Washington Council Approves Seeking Bids for Cameras in Parks

Washington City Council Monday night approved a motion to go out for bids on surveillance cameras to be installed at various locations in town, including the main stage, all-abilities park and Phoenix Park tennis courts.

Councilman Steve Sullentrup said the city owes it to taxpayers to try and take care of city property.

“We were fortunate enough to build a stage this year. We spent about $900,000 of taxpayers’ money financing it for the Chamber of Commerce and the Fair Board, and we built the tennis courts (at Phoenix Park) — a $1.4 million project ... I can’t believe that we don’t take a little bit of our money and put cameras on these buildings so we can prosecute (vandals) and the police department won’t have to run around looking for them all the time.”

Other councilmen were supportive of the idea.

There has been graffiti on the new stage already, Sullentrup noted, and someone damaged the grounds at Phoenix Park and hit a building.

Sullentrup suggested cameras at the main stage, tennis courts and the new all-abilities playground.

The Washington parks director will prepare a bid package and the parks commission will make a recommendation on the bids at a future meeting.

The motion was approved unanimously.