AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: WAYNE BYERLEY
POLICE CHIEF
SUBJECT:
title
RESOLUTION APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF A POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VEHICLE
summary
Summary:
The Signal Hill Police Department is seeking approval for a budget amendment to procure a fully customized, 4x4 off-road Community Engagement Vehicle. If approved, the Community Engagement Vehicle would be used at citywide community events such as National Night Out and recruitment fairs. The proposed Community Engagement Vehicle’s primary purpose is to strengthen communication between officers and the public, supporting the Police Department’s community policing and recruitment efforts. The vehicle’s compact size and ability to be customized with branding, make it an effective tool to capture public interest and build rapport with the Signal Hill community.
The City Council will consider the approval of the proposed community engagement vehicle, and corresponding budget adjustment. Staff has identified that the vehicle make, model, and requested specifications is exclusively available at a single dealership in Southern California. In compliance with the City’s purchasing policy, the vendor has provided a sole source letter. The Police Department has also negotiated preferred pricing for a 2025 model vehicle. As a result, the timing of the City’s budget adjustment request is critical to securing the vehicle at the promotional rate.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 2 Community Safety: Maintain community safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness.
recommendation
Recommendation:
Adopt a resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET AND AUTHORIZING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
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Fiscal Impact:
The total purchase cost of the community engagement vehicle is $32,500. This price includes the purchase of the base unit and full customization with decals and police lights. The recommended action requires a budget adjustment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to increase appropriations for the Fleet Division, Vehicle Replacement Fund (Account 601-40-5842). The offsetting funding would be charged to the Police Department Community Outreach Division, Fleet Provision charge account 100-71-5590.
Background and Analysis:
Law enforcement agencies utilize a variety of tools to engage with the community and support recruitment efforts, often highlighting their department’s equipment and resources to attract potential hires and residents. In the early 2000s, the Signal Hill Police Department employed a grant-funded Pontiac, outfitted with the D.A.R.E. branding to conduct community outreach and display at public events. The use of the car led to an increase in engagement and provided the opportunity to share Police Department achievements and goals with residents.
The Signal Hill Police Department has sought a replacement vehicle to reinvigorate outreach and recruitment efforts. The 2025 Can-Am Maverick is compact, lightweight, and able to traverse land where a traditional patrol car could not be used such as campus recruitment events and activities in the parks and trails. The addition of this proposed community engagement vehicle to Signal Hill Police Department’s fleet would be a unique opportunity to generate a high-profile presence at recruitment and public-facing events. The vehicle specifications may be found in Attachment A.
Staff determined that the vehicle make, model, and requested specifications are only available at a single dealership in Southern California. A sole source letter has been provided by the vendor in accordance with the City’s purchasing policy (Attachment B).
Staff recommends the City Council approve the purchase and the corresponding Budget Amendment to acquiring the vehicle (Attachment C). The Police Department is seeking procurement at this time to secure exclusive discounted pricing offered by the dealership. The make and model are considered a premiere vehicle of this kind and the offer by the dealership is both time-sensitive and subject to inventory availability.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Attachments:
A. Community Engagement Vehicle
B. Sole Source Letter and Quote
C. Budget Amendment Resolution
D. Exhibit A