HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12i - Foothill Air Support Team Annual JPA Cost
DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Roy Nakamura, 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
with 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, 2021, through June 30, 2022, in
the amount of $70,521.
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 assist in apprehending 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 Covina Police Chief, David Povero, and Arcadia Police Chief,
Roy Nakamura, serves as Vice President.
Foothill Air Support Team (“FAST”)
September 21, 2021
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 training day monthly.
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 continuously 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 2021-22, FAST will pursue various capital equipment projects including
replacing camera systems, video downlink upgrades, a new hangar facility, and a weather
station.
DISCUSSION
The FAST Board adopted an annual budget of $407,592 for Fiscal Year 2021-22, which
is the same as 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 2021-22 will remain $70,521.
Foothill Air Support Team (“FAST”)
Fiscal Year 2021-22 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”)
September 21, 2021
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 JPA cost for participation in the Foothill Air Support Team for Fiscal Year 2021-
22, 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 financial obligation to participate in FAST for Fiscal Year 2021-22 is $70,521. This
amount has been budgeted in the City’s Operating Budget. The FAST Board of Directors
will provide ample notice of 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.