City Council approves pilot contract for surveillance cameras with XIT in seven locations

The Solvang City Council meeting held on July 14, 2025, focused on enhancing public safety through the adoption of a new surveillance system. The council discussed a contract with XIT to install surveillance cameras at seven key locations throughout the city. This initiative aligns with the council's goal to improve police response and enforcement, which was established during their goal-setting session in March 2024.

The proposed contract, valued at $147,407.01, covers the installation of hardware and a three-year licensing agreement for the camera system. The pilot program aims to assess the effectiveness of the surveillance technology, with plans for potential expansion based on its performance. The council coordinated with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department to identify the locations for the cameras, focusing on areas with higher safety risks.

During the meeting, council members raised questions about the functionality of the system, including its AI capabilities for license plate recognition and the process for accessing recorded footage. The system will not be monitored live; instead, it will allow law enforcement to retrieve footage based on specific incidents or descriptions, such as clothing color or vehicle type.

The council acknowledged the absence of a current surveillance policy, which will need to be developed before the project is fully implemented. This policy will outline who has access to the footage and under what circumstances it can be reviewed. The council plans to address these considerations in future discussions.

The pilot program is expected to be operational by September 2025, with the council expressing optimism about the potential benefits of the surveillance system in enhancing public safety and aiding law enforcement efforts. The initiative is also in line with budget allocations set by the Measure U Committee, which earmarked funds for improving surveillance capabilities in the city.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance community safety while also recognizing the need for clear policies and procedures to govern its use.