Wells council addresses park vandalism, approves solar controls and reviews camera quote

Council members on July 7 discussed recent vandalism at town recreation facilities, confirmed a new solar installation for park irrigation controls and reviewed a vendor quote for wireless cameras covering the fire station, library, town hall and park.

A council member described a broken glass backboard and said staff are exploring options to replace it with plexiglass or new glass. "It looks like somebody could have jumped on the tetherball pole and broken through the glass backboard," the council member said, summing up the damage.

Another council member reported the town's solar system for sprinkler controls is installed and functioning: "We do have our solar system in ... and it works wonderful," the council member said. Staff said the solar controls were included in the current budget and can be pulled from budgeted funds.

The council reviewed a vendor quote for five wireless cameras covering the town properties; the quote amount in the packet was discussed during the meeting and some members raised privacy and maintenance concerns, noting local IT support and backup storage options should be evaluated before purchase. The council did not record a binding procurement decision at this meeting but signaled interest in moving forward after vetting cost and data-storage arrangements.

Council members also discussed better signage and using water-bill mailings to remind residents of rules regarding OHV use on town property and safety near children's play areas.