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Clermont council weighs police vehicle losses, maintenance shortfall and potential surveillance camera purchase
Summary
Council discussed recent police activity that led to shutdown of a disruptive block party, multiple traffic citations, and a crash that may total the chief’s vehicle; councilors were warned police vehicle maintenance funds are low and discussed a possible $3,500 portable surveillance camera for problem areas, with no purchase vote taken.
Councilor Frank Lemaire briefed the Clermont Town Council on April 16 about public-safety incidents and equipment needs following a busy period for local officers.
Lemaire said officers shut down a block party near the Crawfordsville Road strip mall after a group of car enthusiasts, the Indy Street Sweepers, caused traffic disruptions. The department issued multiple citations for motorists failing to stop for school buses. Lemaire also reported that Chief Dulworth was sideswiped April 9 while driving to a training seminar and that "his vehicle may be totaled," leaving the department one fewer patrol vehicle to manage. The council discussed at length how the chief could manage with one fewer working vehicle; the transcript records the department has six police vehicles including the damaged unit.
Clerk-Treasurer Larry Beiter told the council the Police Vehicle Maintenance budget is running low and will likely need an additional appropriation. Councilors discussed the potential budget impact, including the prospect that the damaged vehicle may be declared a total loss.
On surveillance technology, Councilor Lemaire described evaluating a portable surveillance camera estimated at about $3,500 to deter drivers from spinning tires and damaging road surfaces near the cemetery; Attorney Bob Lutz and council members discussed legal and operational implications and asked for a more detailed cost estimate before any vote. Lemaire noted a resident volunteer offered to assist with installation.
No purchase motion was made; the council requested further cost and legal analysis before considering procurement.
Why it matters: the department’s reduced fleet and low maintenance funds may affect patrol capacity and response. Councilors signaled willingness to explore technology and funding options but sought more detail before committing taxpayer funds.
