SR 09-13-2011 3C~_
City Council Report
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Santa Afonica
City Council Meeting: September 13, 2011
Agenda Item: 3C
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Timothy J Jackman, Chief of Police
Subject: Donation of Police Aircraft to the Santa Monica Museum of Flying
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to donate the City of
Santa Monica Police Department's 1973 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft to the Santa
Monica Museum of Flying.
Executive Summary
The Santa Monica Police Department operated a Cessna,172 Skyhawk for over 30
years. In 2011 it was determined by Police department staff that the capabilities and
condition of the aircraft precludes it from future law enforcement use. Because of the
age and historical Police department use, staff recommends that the aircraft be donated.
to the Santa Monica Museum of Flying.
Discussion
In 1980, the City of Santa Monica purchased a Cessna 172 Skyhawk for $25,000. The
aircraft has logged thousands of flight hours and performed hundreds of aerial
operations in support of law enforcement activities. In 2011 it was determined by Police
department staff that the aircraft is no longer functional for future law enforcement use.
Additionally, the Police department currently uses a helicopter for aerial law
enforcement operations and no longer relies on the Cessna 172 aircraft.
Once it was determined that the Cessna was no longer needed, Police department staff
researched alternative means for disposing of or selling the Cessna 172. Due to the
Cessna's unique configuration, age and condition, there was no broker interest and
selling the aircraft was no longer viable. Subsequently, the Santa Monica Museum of
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Flying contacted the Police department to express their interest in acquiring and
displaying the Cessna 172 in the museum. Police department staff determined that
there is little ability to sell the Cessna 172 aircraft for revenue due to its age, unique
configuration and the amount of costs incurred with selling the aircraft, such as broker
fees, aircraft maintenance and refurbishment. By donating the aircraft to the Santa
Monica Museum of Flying, the City of Santa Monica will incur no additional costs while
concurrently maintaining a piece of history.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There will be no costs associated with donating the plane to the Santa Monica Museum
of Flying.
Prepared by: Carotin Larson, Captain
roved:
Timothy J Jac n
Chief of Police
Forwarded to Council:
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Rod Gould
City Manager
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