By Brett Callwood
At the City Council meeting on the evening of Tuesday, June 10, Police Item 15A called for, “Execution of Five-Year Contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for Police Body Worn Video in the Amount Not to Exceed $681,072.94.”
The staff note read, “In September 2020, the Gardena Police Department entered into a second five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., which provided 90 Professional License users with AB3 body-worn cameras and online storage through Evidence.com. This contract, totaling $399,292.25, included two equipment upgrades, ensuring that officers had access to the latest technology to record public interactions. As part of this contract, the department has already received one free equipment upgrade.”
“At the time of the 2020 contract renewal, the department opted for limited 10 GB storage to manage costs effectively,” it continued. “However, after ten years of utilizing body-worn cameras, it has become clear that limited storage is no longer sufficient due to increased staffing, greater demand for video retention, and the necessity of managing community-submitted evidence. To maintain continuity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance transparency, the Gardena Police Department recommends renewing its contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. The proposed contract will increase the number of Professional Licenses from 90 to 100 in preparation for additional staffing.”
That item passed unanimously, with new Gardena P.D. Chief Todd Fox on hand to enjoy the vote.
Earlier, Item 12A called on the council for, “Acceptance of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 39th Consecutive Year.” With a motion not necessary, that was received and filed, as was 12C: “Annual Recruitment and Vacancy Report per Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, Government Code Section 3502.3.”
Item 12B called for, “Authorization to Lease to Purchase Five (5) 2025 Chevrolet Blazer Electric Vehicles from Enterprise Fleet Management with a Down Payment in the Amount of $310,789, and Monthly Fees Over a 60-Month Period in the Amount of $66,061 for a Total Requested Amount of $376,850.” That passed unanimously.
Item 13A saw the council approve a new batting cage, worded on the schedule as, “Approving Conditional Use Permit #1-25 to operate an indoor batting cage within an existing 5,677 square-foot warehouse located in the Industrial (M-1) zone located at 13008 Halldale Avenue, approve counting street parking toward the facility’s required parking per GMC Section 18.40.080.B.3., find the Project exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facility).” That vote was unanimous.
