Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSecurity Camera Purchase for the Mounds View Community Center 2-14-2005Item No. 8E Meeting Date: February 14, 2005 Type of Business: CA WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing; CA: Consent Agenda; CB: Council Business City Administrator Review _______ City of Mounds View Staff Report         To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Greg Lee, Director of Public Works Item Title/Subject: Resolution 6458 Approving the Purchase of Security Surveillance Cameras for the Mounds View Community Center Background: In 2002, due to concerns about vandalism, theft, disorderly conduct and other issues at the Mounds View Community Center, Staff was asked to explore options involving installation of video monitoring equipment. On March 25, 2002, the City Council approved Resolution No. 5723 authorizing the purchase of video surveillance equipment at the Mounds View Community Center. A contract in the amount of $6,636.00 was awarded to Electronic Security Specialists. The contract included four cameras (1 color, 3 B&W), and a digital video recording system with two monitors. The contract also included installation and all of the necessary supplies and training. The system was installed in May of 2002. Discussion: The security surveillance system at the Mounds View Community Center has been an asset to the City. It has first, and foremost, proven to be a deterrent to a variety of behavioral problems at the center. It has also provided the City a means to identify the sources and or causes of these problems. Mechanically the system has functioned without failure since its installation three years ago and has proven to be reliable and cost effective. There are some shortcomings to the current security surveillance system. The four-camera system works well for the areas that it covers. However, there are vital areas that are not covered. Currently, two cameras are mounted in the gymnasium. This has proven to be adequate for that space. The remaining two cameras are located in the large main commons area and the recreation area. With only two cameras to cover these large areas, including hallways and the front desk, has proven to be problematic. There have been several instances of individuals crawling or jumping over the desk and stealing personal articles, money and electronic gear i.e.; microphones and two way radios. There have also been occurrences of fighting and general unsuitable behavior in these areas where camera overage is lacking. Staff has tried to make adjustments with the camera angles and locations but we are just not able to cover the areas properly. The YMCA Advisory Committee has discussed this issue on several occasions. The general consensus and recommendation of the Committee is to provide the necessary camera coverage to these problem areas. Staff contacted the original installer, Electronic Security Specialists, and requested that they review the current system to maximize its coverage and effectiveness and to provide consultation on solutions to the current lack of camera coverage The recommendation was to provide four additional cameras (two color and two black and white), a camera dome for the hallway camera, and required mounting brackets. The current surveillance system is capable of running several more cameras; therefore no additional equipment is needed. This proposal would place one color camera behind the desk pointed towards the lobby entryway. This would be a higher resolution camera and would be a real asset to identifying suspects/subjects. The other color camera would be placed in the recreation area, covering the vending machine area. The remaining two black and white cameras would be placed in the main commons areas. The addition of these cameras would allow surveillance of personnel approaching the desk and activities occurring in the hallways and commons area. It would also provide surveillance of the front office and the cash register. There is normally only one employee on duty in the evening. With the addition of these cameras we would be creating a safer environment for both employees and patrons. It is recommended that the City contract with Electronic Security Specialists in the estimated amount of $1,764.71, including tax ($1,657.00 contract amount + 6.5% tax), for the purchase and installation of the four additional cameras. The funds for this purchase would be derived from the capital equipment account of the Community Center Building Overhead Fund (account 252-4350-7030). The 2005 Budget should also be revised to accommodate this expenditure. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve a contract award with Electronic Security Specialists in the estimated amount of $1,764.71 for the purchase and installation of four security surveillance cameras for the Mounds View Community Center. Respectfully Submitted, Greg Lee, Director of Public Works RESOLUTION NO. 6458 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF SECURITY SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS FOR THE MOUNDS VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER WHEREAS, on March 25, 2002, the City Council approved Resolution No. 5723 authorizing the purchase of video surveillance equipment at the Mounds View Community Center; and WHEREAS, the system has functioned without failure since its installation three years ago and has proven to be reliable and cost effective; and WHEREAS, there are some shortcomings to the current security surveillance system in regards to the coverage provided by only four cameras thus creating problem areas; and WHEREAS, the YMCA Advisory Committee has discussed this issue on several occasions and reached a general consensus to recommend that the City provide the necessary camera coverage to these problem areas; and WHEREAS, it is recommended that the City contract with Electronic Security Specialists in the estimated amount of $1,764.71, including tax, for the purchase and installation of the four additional; and WHEREAS, the funds for this purchase would be derived from the capital equipment account of the Community Center Building Overhead Fund (account 252-4350-7030); and WHEREAS, the 2005 Budget should also be revised to accommodate this expenditure; and WHEREAS, the City Charter, Section 7.08 gives the City Council authority to amend the budget by resolution. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT the Mounds View City Council does hereby approve a contract award with Electronic Security Specialists in the estimated amount of $1,764.71, including tax, for the purchase and installation of the four additional security surveillance cameras for the Mounds View Community Center. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2005 Budget of the capital equipment account of the Community Center Building Overhead Fund (account 252-4350-7030) be amended to increase appropriations by $1,764.71 for the purchase of said security surveillance cameras. Adopted this 14th day of February 2005. (ATTEST) ____________________________________ Rob Marty, Mayor (SEAL) ____________________________________ Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator