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Little Falls council hears constituent concerns about planned license-plate reader trial, ATVs and local rink funding
Summary
Council members reported constituent calls about a planned April trial of 'Flock' license-plate readers and privacy worries, along with complaints about ATVs/side-by-sides and a neighbor's criticism of hockey-rink spending; council emphasized the camera program is a trial and no procurement decision has been made.
Council members used the special work session to relay constituent messages and to coordinate upcoming strategic-planning work.
One council member reported multiple calls about the city’s planned trial of "Flock" license-plate reader cameras, saying some residents feared intrusive surveillance and one caller told the council "they were worried we're playing 1984." Another constituent with technical knowledge cited California’s experience with data access. Council members emphasized the trial status: the city will "initiate" a trial in April to evaluate the system and has not decided whether to adopt or fund the program beyond that trial period.
Councilmembers also reported complaints about all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides; the council said staff and the police chief had been consulted. In separate constituent feedback relayed to the council, a resident who lives across the street from the hockey rink told councilmember Dave, "you are wasting your money. Nobody goes there," reflecting local disagreement over recreational spending.
Separately, council members said a recent meet-and-greet drew stronger turnout than expected and asked colleagues to submit lists of issues raised to staff member Alex for consolidation ahead of the council’s strategic-planning session later in March.
No formal motions or votes were taken during the special work session; the chair adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.
