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Rohnert Park adopts updated military equipment policy and authorizes additional equipment purchases
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance No. 995 updating the city’s military equipment use policy and authorizing purchases including less‑lethal launchers, rounds and three drones after a public engagement item and questions about outreach; the vote was 4–0–1.
Rohnert Park’s City Council on June 23 adopted an ordinance updating the city’s military equipment use policy and authorizing the purchase of additional equipment listed in the staff report.
Staff said the ordinance (No. 995) updates Policy 706 to allow purchase of 15 additional 40‑millimeter less‑lethal launchers, 75 additional CTS sponge rounds, 75 CTS frangible impact rounds with OC powder as approved ammunition, and three unmanned aerial systems (drones). Staff noted the council had discussed the matter and held a community‑engagement meeting on June 9 and that further demonstrations and outreach (including public demonstrations of drone capability) are planned as equipment becomes available.
Public commenters asked whether the meeting labeled a "community engagement meeting" satisfied the statute’s intent for public discussion; one commenter urged more back‑and‑forth engagement rather than a standard council meeting format. Council asked legal staff to confirm that notice and outreach requirements had been met; the city attorney confirmed the actions complied with requirements. Council waived the second reading and adopted the ordinance by roll call (4–0–1, Council member Rodriguez absent).
The ordinance was presented as not a project under CEQA, and staff said demonstrations and additional outreach events will be scheduled when equipment is procured and operational.
