Residents press board on Main Street decorative lights; aldermen discuss park vandalism and camera quotes

During public forum, a resident raised concerns about several decorative streetlights on Main Street that have been out for years and urged the city to follow up with the electric supplier. Later in the meeting, public works staff and aldermen discussed vandalism at Lakeside and Country Club parks and said they are seeking camera and repair quotes.

A resident identified as Darren said there are “still 4 lights between Pinnell and here on Main Street that are out” and asked how the city is following up with the electric supplier (referred to in the transcript as Liberty). An alderman and staff said the supplier had been notified and was working to address lights, but the resident pressed for a clearer process and quicker follow-up when repairs are slow.

In department reports, public works staff said vandals had broken into restroom facilities and damaged doors at Lakeside Park and that parts to repair doors cost roughly $250; staff said they are seeking quotes for high-resolution, hardwired cameras and will coordinate with the city’s communications vendor. Staff also reported that seven lights at Country Club Park had been fixed and that additional cameras and cloud-based recording could preserve footage if equipment is damaged.

Council members discussed procuring high-resolution cameras that record to the cloud so footage remains available even if a camera is vandalized, and staff said they would gather quotes and pursue hardwired installations where feasible. The board also discussed the possibility of calling the special officer/juvenile-resource officer to review footage if vandals are identified.

The board did not take formal action on these items at the meeting; staff said they will return with quotes and recommended next steps for camera procurement and park repairs.