City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ Donation (from CityCenter) of Cameras and Devices Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Chairman Levy called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Present were Committee Members Michael Coelho and Duane Perkins. From the City were Matthew Cassavechia, Director of Emergency Management; Rick Gottschalk, Corporation Counsel/Outside Counsel; Mark Sturdevant, Deputy Chief of Police, and Veera Karukonda, Traffic Engineer. Also present were Ex-Officio members; Paul Rotello, Emile Buzaid, and Ben Chinaese. Present from the public were Charlie Setaro, and Tom Brown. Mr. Cassavechia provided an overview of the CityCenter donation and the initial discussions regarding the use of the City’s fiber-optic networking for new cameras. CityCenter and the City agreed that a donation of $100,000 would pay for the cameras that would use the City’s fiber-optic network to monitor downtown, and that the City would own the cameras and devices purchased with the monies. Mr. Sturdevant clarified that the camera system would be used by the Traffic Department but could be viewed by the Police Department when needed. Mr. Cassavechia noted that they could be used for an emergency situation as well. Councilman Levy asked for clarification about the type of donation (funds or items). Mr. Cassavchai clarified that he is anticipating that the City will purchase the cameras using the donated funds. Mr. Gottschalk noted that this will be a donation from our special tax district and that he does not believe there is a conflict because CityCenter is able to generate funds, and the board has approved the donation of these funds to the City; all actions that are within the statute. He asked if there are supplemental funds collected for by CityCenter. Mr. Levy noted that the CityCenter budget did include funding for security initiatives. Councilman Perkins asked if downtown business owners were included in the board’s vote to donate these funds. He asked for the count of cameras being donated. Mr. Karukonda clarified that cameras currently exist but are not functioning due to their exposure to weather and use for 30 years. He noted that the new cameras will be using the existing infrastructure. Councilman Perkins asked for the location of the new cameras. Mr. Levy noted that the request explains that the donation will augment the annual budget that was already approved by the council and includes security upgrades. Councilman Perkins asked about the use of the fiber-optics. Mr. Karukonda explained that there is functioning fiber-optics but that grants will fund more in the near future. He noted that traffic monitoring devices exist and are accessible in Traffic Engineering and by the Department of Emergency Management. Councilman Levy explained that the existing fiber-optic system was installed about 20 years ago, and discussed the need for traffic control dues to growth in the City. Mr. Chianese asked about the role of Traffic Control. Councilman Coelho asked about labor and install costs for the cameras. Mr. Cassavechia clarified that it would have been cost prohibitive for CityCenter to create their own fiber-optic network for the cameras which is why the City was approached to partner for the project. Councilman Coelho asked about the existing system’s ability to run the ten new cameras and how locations are picked. Mr. Cassavechia explained that CityCenter and the City will work together to pick locations. Mr. Sturdevant confirmed that the cameras could be used for investigations if needed. Mr. Buzaid asked about the types of cameras that are being discussed. Mr. Karukonda explained that they are for operational use and monitoring of traffic. Councilman Perkins asked about the movement features of the new cameras. Mr. Rotello asked about CityCenter’s need for traffic control and his concerns about surveillance of the public. He noted that the public should have a say in the use of the cameras and asked that a representative from CityCenter be present at the Council meeting for questions. Mr. Levy asked about backup of the videos. Mr. Cassavechia explained that the cameras are for traffic control and for emergency needs and monitoring.  A motion made by Councilman Coelho, and seconded by Chairman Levy, to accept the donation from CityCenter for Cameras and Devices as described in the communication at the last Council meeting. 2 Yes, 1 Abstention (Perkins). The motion carried. Councilman Perkins noted that his abstention is due to his unanswered questions regarding new communication systems, and the need for a CityCenter representative to answer his questions. A motion was made by Chairman Perkins, and seconded by Councilman Coelho, to adjourn. The motion carries unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Warren Levy, Chair Michael Coelho Duane Perkins