For City Council Meeting April 8, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Brian Park, Fire Chief
Title
Request City Council to: (1) Approve a Contract with Fotokite for the Acquisition of Actively Tethered Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for $140,524, and (2) Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all Related Documents.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve a contract with Fotokite for the acquisition of actively tethered UAS to enhance the Fire Department's emergency response capabilities; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all necessary documents to effectuate this contract.
BACKGROUND
The Fire Department continually seeks innovative solutions to improve emergency response and public safety. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have become valuable tools for providing real-time aerial intelligence during incidents. However, traditional free-flying drones require certified pilots and are subject to stringent regulatory constraints, which can limit their deployment in time-sensitive situations.
Fotokite's actively tethered UAS offer a unique solution by providing autonomous flight capabilities without the need for piloting. These systems are recognized by aviation authorities as safer alternatives to non-tethered drones and are exempt from certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, including Part 107 and Certificate of Authorization (COA) requirements. This exemption allows for more rapid and flexible deployment during emergencies.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Implementing Fotokite's actively tethered UAS will provide our public safety team with significant advancements in situational awareness and operational efficiency. Key benefits of this system include:
• Autonomous Operation: The system launches, hovers, and lands with a single button press, requiring no piloting and allowing personnel to focus on critical tasks.
• Extended Flight Duration: Powered through a tether connected to the ground station, the UAS can operate continuously for over 24 hours, ensuring persistent aerial coverage during prolonged incidents.
• Real-Time Thermal and Visual Imaging: Equipped with advanced wide/zoom and thermal cameras, the system provides simultaneous video streams, enhancing the ability to assess situations and make informed decisions.
• All-Weather Reliability: With an IP55 rating, the UAS is designed to operate reliably in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and wind, ensuring availability when needed most.
• Regulatory Compliance: The tethered design and autonomous operation classify the system under FAA exemptions, reducing regulatory burdens and expediting deployment during emergencies.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action does not meet the definition of a project under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will not result in any physical changes to the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The acquisition of Fotokite's actively tethered UAS aligns with the City's public safety and emergency preparedness goals, ensuring enhanced emergency response capabilities and increased community resilience.
• Goal 5-2: Create a more flood-safe community through development standards and infrastructure improvements.
• Goal 5-5: Minimize impacts to public health, safety, and welfare as a result of seismic and geologic hazards.
• Goal 5-6: Assess critical infrastructure and maintenance standards and make improvements to help the community withstand current and forecasted hazard events.
• Goal 5-7: Provide culturally relevant preparedness resources, hazard education, and emergency notifications.
• Goal 5-8: Ensure that first responders and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) have adequate capacity to respond to hazardous events.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the agreement and approved it as to form.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
• The proposed contract with Fotokite is for the acquisition of actively tethered UAS.
• This program is anticipated to be funded primarily through available grant funding designated for emergency preparedness and public safety initiatives.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no impact on the capital improvement budget.
Licensing
Prior to execution of the Professional Service Agreement/Purchase Order, the vendor shall submit a business license application and pay a Business License tax at the rate of $129.00, as well as Administration and State fees.