The details
Town staff communicated with MCA, its contracted security camera monitoring company, to request pricing for a camera system to be installed at Unity Park for its ball fields and facilities.
Public Works Director Bobby Johnston told council at an Aug, 19 workshop that there were “recent issues” going on at the park, though he did not specify what those issues were. A council memo also mentioned “occurrences” at the park.
Johnston told council that staff looked at purchasing cameras that would face toward doors, such as roll-up, restroom and walk-in doors. No action was taken.
In an email to Community Impact, Johnston said a small fire occurred at the storage unit at Unity Park that Denton County Emergency Services 1 crews contained quickly. The fire caused minimal damage, and no cause to the fire has been determined, he said. Minimal repair costs are expected for the damage.
Zooming in
Johnston mentioned two different prices to council. With there being no internet service on site, MCA has quoted a standalone system with three cameras in the amount of $8,213.50 that would be at the concession stand building and would have a link-up with the batting cage facility that also holds the restrooms. With this service, there is a $55 monthly fee that covers any repair or replacement of the equipment the company installs. This price does not include the underground conduit staff would have to install from the concession building to the batting cage, a council agenda memo states.
The council agenda memo stated another option is purchasing and installing the town’s own system with up to eight cameras for a total price of $2,643.94, the agenda memo states. If live monitoring is needed/wanted, staff would have the option to purchase a Wi-Fi hot spot from the town’s cell provider to work with either system. This price would not cover replacement and repairs.
What they’re saying
Council supported Johnston searching for a security system at the park.
“I think it’s a public space and ... a community gathering space, so I do think security cameras are a good idea to have set up there,” council member Cynthia Hermann said. “I’m surprised that there aren't any in there already.”
Council member Ron Schmidt said there is a sense of urgency in acquiring the security system, but he appreciates Johnston was shopping around to get the best deal.
