Since my post last week about (mostly) the installation of flock cameras on Second Street (Kwik Trip) and Dallas Street (Dunamis) there has been some chatter of who authorized their installation and how they are funded. So to the best of my knowledge I can tell you this:
Whose decision was it to erect these cameras?
Chief Ambrozaitus. This was not a council decision. I only found out about these devices after they were set up. In fact, call me sheltered, but I had to do a little google search to find out what exactly a flock camera was simply to answer the question.
Where did the funding for them come from?
Chetek Police Department. Every fall CPD submits a budget request to the City Administrator. In tandem with the Budget Committee that budget, along with the other department's requests, the new year's budget is prepared and presented for full council approval in November. Chief Ambrozaitus did not approach the council for more spending authority than he is allowed so I assume that he decided that these were tools he needed and therefore purchased them out of his current operating budget.
Should he have informed the mayor and the rest of the council that he was considering installing them prior to their purchase?
It's true that the mayor is the technical head of the Police Department. Chief Ambrozaitus and I frequently discuss police matters so that I am reasonably kept in the loop. Having said that, I don't make it my business to tell Chief how to run his department. Given that this kind of technology is the issue of much debate these days should he have let me or the rest of the council know he was considering such a purchase is really a matter of perspective.
After serving alongside Chief for over ten years now I know it is his desire to keep the public safe and ensure our welfare. Some small towns are known for police chiefs who keep unspoken – and illegal – quotas on how many tickets he or she expects their officers to write each month. Chief Ron is not one of them. So as he shared at the June 9 council meeting he sees these cameras as a great tool to help keep our citizens safe. Besides, when several other municipalities in Barron County are already using them and their respective chiefs reporting to Chief how they have assisted them in their work he had good reasons to add them to our tool box.
The debate is real and reasonable
Honestly, prior to last Monday, I did not comprehend what a “hot button” item they are these days.
Google ALPRs (Automated License Plate Readers) and you are sure to find pros and cons to their use:
Thumb's Up:
They help police locate stolen vehicles and identify suspects
They assist with real-time alerts like Amber or Gray
Thumb's Down:
Privacy advocates argue that an untraceable, nationwide tracking system has been created that monitors everyday citizens without a warrant
Concern that law enforcement agencies will weaponize to track people engaging in peaceful protests
There strain on the annual police budget. It's one thing to buy the thing but then there's the annual cost of maintaining the services. (I don't know how much each camera cost but Chief did not approach council last year or any time this year for more money so it must have fallen within his current budget's operating expenses).
I suspect that none of these answers are going to be good enough for those who oppose their use. But some people asked and here are my answers offered in good faith. When Chief Ron says he's not “hunting” anyone I believe him and stand with him.
Now about the beach. As summer is here and Liberty Fest quickly approaches I am hearing from a number of folks who are anxious to know when the beach project is going to get done. Last Fall a new lift station was put in at the beach (a lift station is a wastewater pumping system that moves sewage or stormwater from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. It is used when natural gravity flow is not possible, such as in flat terrain or for buildings situated below the main municipal sewer line; there are several around town). It was the final piece of our new Waste Water Treatment Plant. That is not work we do ourselves. Rather, we bid it out and therefore are at the mercy of contractor's schedule not our own.
What's the hold up?
Winona Mechanical, the contractor, is waiting for Monarch Paving to complete the blacktop. After the blacktop is put down, Winona will finish grading and seeding the remaining area. That fencing there is not ours and there is legitimate concern of removing a contractor's fence without their permission. Public Works Director Justin Hutzler agrees with the rest of us that the beach area looks bad and should have been done a while ago. In his estimation, the remaining work will take roughly two days to complete. So like it or not we are presently in a “hurry-up-and-wait” posture for the time being keeping our fingers crossed that they'll get it done before Liberty Fest is upon us.
My guess there's more than a few of you that won't be happy with that answer but it's the best I can do for the time being. You can always reach me at my email chetekmayor@cityofchetekwi.us or at cell number 715-925-6078 (which is printed on my business card). Thank you for your concern about the town we all love. I do appreciate hearing from you even if you disagree with the opinions I express.
