Title
An Ordinance authorizing the purchase of one Freightliner MT-55 LDV mobile command post specialty vehicle by sole source, and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related and necessary documents for the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri. (F&BC 11/2/26)
Body
Issue/Request:
The department currently lacks a dedicated, rapidly deployable mobile command capability and must rely on fixed facilities or improvised on-scene arrangements that limit coordination, communications, and workspace during major incidents and multi-agency operations. These limitations delay establishing effective command and control, reduce resource deployment efficiency, and constrain the ability to maintain secure, real-time situational awareness away from headquarters. A mobile command post directly fills this operational void by providing a self-contained, fully equipped platform that can be positioned at the scene to support unified command, enhanced communications, and organized incident management. Funded entirely through existing asset-forfeiture proceeds with no request for additional funding, the acquisition addresses a clear capability gap while remaining fiscally self-sufficient.
Key Issues:
A mobile command post provides the department with a rapidly deployable on-scene headquarters that supports coordinated response, secure communications, and effective resource management during major incidents, special events, and multi-agency operations. By enabling real-time command and control away from fixed facilities, the unit improves operational efficiency, officer safety, and the overall quality of public-safety services delivered to the community. The department will fund the purchase entirely with available asset-forfeiture proceeds and is not requesting additional general-fund appropriations or external funding assistance. This approach allows the department to acquire a critical capability while remaining fiscally self-sufficient and without placing any new burden on local taxpayers.
The Police Department and the City Manager seek City Council approval to use existing asset-forfeiture proceeds to purchase one Freightliner MT-55 mobile command post specialty vehicle through a sole-source process.
Proposed City Council Motion:
FIRST MOTION: I move to approve and advance for a second reading this Ordinance authorizing the purchase of one Freightliner MT-55 LDV mobile command post specialty vehicle using a sole-source process, and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related and necessary documents.
SECOND MOTION: I move for adoption of an Ordinance authorizing the purchase of one Freightliner MT-55 LDV mobile command post specialty vehicle through a sole-source process and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related and necessary documents.
Background:
The City will fund the purchase entirely with the available asset-forfeiture proceeds.
Section 4 of the Procurement Policy requires City Council approval to use a contract where the anticipated spend is $75,000 or more.
Impact/Analysis:
Acquiring a mobile command post will significantly strengthen the department’s ability to establish immediate, on-scene command and control during critical incidents, large-scale events, community outreach, and multi-agency responses. The unit will improve coordination of personnel and resources, enhance real-time communications, and support more effective decision-making under dynamic conditions, resulting in faster and more organized operational outcomes. By providing a secure and fully equipped mobile headquarters, the equipment is expected to increase officer safety, reduce response inefficiencies, and deliver a higher level of service and protection to the community. Because the purchase will be completed entirely with existing asset-forfeiture funds and without any request for additional funding, these operational gains will be realized at no new cost to local taxpayers.
Presenter
Travis Forbes, Police Chief
Recommendation
Recommend Council approval for purchase of one Freightliner MT-55 LDV mobile command post specialty vehicle, not to exceed purchase cost of $374,017.
Committee Recommendation
Committee Recommendation: [Enter Committee Recommendation text here]