Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council opens capital program hearing; members press for answers on proposed drone program
Summary
The council opened a public hearing on the proposed 2027–2031 capital program and postponed votes pending answers about a proposed two‑unit drone program; questions focused on privacy, data storage, permitted uses and operating costs.
The council opened the public hearing for the 2027–2031 capital program; staff said prior workshops and financing presentations had left no further edits but that council members could choose to vote on the 6th. Council members raised public concerns about a proposed police‑department drone program and asked for clearer policy and cost information before any vote.
"These are professional, not hobby grade drones," City Administrator Ben Swanson (speaker 2) said when describing the proposal, adding that two units would be housed in the detective unit and primarily used for search-and-rescue and surveillance in anticipation of arrests to reduce risk during warrant execution. He said privacy and retention policies would be clarified and that he would circulate answers in writing prior to the July 6 meeting.
Council members asked whether drones would be used for general surveillance, where data would be stored, whether there would be recurring subscription costs, and how oversight would work. The mayor said a county analysis of a regional real‑time crime intelligence center includes language restricting civil‑immigration enforcement, general surveillance, traffic enforcement and targeting by protected class; councilmembers requested that county policy be circulated publicly if appropriate.
City staff confirmed they would provide follow‑up information (privacy policy, storage and contract details, and whether operation entails ongoing subscription costs) and that the hearing would be closed with potential vote timing discussed for July 6.
