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Council approves yearlong DFR drone pilot with Brink and Motorola; multi-year costs noted
Summary
Council approved a one-year, no-cost pilot with Brink and Motorola to deploy Drone First Responder (DFR) capability from the Real Time Information Center; staff said years 2–6 would incur costs (about $79,000 per drone per year) if continued and that the system can deliver medical supplies and provide thermal imaging reconnaissance.
Chief Lance Arnold presented the DFR (drone first responder) proposal, describing a demonstration that would allow piloted, primarily autonomous drones to fly beyond line of sight from the city’s Real Time Information Center to reach incidents quickly. Arnold said comparable programs have placed drones on scene about 70 seconds on average and that the pilot year would be provided at no cost to the city, with years two through six carrying an estimated $79,000 per drone per year fee.
Councilors asked about operational details including drug/medical delivery capability (Narcan and EpiPens), camera and thermal imaging capabilities, nonappropriation language and the city’s staffing plan. Arnold confirmed the contract includes a nonappropriation clause that would let the city stop the program within the first-year trial period without penalty and said the vendor would handle setup and initial operations. The city manager and council praised the chief’s negotiation to reduce long-term costs.
A councilor moved to approve the contract; the motion was seconded and taken by roll call. Staff will present budgetary details for years 2–6 during the upcoming budget season and coordinate communications to inform the public about the pilot’s scope and safeguards.
