The Village of Jackson Board of Public Works on May 26 recommended contracts to expand the village’s fiber network and install security cameras in public parks, a package of investments officials said will support surveillance, vandalism deterrence and other municipal services.
The board recommended approval of a $133,850 proposal from Midwest Fiber Network to run fiber to public parks, municipal wells and lift stations; members were told the fiber will primarily support new camera installations and will connect back to the village server. Separately, the board approved two camera proposals from Pros for Technology: $19,341.28 for Jackson Park and $12,800.87 for Hickory Lane Park, bringing the total recommended outlay for the agenda items to approximately $165,992.15.
Board members asked technical questions about why fiber was needed, whether cameras could operate on point‑to‑point wireless links and whether parks would offer guest Wi‑Fi. Staff said fiber is required to run the cameras reliably to the village server, that several park sites currently lack suitable power or trenching to support a camera and that additional proposals for the tennis/pickleball courts and the skate park may follow once electrical conduit or trenching options are determined.
When discussing the Jackson Park proposal, staff and members emphasized that some locations produced distorted images with current point‑to‑point equipment and therefore need fiber or power trenches to yield usable footage; they also noted cameras would help detect vandalism at the skate park and support coverage for community events such as Jackson Jams.
Next steps: staff will clarify a question about a quoted "240" term in the fiber quote (intended to be one‑time cost vs warranty/life‑term) before budget and finance review and will bring any follow‑up proposals for additional park locations as needed.
Ending: The board recommended moving the contracts to the budget and finance committee and village board for final approval.