Public sentiment was critical, with privacy concerns leading the charge. Residents cited fears of mass surveillance, potential misuse of data, and conflicts with state laws designed to protect individual rights. The Chief assured that data was only accessible to a limited group within the department and was not shared externally, including with federal agencies such as ICE. Despite these reassurances, the community remained skeptical, with many advocating for the immediate cessation of the pilot and removal of the cameras.

The meeting also addressed technical concerns, such as the security vulnerabilities of the Flock cameras. Residents, including those with cybersecurity expertise, highlighted the risks these cameras posed, emphasizing that they could potentially compromise personal data and community safety.

The debate extended to the implications of the cameras on the town’s legal and ethical standing. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency in the program’s initiation, as many felt that the cameras were installed without adequate public input or approval from the select board. This perceived erosion of community trust was a recurring theme in the discourse, with residents urging the board to consider the broader implications of such surveillance measures.

In response to these concerns, the board voted unanimously to opt out of the Memorandum of Understanding with Flock Safety, initiating the formation of a working group to develop policy recommendations regarding LPR technology. This group, comprising various town officials, aimed to address the privacy and security concerns raised by the community while evaluating the potential benefits of the technology.

Beyond the LPR cameras, the meeting touched on updates from the finance department regarding delinquent property taxes. Efforts to collect these taxes resulted in substantial revenue, with approximately $2.4 million received in payments and an additional $600,000 in penalties. The board discussed further measures, such as advertising delinquent properties, to continue improving financial oversight.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the ongoing challenges with the town’s audit process. Delays in the audits for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 were attributed to issues with the auditors. A recommendation for a one-year extension with the auditing firm was proposed to facilitate the timely completion of the FY 25 audit, with discussions emphasizing the importance of maintaining the town’s bond rating and financial stability.

The board also covered updates from the Department of Public Works (DPW), focusing on budget processes and operational changes aimed at enhancing efficiency. A notable development was the decision to eliminate the DPW director position, redistributing responsibilities to improve fiscal management. This restructuring reportedly resulted in an operational surplus, potentially funding future initiatives.

Water and sewer operations were another focal point, with discussions on the complexities of managing these services and addressing new PFAS regulations. The board considered a pilot program to test different filtration media, estimating the potential cost of a new treatment plant at $30 million. Settlement funds from a class action lawsuit related to PFAS were also discussed, with potential revenue earmarked for future water treatment projects.

The meeting concluded with updates from the Natick Police Department. Chief Hick presented statistical data on service calls and initiatives, emphasizing the department’s focus on community engagement, mental health, and officer wellness. He acknowledged challenges in recruitment and retention, noting impending retirements that could impact the department’s operations.