YouTube video by The Dodo

Council reviewed a $250,000 grant application to buy two Skydio (Axon) drone systems for rapid situational awareness, jointly operated by police and fire; councilmembers pressed on costs (dock fees ~ $62,000/year), privacy safeguards, FAA/compliance and budgeting beyond the grant period.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency presented rules to allow drones to locate and recover wounded deer under narrow conditions, require registration of commercial operators (40 listed as of Oct. 13), and restrict use to non-hunting recovery scenarios; the committee gave a positive recommendation but members raised enforceability and fair-chase concerns.

A Scientific Reports study found that multispectral UAV imagery estimated key photosynthetic traits well within the same measurement campaigns

Council approved Resolution No. 2026‑102 to continue a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority task force grant supporting the drone as first responder program. Chief Kevin McCoy described operational safeguards, training, public flight logs and annual renewal structure; council questioned data retention, privacy and long‑term costs.