Kennard council approves $2,546 purchase of six 4K security cameras

The Kennard Town Council voted to buy six 4K security cameras at a total cost of $2,546 during its July meeting, approving a motion by the Chair after a second and a recorded vote that showed two in favor, zero opposed and one abstention.

The council considered two options to replace six nonworking cameras: a 2K package or a 4K package. Clerk (speaker labeled Clerk) summarized the vendor quote, which included the cameras plus labor, wiring and programming, and told the council the upgrade would reduce image-storage duration unless additional storage is added. "We currently have 6 broken cameras," the Clerk said when introducing the options, and later recommended the better system if the town planned to rely on footage for investigations.

Chair moved the purchase, saying, "Go ahead and get those 6 4K cameras at $2,546." The fire department representative seconded the motion and the council approved it. Council members discussed storage capacity and learned footage is retained about four months on a local hard drive; adding more cameras will reduce that retention unless additional storage is installed.

Clerk and Chair discussed whether to fund the higher-quality system now or buy lower-resolution units and upgrade later. The Clerk noted the quoted cost included installation and programming, which explained much of the price difference between consumer listings and the quote. The council did not specify a funding source during the vote, but participants referenced the town's safety fund as available for public-safety purchases.

The purchase was the only formal procurement vote recorded on the agenda; staff were directed to process the invoice and move forward with installation.