Residents urge clearer sidewalk enforcement and rules for Flock Safety cameras; commission hears statue donation request

During the public‑comment portion of the meeting residents raised three distinct civic concerns.

Mary Gilmore told the commission she wants the police department and code enforcement to work together to keep sidewalks clear of vehicles and overhanging trees so students and walkers are safe as school begins. She asked the city to coordinate enforcement particularly in the week before school starts.

Elijah Chapman spoke at length about the Flock Safety automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) system recently installed on Highway 287. Chapman described Flock cameras as a private company operating a nationwide ALPR network and said the systems use AI, collect license‑plate and vehicle characteristic data and store it in a searchable database accessible by law enforcement. He acknowledged benefits in stolen‑vehicle recovery but urged the commission to adopt clear placement rules, access controls, oversight measures, and public reporting about any camera use. He cited U.S. Supreme Court decisions emphasizing limits on prolonged location tracking and argued these technologies require oversight to prevent abuse.

Joe Muirhead asked for direction on placing a donated statue honoring hometown Medal of Honor recipient Jack Columbus. He said donors and a 501(c)(3) would cover costs and maintenance and requested guidance on whether the city wants the statue and where it might be sited. The mayor and staff said the commission is interested but that there are hurdles; staff offered to meet with Mr. Muirhead to provide next steps.

The commission did not adopt city policy on ALPR cameras during the meeting; staff and commissioners acknowledged the issues raised and indicated they would follow up with staff research and potential policy options.