City updates downtown parking structure launch and public-safety camera policy
Summary
City staff said the new downtown parking structure will open to the public with free access and app support after a business-requested delay; officials also noted a police social-media update about surveillance policy and tighter state rules under consideration.
City officials told the January work session that the downtown parking structure construction is complete and that a public launch and announcement will follow, after businesses asked that implementation be delayed until after the Christmas village event.
The mayor praised the project team and described the structure as a public asset created through a partnership with a developer. He said the facility will be open for free public use and that the city will roll out the parking software and app and provide usage guidance at the state of the city address.
A councilmember asked about earlier outreach related to parcel-level surveillance associated with an inquiry from the Taylor property. The mayor said the city posted a public update on police social media explaining what the technology is, how it is used and the city's policies; he also noted a recent kidnapping case where the technology helped locate and recover a child. The mayor added that state statute imposes limits on use and that upcoming legislation may further restrict surveillance tools.
Council members also discussed trail funding and the Trails Foundation's role in leveraging funds for trail repair; officials said weather and logistics are constraining near-term action but that funds have been invoiced and partnership work is planned when conditions allow.
No formal action was recorded on the parking-rollout or surveillance policy during the work session; officials said further announcements and operational details will be provided publicly and in upcoming council materials.
