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Home My WebLink AboutReplacement of Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) - WESTCAM70/�-q 1) a-.4m- le-1. Council/Agency Meeting Held: o /.3e %47 Deferred/Continued to:- 2-Approved ❑ Conditionally Approved ❑ Denied 3 QG,Ys $DLo`'Ay City Cle 's Signature Council Meeting Date: October 20, 1997 Department ID Number: PD 97-017 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS =ern 00rn =�� SUBMITTED BY: MICHAEL T. UBERUAGA, City Administrator PREPARED BY: R. E. LOWENBERG, CHIEF OF POLICE Cz SUBJECT: REPLACEMENT OF FORWARD LOOKING I RED (FLIR) Statement of Issue, Funding Source, Recommended Action, Alternative Action(s), Analysis, Envir, nmental Status, Attachments) Statement of Issue: We are using a Thermal Imager manufactured by the FLIR Systems Inc. (Forward Looking Infra -Red). The unit is 20 plus years old. It was a reconditioned Coast Guard unit when we obtained it. It has been upgraded and repaired a number of times. In the past five years we have spent $40,654. in repairs to the unit; $12,426. in this year alone. The estimated value of the unit is about $25,000. in its current condition. We are having continuous problems and the expectation is that frequency of problems will increase. The unit is used for a number of things. The Thermal Imager or Infra -Red enables the user to "see" in the dark. Actually, it shows heat, not light, and provides an image on a video screen. We use it to find suspects who are hiding, but it has many other uses. It will detect a one degree difference in temperature. We can see levels inside storage tanks, find underground pipelines, see fires inside structures, see fuel leaks or toxic spills into the waters or harbor, search huge areas for injured persons or suspects in seconds (as opposed to hours), identify drug labs that produce heat while manufacturing illicit narcotics, etc. We scan the entire city while on patrol, looking for fires, subjects on our school grounds, apartment complexes, residential and business areas. In fact, the uses are innumerable. The technology used in our current Infra -Red is about 30 years old. Newer systems are available that provide better performance. After exploring the market, we have come to a determination that the system best suited for our uses is a new system from WESTCAM. The WESTCAM Model 12 was designed for use by a municipal helicopter. The WESTCAM provides much more than we have had with our old Infra -Red or Thermal Imager. One improvement is that it has fewer parts. The WESTCAM eliminates a multifaceted mirror that spins in a vacuum cavity lined with a sensor array to produce an image. By eliminating this they have solved what is the most costly and repetitious of our C-3 repair problems (scan motor cavity repairs can average $10k). It is new technology, proven over the past few years as a reliable system. The WESTCAM unit provides for many additional uses. It includes a four axis gryro stabilized system, to provide a better image, with internal tracking (gyro fix), 5x zoom, a computerized memory and video display. It is far superior to the FLIR product. The WESTCAM unit includes a four axis gyro stabilized ICCD color TV camera with all those same features plus a 14x zoom. This provides the city's helicopter with a whole new scope of abilities and duties. For years we have discussed the need to use the helicopter in the event of disasters, riots, earthquakes, floods, etc., to provide video to the EOC, Watch Commander, City Administrator, etc. This system will provide us this ability. We will be able to provide video tape of the situation within minutes from an on -board recorder. The system is also compatible with video down link technology. TROLL Technology, a subsidiary of WESTCAM, is able to provide live video from the helicopter to any designated terminal on the ground. The video link can be microwaved direct or through our local cable TV company, which is required to allow the city access. While the video down link is a system we would want in the future, it all must start with an airborne system capable of video. This system will do what the future is going to require from us. Our FLIR has again broken down. It needs a new motor which will cost around $1,000. and we are unsure if this new motor will correct the malfunction. In addition to its tremendous value in those areas already listed, the FLIR is an indispensable tool during emergencies such as floods. With the strong possibility of serious floods due to the current El Nino condition, the problems of our current FLIR makes this purchase even more critical. If the El Nino is as bad as some experts predict, this new FLIR can and will save lives. Funding Source: Unappropriated Equipment Replacement Balance Recommended Action: Approve the purchase of the FLIR and appropriate $174,555 plus $2,000 shipping from unappropriated Equipment Replacement Balance. Alternative Action(s): Do not approve the recommended action. REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION MEETING DATE: October 20, 1997 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PD 97-017 Analysis: The FLIR is an essential and necessary piece of equipment for the Aero Bureau to accomplish its mission, both in day to day operations and during emergencies. Environmental Status: Attachment(s): RCA Author: Ronald E. Lowenberg/CRP Document3 -2- 10/09/97 9:07 AM ATTACHMENT #1 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICA TION To: Michael T. Uberuaga, City Administratc From: Robert J. Franz, Deputy City Admini Subject: FIS 98-02 Purchase of Forward Looking Infra -Red (FLIR) Date: October 9, 1997 As required by Resolution 4832, a Fiscal Impact Statement has been prepared for Purchase of Forward Looking Infra -Red (FLIR). If the City Council approves this request (total appropriation of $176,555) the estimated working capital of the Equipment Replacement Fund at September 30, 1998 will be reduced to $670, 000. Robert J. Franz, Deputy City Administrator RCA ROUTING SHEET INITIATING DEPARTMENT: POLICE SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF FORWARD LOOKING INFRA RED (FLIR) COUNCIL MEETING DATE: I October 20, 1997 ............... ................................................................................... I ............................. ItN ................... ................... ....... ..................................... ............ Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Not Applicable Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable) (Signed in full by the City Attomey) Not Applicable Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc. (Approved as to form by City Attomey) Not Applicable Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attomey) Not Applicable Financial Impact Statement (Unbudget, over $5,000) Attached Bonds If applicable) Not Applicable Staff Report If applicable) Not Applicable Commission, Board or Committee Report (if applicable) Not Applicable Find i ngs/Cond itions for Approval and/or Denial Not Applicab e ...... ..................................................................................................................... 11 .................. ........................ ......................... ........... ....I......... TIONTORIMISSING:ATTACHMENTS............... ........... ......................................................... ..................... RETURNED ............... .............. .... .......... ........................... .............. Administrative Staff Assistant City Administrator (initial) City Administrator (Initial) Citv Clerk .......... w w RRETURN::: F:ITEM;:::;:........ :EXPLANATIOWPO' .... * .......... ..... .....*.......... . ..... .................. ....................... .......... ............... RCA Author: