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Jackson council directs staff to scope amendments to Flock Safety contract after privacy concerns
Summary
After a staff scoping report, Jackson's council unanimously directed the town manager to pursue amendments to the municipality's contract with Flock Safety, noting estimated staff time, existing camera count, and requests from public commenters to include contract termination in the scope.
Council received a scoping report Jan. 5 on the town's contract with Flock Safety, the company providing license-plate-reading cameras. Staff said there are currently 28 cameras in town and recommended limited staff time—about 32 hours spread across the town attorney, police staff and town manager—to research, negotiate and, if appropriate, draft contract amendments focused on privacy and security provisions.
The scoping report framed the request as a process item (not a substantive renegotiation at this meeting): staff would review the contract, conduct legal and technical research, meet with Flock Safety and the police department to ensure operational needs are maintained, and return draft amendments for council consideration. Staff estimated the work would take roughly 90 days if prioritized but noted the item was being brought forward shortly before the council's retreat and priority-setting period.
During public comment, Kurt Logan asked the council to include the possibility of contract termination in the scope of work and cautioned that similar camera programs have prompted legal challenges and privacy concerns in other jurisdictions; he suggested a deeper review than staff's 25-hour attorney estimate. Several councilors expressed interest in more education and one-on-one follow-up with staff before the work begins.
The council voted unanimously to direct the town manager to address amending the Flock Safety contract at staff's next opportunity. Councilors emphasized that the scoping direction is for staff research and drafting; any substantive amendments or contract actions would return to the council for review and public comment.
The meeting record does not include a roll-call tally; the item was approved by voice vote and staff will follow up with a timeline and an educational presentation when work returns to council.
