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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11d - Foothill Air Support teamDATE: August 18, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police By: Dr. Jennifer Brutus, Sr. Management Analyst SUBJECT: FOOTHILL AIR SUPPORT TEAM (“FAST”) ANNUAL JPA COST IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,521 Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY The Arcadia Police Department has participated in a Joint Powers Authority Agreement for participation in the Foothill Air Support Team (“FAST”) for the past 21 years. Every year, the City and other partner agencies benefit from this law enforcement helicopter program. It is recommended that the City Council approve the annual FAST JPA cost for participation in the Foothill Air Support Team for the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $70,521. Funds for Fiscal Year 2020-21 have been allocated in the Operating Budget. BACKGROUND The Foothill Air Support Team, otherwise known as FAST, was developed in 1999 after several local cities expressed an interest in airborne law enforcement. As a result, a JPA was established in July 2000, which included the Cities of Monrovia, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Pasadena, and West Covina. These agencies chose to form a joint helicopter patrol operation that could lessen the costs for each agency, enhance their ability to deter criminal activity, and apprehend offenders. Over the years, the FAST program has evolved and proven to be very successful. The JPA now includes 11 partner Cities, including: Alhambra, Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, Pasadena, Pomona, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena. Pasadena is the coordinator and fiduciary of the program. In addition, Pasadena provides the helicopters and pilots. The FAST JPA is administered by a Board of Governors, and day-to-day oversight is provided by an Executive Committee comprised of Police Chiefs from partner cities. The current Board President is the Monrovia Police Chief, Alan Sanvictores, and South Pasadena Police Chief, Joe Ortiz, serves as Vice President. Foothill Air Support Team (“FAST”) August 18, 2020 Page 2 of 3 In order to participate in this partnership, each agency is required to provide a qualified and motivated Police Officer to perform the role of Tactical Flight Officer (“TFO”) twice a month. Following a rigorous six to eight-week initial training program, the TFOs work alongside a Pasadena Pilot to serve the FAST cities. The TFO monitors radio calls within the FAST cities and decides whether to respond with the police helicopter. The team also attends one monthly training day. When it is determined that an airborne response would be beneficial, the FAST flight crew responds and provides an aerial platform. This platform provides a tremendous level of intelligence, direction, and coordination to the officers on the ground. When not responding to calls for service, the crew will constantly search out criminal activity and/or monitor problem locations. The FAST helicopter is equipped with a Video Downlink System, which allows a live feed of an aerial view for ground units. Night Vision Goggles along with the Forward Looking Infrared (“FLIR”) system are an extension of the helicopter’s ability to help fight crime at night. FLIRs are thermal imaging and can detect body heat at night, while Night Vision Goggles allow the TFO to see in low light conditions. For Fiscal Year 2020-21, FAST will pursue various capital equipment projects including replacing camera systems and monitors. DISCUSSION The FAST Board adopted an annual budget of $407,592 for Fiscal Year 2020-21. The budget comprises annual flight costs for dedicated and non-dedicated flights, flight crew costs, the City of Pasadena administrative fees, the JPA’s liability insurance policy, and fleet replacement funds. Arcadia’s portion for Fiscal Year 2019-20 was $67,781 and it will increase to $70,521 for FY 2020-21, which is approximately 4% due to various increases in operational costs. Foothill Air Support Team (“FAST”) Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget for Partner Cities Alhambra PD $ 101,852 Arcadia PD $ 70,521 Covina PD $ 57,710 Glendora PD $ 62,570 Irwindale PD $ 10,947 Monrovia PD $ 44,176 San Marino PD $ 15,865 Sierra Madre PD $ 13,135 South Pasadena PD $ 30,816 Total $ 407,592 Foothill Air Support Team (“FAST”) August 18, 2020 Page 3 of 3 The helicopter used in the program is owned and maintained by Pasadena PD and contracted to the JPA. Pomona PD does not participate in the regular population-based pricing plan that is required of the other FAST agencies. Instead, Pomona provides one day of coverage to FAST cities and, in exchange, FAST provides one day of coverage to Pomona. The costs being proposed are reasonable and the service provided by the JPA is highly valuable to Police operations. Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council approve the annual FAST JPA cost for participation in the Foothill Air Support Team for FY 2020-21, in the amount of $70,521. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT The City’s obligation to participate in FAST for FY 2020-21 is $70,521. This amount has been budgeted in the City’s Operating Budget. The FAST Board of Directors will provide ample notice of the next year’s costs during the City’s normal budget preparation season. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council determine that this project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and approve the Foothill Air Support Team (“FAST”) annual JPA cost in the amount of $70,521.