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Resident urges removal of Flock cameras near schools; city manager to convene camera committee and propose defunding
Summary
A resident told the council that Flock license‑plate cameras near schools intimidate undocumented families and depress attendance; City Manager Scott Merrick said cameras have been turned off since last October and proposed the camera committee review a recommendation to defund the contract via the budget process.
During the public comment period, resident Regina Freeland urged the council to remove Flock license‑plate reader cameras sited near schools, saying their presence intimidates undocumented families and can depress student attendance. Freeland asked whether the contract is holding up removal and asked the council to act to restore trust with students and families.
City Manager Scott Merrick responded that the cameras have been turned off since last October and that staff recently attended a law‑enforcement technology conference and met with LPR providers. Merrick said he will ask the council’s camera committee (two councilors) to review staff’s recommendation and then bring a proposal to cancel the Flock agreement by defunding the contract through the budget committee process. He noted the equipment is vendor‑owned and would be removed if the contract is terminated.
"How are we supposed to restore trust with our students and community as long as these cameras physically remain to intimidate our community?" Freeland asked. Merrick said staff will coordinate the committee review and attempt to complete the process within the current budget cycle.
