The Fresno Police Department is getting a new Skywatch helicopter.

Thursday, the Fresno City Council unanimously approved a lease-to-own deal for an Airbus H125 for $4.7 million, with another $2.2 million to properly equip the helicopter.

“It’s absolutely essential for public safety in a large city,” said interim Police Chief Mandy Casto. “We really try to use our resources wisely … we want to make good use of those (tax dollars).”

Helicopters help with police pursuits, missing persons, and more, Casto said.

The new helicopter, which could be in service in little more than a year, will replace one of the department’s two whirly birds — both have more than 20 years in the air.

The city will fly the helicopter from the Airbus’ facility in Columbus, Mississippi, to a hangar in Carlsbad to fit it specifically for Fresno’s needs.

Miguel vs. Lisa, One More Time

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias and Fresno County District Attorney have long had a war of public words. The sniping continued from Arias at Thursday’s city council meeting.

His remarks came with the council conducting a workshop on the Tower District Specific Plan. It turns out that when the item officially goes up for a vote on possible zoning changes, five of the seven city councilmembers may have a conflict.

The law allows conflicted members to vote, but only after a random draw is made among the conflicted members. At least one of the two would be allowed to vote, to create a quorum of four.

Although councilmembers did not reveal the reasons for possible conflicts, a city source said it had to do with owning property in the area.

City Attorney Andrew Janz advised the council to keep the workshop conversation to neutral or clarifying questions.

Arias proceeded to ask staff questions about the Tower plan.

“Well, I have a First Amendment right to ask questions, so I’m going to pose them, and if I’m in violation, send me to jail. I’m sure Lisa will be happy to do that,” Arias said.

Arias has taken several verbal shots at Smittcamp through the years. Smittcamp has investigated Arias for several complaints — from alleged assault to potential violations of the state’s open meeting laws — but never filed charges.

Mike Karbassi and Arias wanted that drawing at Thursday’s meeting, to allow constituents to speak to their representatives before any vote. Instead, staff recommended that the council place the item on the Oct. 10 agenda, hold the drawing, then continue the item to a future meeting.

City Council Notes

The Fresno City Council approved 7-0 a deal allowing online short-term rental company Vrbo to collect taxes. Last year, the city included short-term rentals as places that would need to collect hotel taxes. Now, Vrbo agrees to do so.

Also with a 7-0 vote, the city council accepted donation to purchase five automatic license plate readers for the police department. The donation comes from the Fresno Police Chief’s Foundation, thanks to a $33,500 donation from the Macerich Corporation, owner of the Fashion Fair Mall.

The readers will help solve retail theft crime. The police department will decide where the readers will go and they won’t be limited to around Fashion Fair.