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| Typical Flock camera |
By definition, the Flock camera is an automated license plate reader (ALPR) system that uses machine learning to identify and track vehicles, capture vehicle characteristics beyond license plates, and alert users to matches against watchlists. The cameras are said to help solve crimes, reduce crime rates, and enhance community safety by providing 24/7 monitoring and alerts for wanted vehicles.
"That gives me the creeps a little bit" said South Ward Alderman Matt Sears referring to the 'big brother' type of surveillance that it could bring. "I'm concerned about the sharing of information, you know just surveillance, and privacy concerns in general."
"It's just more safety" said North Ward Alderman David Hummel as he responded that the Bates County Sheriff's Office already uses them and they for example, scan plates in parking lots and gather information often leading to arrests.
Cost of the cameras is relatively inexpensive, running about $3,000 per unit "Very reasonably priced" according to Wescote. He went on to say that all major routes into Adrian will be covered and those cameras will be tied into the network where suspect information is shared among police agencies.
Following the major storm that downed trees and scattered limb debris last week, a discussion was held regarding residents being able to dump brush inside the fenced area at the city lagoon. Water plant supervisor Tom Williams informed those present that DNR regulations prohibit anyone except city personnel inside the area, as well as dumping certain types of materials in general.
While Administrator Wescote is going look look into DNR regulations to find what might be permissible, other options were discussed including, obviously, finding another location nearby as some mentioned possibilities were too far away.
Wescote made the announcement that code violations can be made anonymously on the city website https://adrian.municipalimpact.com/ however, the city will be able to see who actually made the complaint. Having this information insures all follow-up can be done on behalf of the city, insuring clear communication for all.
Mayor Cunningham inquired about the status of the annexation process for Deer Creek, Wescote said that some minor discrepancies are being cleared up- otherwise the project is moving along as planned. Before the annexation could take place there will be more information made available to residents in both the city and Deer Creek.
Fire Chief Gary Dizney reported that Ronnie Dennison is the new EMA Director and is assuming the position well. Likewise, the new (used) EMA vehicle is in good condition and currently being outfitted with radios and other necessary gear.
Dizney also paid kudos to all other agencies who assisted during last week's storm that caused some major damage in town and out. All said, there were some very minor issues regarding radio communications with all the agencies and Dizney asked Wescote if there is any better way to quickly get messages to the public to which he replied that he will investigate all options.
In his monthly fire department report, Dizney noted that a very high percentage of calls for service are those assisting the ambulance with lift assists, falls, and similar. While the fire department does this to assist, the ambulance is actually responsible for the call. Dizney noted that due to available personnel, the fire department over the month of August missed making a handful of the medical calls but the calls were otherwise handled.
The auditor's report has been rescheduled to next month as the representative had to postpone.
Remember, the Adrian Board of Aldermen meet the second Monday of each month, 7 pm at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.