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Lucas council approves joint drone program with Lovejoy ISD and Paladin Drones
Summary
The Lucas City Council authorized the city manager to sign interlocal and vendor agreements to launch a thermal-capable drone program with Lovejoy ISD and Paladin Drones, with first‑year costs covered from existing line items and ongoing costs estimated around $10,000 annually.
The Lucas City Council voted Oct. 17 to authorize the city manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Lovejoy Independent School District and a contract with Paladin Drones Inc. to operate a shared drone program.
Fire Chief Ted Stevens and firefighter‑paramedic Andrew Fulton told the council the system offers remote LTE piloting and thermal imaging that can provide incident commanders with an aerial, infrared picture before crews arrive. "Paladin does it all," Andrew Fulton said, describing the company’s FAA program setup, ongoing compliance, and a watch‑tower system that can send live video to predesignated recipients. Chief Stevens added the department is not requesting additional funding this year: "I'm not coming to you gonna ask for any budget adjustments this year," referring to one‑time funds already identified.
Council members discussed privacy, redundancy, and insurance. A council member asked whether live video links are encrypted while streaming; the presenter said the feed is "secure under Paladin's server" but acknowledged segments in transit are "not encrypted" and that Paladin maintains server safeguards and audits. The agreement as presented splits an initial first‑year cost (cited as $14,500) with the school district and anticipates an ongoing annual cost in the neighborhood of $10,000, covered by the city's budget in later years.
The motion to authorize the agreements was made on the record, seconded, and carried on a unanimous voice vote. Lovejoy ISD staff told the council their board will consider the interlocal at its Oct. 28 meeting before final district approval.
