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Council approves microchip scanner, orders a Simply Safe pilot and delays large camera buy pending grant results
Summary
Council approved installing a free microchip dog‑scanner, debated surveillance and door access bids, and authorized a low‑cost Simply Safe pilot at city hall while staff seeks Prairie Meadows grant outcomes before committing to more expensive system contracts.
Council members voted to install a free microchip scanning station provided by a rescue group and to pilot a low‑cost consumer security system while continuing to evaluate professional security bids and grant funding.
The microchip scanner proposal was resurrected because a previous motion tied its installation to camera placement, which had stalled. A council member argued the scanner is free and could reunite found animals with owners; the motion to install without waiting for cameras carried.
On a separate but related agenda item, staff presented three proposals for access control and video monitoring for city hall and the library, including a recommendation of Astro Security (local contractor) and lower‑cost options (Ubiquiti and consumer systems). The Astro quote included both upfront equipment and a monthly monitoring charge; several council members said the total five‑year cost exceeded current budgeted allocations and preferred to pilot smaller systems first.
Council approved a motion to run a pilot Simply Safe installation at one city location to assess notifications and remote monitoring capabilities, with a straightforward installation and cancellation option. The council also directed staff to wait for the Prairie Meadows grant award in June before deciding on a larger purchase or multi‑site rollout.
What was decided: Install the free microchip scanner; pilot Simply Safe at one site (city hall) with professional installation and review results before committing to a larger contract; staff to continue pursuing grant funding and to bring refined access‑control proposals back to council.
