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St. Martinville council approves confidential review of City Hall surveillance video
Summary
On July 24 the St. Martinville City Council voted 3–2 to allow council members to review surveillance footage from dates requested by Councilwoman Carol Frederick, provided the review occurs in executive session and the footage remains confidential.
The St. Martinville City Council voted 3–2 on July 24 to allow council members to review City Hall surveillance footage from dates requested by Councilwoman Carol Frederick, provided the review takes place in executive session and the footage is kept confidential.
The action followed a focused discussion about who currently has access to the city’s audio and video recordings. Council members confirmed that Mayor Jason Willis, Chief Ricky Martin and IT Coordinator Lynn Leger are the only personnel who have access to camera footage at City Hall. Mayor Jason Willis said the cameras are not used for disciplinary action and that he has never reviewed any footage.
City Attorney Allan L. Durand told the council there is significant legal gray area around audio recordings and surveillance. "Employees must sign consent forms in order for video cameras with audio to be installed and signs must be posted informing the public," Durand advised, and he recommended that any council review of footage be limited by viewing it in executive session to reduce exposure.
Councilman Mike Fuselier moved — and Councilwoman Carol Frederick seconded — a motion stating that, based on information provided by Chief Ricky Martin and Attorney Chester Cedars, the council be allowed to view video from the dates Councilwoman Frederick requested in executive session and that the footage be treated confidentially. The motion passed 3–2. Yeas: Mike Fuselier, Carol Frederick and Janise Anthony. Nays: Jonas Fontenette and Flo Chatman.
The meeting record notes no formal citation to a statute or ordinance governing the council’s action; the City Attorney’s guidance about consent forms and public notice was the primary legal instruction on the record. After the vote, Mayor Willis adjourned the special meeting.
