Depew board authorizes mayor to solicit quotes for park security cameras after divided debate

The Village of Depew Board of Trustees voted to authorize Mayor Kevin Peterson to solicit price quotes for security camera systems to protect parks and other village properties, after a divided debate about privacy, scope and cost.

The motion approved an exploratory step only: the mayor will gather 3–4 vendor quotes describing options for camera coverage, storage and costs so the board can evaluate proposals before committing funds. The authorization specifies the cameras are intended to help protect taxpayer investments in village properties, including the all‑inclusive West Dawson Playground and Fireman’s Park.

Several trustees urged caution. One trustee objected to adopting unspecified camera coverage and said residents should not feel constantly surveilled; that trustee warned the board would oppose moving forward without clear parameters and cost sources. Other trustees raised questions about who would monitor footage and where it would be stored; speakers referenced past proposals that used external cloud servers and said they preferred keeping footage in‑house where feasible.

Trustees emphasized the motion was exploratory and contained no immediate expenditure. Multiple trustees suggested forming a safety or parks committee or convening staff and police to help shape specifications. Trustee (speaker 7) said the mayor would be held to producing multiple quotes and options before any board decision about purchases.

A roll call vote recorded: Trustee Moretzky — Yes; Trustee Simba — No; Trustee Craft — Yes; Deputy Mayor Adolph — Yes; Mayor Kevin Peterson — Yes. The motion carried 4–1.

The board asked the mayor to return with cost estimates and proposed coverage plans for priority parks before seeking vendor selection or authorizing purchases.