2007-08-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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13 OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Norris noted that the Rutherford Institute, a civil liberties association, sent a letter to Council about the proposed surveillance cameras, cautioning Council on the use of such cameras, and offering assistance in drafting legal guidelines to assure constitutional rights are preserved. He said he hopes we take them up on their offer. Mr. Lynch said he thinks we need policies in place before we go out to bid on security cameras. He said we need to be clear about how information will be used. He said he thinks it is problematic to go forward with a bid. Mr. Taliaferro said he thinks we should take advantage of the offer by the Rutherford Institute. Mr. Lynch asked where are we in developing options, drafting guidelines, etc. Mr. O’Connell said it is expected to take 60 days to research what other localities are doing. He recommended that staff bring a package back. Mr. Lynch asked if this would be done prior to putting it out to bid. Mr. O’Connell said no, it would be a comprehensive package that could be implemented and discussed. He said he will be glad to take it to the Rutherford Institute. He said the intent is that they be used for law enforcement purposes. He said unless he hears otherwise from the majority of Council, staff will come back with a package, including the number of cameras, locations, and cost, with a target of 60 days. Mr. Lynch said he feels strongly that a policy package should be in place before we go to bid. He said we need to give the public assurances. He said the policy should inform the bid. Ms. Hamilton said she thinks Mr. Lynch makes a good point. She said the policy does impact the bid. Mr. Norris said another option is to work with private business owners to enhance their security cameras. Mr. Taliaferro said he is okay with determining what we are going to do before we buy. Dr. Brown said he is skeptical about whether to buy cameras at all. He said he would like to see crimes where cameras would have aided the police. He said he would like a fuller discussion on the policies before consideration of a system. Mr. Norris said we need a menu of choices. Mr. O’Connell said the intent is to come back with appropriate systems, but before staff time is spent on it he will bring it back to Council. He noted that this will slow the process down. Dr. Brown said that some cities are stopping their governments from using small disposable water bottles because of the amount of energy it takes to make them. He said Charlottesville could set an example by doing the same. He said Council could either discuss this or we could have the Environmental Sustainability Committee discuss it. Mr. Norris suggested having the Environmental Sustainability Committee discuss it. Ms. Hamilton said she has had questions about the City’s youth curfew from the public.