Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to discuss two main items: the potential implementation of Flock safety camera solutions and a continued discussion on a water rate increase. A presentation on the Flock camera system covered its technology, privacy features, and crime-solving effectiveness. For the water rate increase, the council reached a consensus to proceed with Alternative 2, which aims to increase fixed charge recovery for greater revenue stability. Additionally, improvements to the low-income utility assistance form process were announced.
Key Decisions & Votes
Water Rate Increase
49:00The council reached a consensus to adopt Alternative 2 for the water rate increase. This option focuses on increasing fixed charge recovery to enhance revenue stability for the utility, which has not seen a rate increase in nearly nine years.
Financial Matters
Flock Safety Camera Solutions
Discussion included the annual subscription cost of $2500 per camera (increasing to $3000 on April 1st) and a one-time implementation fee of $350 per camera. The police department proposes including 13 cameras in next year's budget.
Water Rate Increase (Alternative 2)
The council reached a consensus to adopt Alternative 2 for the water rate increase, which aims to achieve greater revenue stability by increasing fixed charges. This marks the first water rate increase in almost nine years.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Flock Safety camera price increase from $2500 to $3000 per camera on April 1st.
- Water rate increase ordinances: First reading on March 28th, second reading on April 11th, and a final vote on June 13th.
Watch For
- Potential inclusion of Flock Safety camera solutions in next year's budget (July).
- A 45-60 day demo program for Flock Safety cameras with no obligation.
Announcements
- The low-income form process for utility assistance has been improved, consolidating multiple notarized forms into a single form and offering free notary services at the city office.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding Flock safety camera solutions for the community
A presentation was given by Flock Safety representatives on their automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology, detailing its function, privacy measures, data retention policies, and successful crime-solving applications in other cities. Council members raised questions regarding accuracy, device durability, placement, and citizen privacy concerns.
Continued discussion regarding a water rate increase
Staff presented a new hybrid option (Alternative 1A) for water rate adjustments, alongside previously discussed Alternative 1 and Alternative 2. The presentation included comparisons of residential and commercial rates with peer cities and the financial stability implications of each option.