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Residents urge action on drones and surveillance technology; council points to FAA and police coordination
Summary
During public comment residents raised concerns about delivery drones, Amazon's program and privacy risks from license-plate reader systems; the council responded that airspace is under FAA jurisdiction and described local police coordination with Amazon during emergencies.
Multiple residents used general public comment to raise privacy and safety concerns about drones and surveillance systems.
Thomas Allen Gray asked what protections exist when drones fly over private backyards and raised concerns about impersonation of delivery drones. "What's stopping anybody from painting their own drone and making it look like an Amazon drone and flying it into my backyard?" Gray asked, urging council attention to airspace safety.
Logan Archer and other commenters addressed Flock Safety license-plate reader systems and the potential for misuse, including location tracking and data resale. Archer said the system can show detailed vehicle information and introduce a new signal-trace capability that could track phones while driving; he called for caution about expanding such systems.
Council members responded that the city does not have jurisdiction over airspace and directed residents with drone concerns to federal representatives and Amazon's feedback channels; they noted the police department participated in a questionnaire related to Amazon’s FAA permit and that the department coordinates with Amazon to stand down flights during emergency operations.
Residents also urged expanded recovery services and distribution of Narcan; the council acknowledged those requests and noted grants and land-bank resources under discussion.
