A five-year contract with Axon for body-worn camera equipment was approved, addressing the police department’s expanding data storage needs. The current contract, signed in 2020, will expire later this year, prompting the need for an updated agreement. The new contract, totaling $59,796, includes 10 body cameras, unlimited cloud storage, and a plan for hardware refreshes every two and a half years. This ensures that equipment remains up-to-date and operational, supporting transparency and accountability within the police department. The cost will be budgeted annually through 2029.

The council also addressed an updated drug, alcohol, and cannabis testing policy to align with recent state legislation legalizing cannabis. The policy differentiates between safety-sensitive and non-safety-sensitive positions, maintaining cannabis testing for roles where impairment could pose significant risks, such as peace officers and firefighters. The updated policy provides clear guidelines for testing processes and employee rights.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the city’s 2024 accomplishments and initiatives, including the police department’s innovative “Lights On” program, which issues repair vouchers for vehicle lights to promote safety. Additionally, the city celebrated community events like the successful “Stuff the Squad” food drive and the fire department’s well-received holiday video, which garnered millions of views.

Discussion on road projects revealed that the 2024 street improvement project is nearing completion, with upcoming assessment hearings planned. Preparations for the 2025 project are underway, with construction anticipated to start in late August, focusing initially on curb replacement and drainage improvements.