Council hears questions about Flock surveillance cameras; staff cite jurisdiction and cost limits

Council discussed whether to pursue Flock public‑safety cameras after noting recent press coverage about other Oregon towns. Mayor/Chair (speaker 1) explained Flock is a vendor that supplies camera systems and algorithms to subscribing law‑enforcement agencies and that placement often occurs on larger roads under county or state jurisdiction rather than small city streets.

Councilmembers and staff said the city currently lacks many productive install sites (several high‑traffic roads are county or state roads), and that any use of grant funds would require meeting grant conditions and potentially returning funds if the city declined the purchase later. The discussion ended with no motion to pursue Flock cameras; councilmembers suggested checking with the county or highway patrol on interest and noting the cost and operational questions before bringing the topic back.