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Council approves drone contract, pump station upgrades and several public‑safety and DPW purchases
Summary
The Saratoga Springs council approved multiple contracts and change orders, including a three‑year Axon agreement for three drones ($124,399), vehicle‑mounted police computers ($105,612), wastewater pump station upgrades (KB Engineering, $148,632.59) and several smaller purchases and donations; a school resource officer agreement was pulled for further legal review.
The council approved a bundle of contracts and procurements spanning public safety and public works.
Public safety items included authorization for replacement in‑vehicle computers in police vehicles (contracting with Advanced Electronic Design for $105,612), approval of a $124,399 three‑year master services and purchase agreement with Axon to acquire three SCADIO X‑ten unmanned aircraft systems (drones) using a law‑enforcement technology grant, and an increase to a fire department vehicle maintenance purchase order.
Commissioners discussed insurance and operational policy for the drones, noting that delivery would take several months and that department staff had prepared a drone policy that legal staff would review. One commissioner emphasized that the drones purchased are American‑made and said federal guidance has restricted use of certain foreign‑made systems.
On infrastructure, the council awarded a contract to KB Engineering for sanitary wastewater pump station upgrades (four stations prioritized, work including electrical, piping, capacity and access) not to exceed $148,632.59, and authorized an award for DPW auto parts and repair services to Mackie Auto Group under unit pricing. The council also approved a change order for restoration work on the casino parlor project ($25,126) and authorized small‑value purchases including electric lawn equipment for DPW ($3,673).
The council approved an addendum to extend legal services related to multi‑district PFAS litigation with the Robert King Law Firm; the contract extension runs through Dec. 31, 2026, with fees expected to be paid from any future settlement proceeds if applicable. A contract with Ambient Environmental for hazardous materials testing on the public safety garage rehab ($2,900) and a purchase of Hurst rescue tools for the fire department ($33,596.33) were also approved.
A proposed school resource officer agreement for the 2024–25 school year was pulled for further legal review after council members identified inconsistent dates and language in the draft contract.
