Title
Unmanned Aerial Systems - Drones
Description
This report requests the Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee recommend City Council authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to purchase drones and implement an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP).
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. UAV’s are a component of an unmanned aircraft system, which also includes the staff, software, and governance associated with its use. The deployment of drones has become a common capability of municipal governments and various public and private organizations around the world.
The City Manager’s Office created the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Work Group with 15 departments, to identify intended drone use cases across City departments. The group drafted an overarching City policy and a standard operating procedure template for all City departments. A key objective of the group is to ensure privacy and transparency issues are addressed within the policies and procedures.
Other Information
The City of Phoenix Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) will provide an opportunity to enhance the way the City of Phoenix serves its residents. The UAS IPP will advance the testing of cutting-edge unmanned aircraft technology for City use and further establish the protocol for UAS flight procedures for the City. The program will inform the City of Phoenix about the integration of unmanned aircraft systems in our daily operations and elevate the City of Phoenix as a leader in the use of smart technology solutions to improve the lives of residents. The data from the pilot program will be used to finalize a comprehensive plan that will include training requirements, standard operating procedures, and checklists for all city departments.
Staff is recommending implementation of the Unmanned Aerial System Integration Pilot Program (IPP) with Water Services as the initial department for a three-month pilot to begin June 5. The UAS IPP will allow Water Services to conduct flights once a week to test and explore drone usage to record the growth of vegetation at Tres Rios and observe the progress of various water projects. Information Technology Services will use the pilot program to explore how drones can assist in the regular inspection of radio towers and how the UAV can be used as a preemptive tool for early detection of possible damage to the towers. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will provide oversight and management of the program by tracking training, flights and ensuring risk management compliance using a portal created by Information Technology Services.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr., and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Information Technology Services and Water Services departments.