Medical Lake council approves surveillance cameras for parks, citing vandalism and safety

Medical Lake — The City Council on Sept. 2 approved a resolution to place video surveillance cameras at four city-owned recreational sites, saying the cameras are intended to deter vandalism and help deputies respond to incidents in real time. The council voted unanimously to pass Resolution 25 7 66 at the meeting. The cameras are intended to provide coverage of restrooms, playgrounds, beach and parking areas at Waterfront Park, Pioneer Park, Coney Island Park and Shepherd Field. City staff described the equipment as including panoramic units and pan‑tilt‑zoom cameras, a communications router, and lighting at Shepherd Field. Staff said recorded video would be retained for 14 days unless footage becomes part of an active investigation. City staff and Spokane County real‑time crime center partners told the council the county can host the system and integrate the city feeds into its existing video management system. "Cameras can assist in providing public safety and security by preventing or deterring acts of theft and vandalism, harassment, and assault by assisting in identification of individuals involved in that criminal activity on city owned or managed property," staff said in the council packet. The county will handle public‑records requests for footage coming from the hosted system, staff said. Supporters cited repeated incidents: closed or damaged restrooms, graffiti and thefts. Staff highlighted analytic tools that reduce review time for investigations — for example, software that can process a week of footage and return clips showing motion in a defined area in minutes. Council members asked for and were told that camera views would be masked or blurred to avoid photographing neighboring private property and that signage would be posted at park entrances. The city said the cameras, poles, power connections and first‑year licensing are estimated at roughly $64,400, and that a $75,000 capital project already in the current budget would cover the cost when combined with a previously discussed $10,000 for automatic license plate readers. City staff said some equipment and installation will be procured and installed by county partners under an interlocal agreement, with the county hosting servers on site. Councilors discussed contract terms and lifecycle planning for hardware replacement; staff noted typical camera lifespans of about five years and recommended budgeting for eventual replacement. Council members also asked staff to consult adjacent residents and property owners about planned camera placements and to verify that any private property views would be blocked in the camera configuration. The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with the locations, equipment and agreements described in the packet and directs staff to return with vendor agreements and final site specifics for council review. No additional formal conditions were appended to the vote. Looking ahead, staff said pole and power installation work can begin as contracts and reimbursement agreements with Spokane County are finalized, with the county assisting on procurement and installation.