Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves one‑year drone first‑responder pilot with Brink/Motorola; multi‑year costs negotiated
Summary
Chief Lance Arnold briefed council on a Drone First Responder (DFR) pilot offered at no cost for year one by Brink and Motorola, with years 2–6 carrying per‑drone costs; council approved the contract after questions about delivery capabilities, non‑appropriation protections, and negotiated cost reductions.
Chief Lance Arnold described a proposed Drone First Responder (DFR) program that would operate from the city’s Real Time Information Center and allow primarily autonomous, piloted drones to respond beyond line‑of‑sight. Chief Arnold said the pilot year would be provided at no cost to the city so staff could evaluate usefulness; later years (2–6) would carry recurring costs (chief cited approximately $79,000 per drone per year for years 2–6) but included options for replacement hardware in years 3 and 5 and a non‑appropriation clause.
The chief said DFRs could be on scene in about 70 seconds in some cases, provide thermal/infrared imaging, and carry delivery systems for naloxone (Narcan) and EpiPens. Council members asked about how the system would be staffed, non‑appropriation protections and the chief’s negotiations to reduce multi‑year costs. After discussion the council approved the contract by motion and roll call.
Staff noted minimal additional operating costs would be absorbed in current budgets for network cabling, training and limited staffing changes; the chief said the department will present a staffing plan during the budget season if the Real Time Information Center capabilities expand.
