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North Brentwood council introduces municipal security camera ordinance after lengthy first reading
Summary
At its May 4 meeting the Town Council conducted a full first reading of Ordinance 2026‑02 to govern town-owned public-space security cameras, specifying placement notice, 30–90 day retention with flagged extensions, no audio capture, MPIA compliance and limits on biometric use; the ordinance is scheduled for a second reading May 18.
Mayor Petrella Robinson read Ordinance 2026-02 in full during the May 4 council meeting, marking the ordinances introduction and scheduling a second reading on May 18.
The ordinance, presented as an "ordinance establishing and governing a municipal security camera system for the town of North Brentwood, Maryland," lays out rules for placement ("based on documented public safety needs"), public notice and signage, data retention, access controls and compliance with the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). It authorizes town-owned cameras in public spaces but directs the town to minimize incidental capture of private property. Retention is set at a default 30-to-90-day window unless footage is flagged for an active investigation or legal requirement, in which case extensions must be logged and justified.
Mayor Robinson emphasized balancing public safety and privacy during the reading and asked council members to ensure full public awareness of the ordinance text. "Prior to installation of any new camera or significant system expansion, the town council shall discuss the site at a public meeting and provide minutes regarding the testimony regarding the installation," the mayor read aloud.
During discussion council members highlighted several specific limits in the draft: a prohibition on audio recording, a requirement that cameras not deliberately target or zoom in on an individual without reasonable suspicion, and a ban on facial recognition or biometric technology without separate council authorization and counsel review. The draft also requires the town manager or designee to maintain access logs that identify users and purposes and to provide an annual, public report summarizing camera locations, access requests, privacy complaints and effectiveness metrics.
Resident Rachel asked how the MPIA compliance would work in practice if footage is retained only 30 to 90 days. Mayor Robinson replied that parties must submit MPIA requests before the retention period ends or the footage could be deleted unless flagged for longer retention.
The mayor said the ordinance was prepared with input from the town attorney and reminded residents that the introduction on May 4 was not an approval vote. The council formally introduced the ordinance (moved by Councilmember Jackie Morales and seconded by Councilmember Aaron Banes); the second reading and a vote are set for May 18. If adopted, the ordinance becomes effective 11 calendar days after adoption unless a different effective date is specified.
What happens next: the council will take public comment and hold the second reading on May 18, as required for municipal ordinances under the town's rules; residents may request copies of the draft and submit MPIA requests per the published procedures.
