The Bolivar Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, Aug. 11 to discuss the ongoing issue regarding Flock cameras. In the last meeting, the city voted to look into ways to get out of the Flock contract and to discuss details at a later date. As of the time of the meeting, the cameras were still operational. The city police are no longer using the cameras, but according to the Board, Flock is still able to use them. In Tuesday's meeting, the Board discussed ways to end data recording from the cameras immediately. Alderman Dusty Ross suggested covering the cameras and seeing how Flock responded, citing that other cities have done similar things and not been met with backlash from Flock. Rather than immediately covering up the cameras, City Administrator Thomas Relford suggested they give Flock a chance to respond, rather than break the contract without speaking with Flock first. Relford also had an issue with ordering his employees to cover these cameras up, citing safety concerns and concerns with proper equipment.
The Board ultimately decided to send a letter to Flock, giving them a 48 hour window to respond to whether or not they permitted Bolivar to cover up the cameras. This letter will also include language asking Flock to immediately cease recording and use of these cameras. The Board planned to meet on Friday, Aug. 14 if Flock objected to Bolivar covering the cameras. However, Flock did not respond within the window, so the meeting was cancelled. Bolivar proceeded to cover up all cameras contracted through Flock by the city Friday morning. City employees safely covered up each camera with bags, ceasing recording.
The Board also continued conversations regarding the East Loop project. This project was broken down into four phases. Phase 1 is the construction of a roundabout on the Route 32 and Broadway Street intersection, with a cost to the city of 1.4 million dollars. Phase 2 is the construction of an intersection on Route 32 to Buffalo Road, with a cost to the city of 2.3 million dollars. Phase 3 has alternate plans, depending on whether or not MODOT agrees to include these plans in the Governor cost share, and if the board agrees. Phase 3 is separation of the intersection on 455th road and Highway 83, and if the Board and MODOT approve, the construction of the south roadway with a cost to the city of 842 thousand dollars. The alternate phase 3 is if MODOT grants the request to include alternate phase 3 in the Governors cost share, and the board approves, they will begin construction of the connector road between Buffalo Road and Sandy Lane, with a cost to the city of 1.2 million dollars. Phase 4 is to complete the design and acquire the right-of-way of the South Roadway and intersection, with a cost to the city of 350 thousand dollars.
This project will be started in the future, but the city is starting to look for funds and acquire grants to make this project feasible.
The Fire and Police department brought to the Board a proposal hoping to increase health and safety for the Bolivar community. This includes more training for drug/opioid overdose as well as new equipment. This proposal would allow all departments to be equally trained, leading to the best and fastest response to overdoses and other health events. The Board approved a purchase of 15 automated external defibrillators for police vehicles and fire apparatus for $30,000.
