Item 11: Downtown Security Cameras

[COSM_Admin]

Consider approval of Resolution 2022-71R, approving an agreement with Knight Security Systems, LLC through the Texas Department of Information Resources Cooperative Purchasing Program for the purchase and installation of security cameras to be placed in downtown San Marcos in the estimated amount of $73,015.10 and $8,048.64 for the annual service agreement and authorizing four additional one year renewals; authorizing
the City Manager or her designee to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and declaring an effective date.

 

[JHughson]

I don't see anything about funding from the downtown TIRZ for this project. Please advise.
I know these are cameras to record action downtown for which we will review footage if/when needed.
Do we have any assistance available to allow for real time monitoring at certain times?

 

[COSM_Admin]

Response provided by Chief Standridge:
TIRZ approved funding of $58,744. The remaining balance will come from end-of-year 2021 funds, as approved on first reading on March 23rd. The second reading is scheduled for April 5th, and if approved, the cameras will then be considered as a separate item.

Realtime monitoring was mentioned at the Council visioning session in January. Staff has followed up with the County and University. Both have provided that due to staffing, real time monitoring is not feasible. We will continue to explore this moving forward. Currently, staff does not have staff for real-time monitoring. At best, officers will be able to access live video feed from their mobile data computers. Dispatch is ideally suited to monitor, but they cannot given their staffing shortages and remarkable workload.