Redlands Covert Acquisition and Justification of Military (MRAP) Vehicle

A recent Patch  article  confirmed Redlands Police Department acquisition of a military Mine-Resistant Ambush Protectant  (MRAP) vehicle.  A previous blog discussed Redlands acquisition of this Military (MRAP) vehicle.  This acquisition was done in a covert manner without city council discussion or approval.   
 
City staff justify the legal nature of the military vehicle acquisition since there was no charge for the vehicle.   However,  the vehicle value was not included in the staff's legal argument.  City staff state "that   procurement regulations allow acquisition of such things as MRAPs without city council approval since the cost was under $50,000 according to Chapter 2.16.   Acquisitions of equipment having a cost to the City of less than $30,000 may be approved by the Finance Director or the City Manager; the City Manager may also approve equipment purchases between $30,000 and $50,000. In those cases where there is no cost to the City associated with the acquisition of equipment, no City Council approval is required by the City's Municipal Code. "
 
In theory,  Redlands' police department could militarize their operation with no approval or discussion from the city council.