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City approves radio-equipment increase; directors clarify camera-contract figures as surveillance tools draw scrutiny
Summary
The board approved an increase to a Motorola radio infrastructure contract and passed a multi-item consent agenda that included renewals for police camera and real-time crime-center tech; directors clarified that a recent camera figure cited by constituents combined prior appropriations.
The Little Rock City Board of Directors gave final approval to an ordinance increasing a sole-source service agreement with Motorola Solutions for radio infrastructure equipment used by the Emergency Communications Department to $238,781.88 (item No. 19). The board completed three readings and the mayor announced the ordinance passed on third reading.
Members also approved multiple items on the consent agenda related to public-safety technology and equipment. The consent package included a one-year renewal with Insight Public Sector Inc. for the Police Department’s camera-related services (not to exceed $77,500), a professional services contract for NICE Systems Inc. software (not to exceed $100,000 for an initial one-year period), and authorization to purchase replacement ballistic vests (TECO Safety, not to exceed $56,230.82). Those items were adopted as part of the consent agenda.
Director Antoine Phillips addressed constituent questions about media coverage that equated a renewed $77,500 contract with a $362,000 addition of 30 cameras. Phillips and the mayor clarified that the $362,000 figure cited by some residents represents the combination of the current $77,500 renewal plus funds previously appropriated last fall, not a new 30-camera purchase tied to the present action.
Director Joan Peck, Vice Mayor Weirich and others supported the consent agenda items, emphasizing continuity with previously approved technology contracts. No roll-call tallies of individual yes-or-no votes were read into the record; the presiding officer repeatedly announced "Ayes have it." The transcript does not record a formal public hearing on these camera or software items beyond the routine consent motion.
Ending
The board approved the Motorola radio increase and multiple renewals and purchases for police technology and equipment as part of the consent agenda. Directors and the mayor clarified public questions about past and present contract amounts but did not authorize any new, large-scale camera purchases during the meeting.
