City staff to pursue camera system consolidation and explore fiber options after security and connectivity briefing

City IT and operations staff described two separate, incompatible camera systems in use across city facilities and recommended migrating approximately a dozen to a single, newer Reolink platform to improve coverage and ease of use. Staff also summarized conversations about fiber‑optic connectivity as a longer‑term alternative to older microwave or antenna links.

What staff reported: Roger (city IT or public‑works staff) and a county representative reviewed the city’s camera estate and advised consolidating 12–15 cameras onto the Reolink system. Staff estimated replacement camera costs in the $200–$400 range depending on capability, and noted installation and configuration would be required. The case for consolidation, staff said, was operational simplicity: the newer system is more intuitive and produces clearer footage; the older system is “very hard to find replaceable replacement parts for” and yields low‑quality images in vandalism incidents.

Why it matters: Staff noted repeated bathroom vandalism and cited examples where existing cameras produced footage that was too poor to identify suspects. Improved cameras and a consolidated recording platform would give law enforcement and staff clearer evidence and faster access to footage. Staff recommended creating a line item for ongoing camera replacement and upgrades.

Connectivity discussion: Staff also discussed fiber as a long‑term connectivity solution. Roger suggested exploring trades or agreements with a regional fiber provider (South Central) that is expanding infrastructure in nearby areas. Staff contrasted fiber with options such as Starlink and older antenna systems and recommended a discussion with South Central about potential pole access or other arrangements to obtain fiber where feasible.

Next steps: The council encouraged administration to move forward with the camera consolidation as an administrative item and to contact regional fiber providers to assess feasibility and costs. No appropriation was authorized at the meeting; staff will return with cost estimates and potential funding sources.