require General Fund contribution. State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) is 100% sub-vented. Pooled cash will be utilized to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed.
Recommendation A. will require an affirmative vote of 5 Council Members to pass.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Quote - LN Curtis and Sons
2. Sole Source Letter