Greetings Councilors:
Now that the electorate is aware of the Flock Safety camera fiasco; the Council is backpedaling to save face with a public process. Please: don’t insult us by spinning the words.
Let’s not forget: the Council approved the Flock Safety equipment purchase through the budget process.The horsie was out of the barn on 06/10/25, when the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget was unanimously approved.
Manager, Proakis signed the Flock contract on 09/11/25. Followed by a purchase order on 09/12/25. Full cycle of the authorization and purchase process.
During the Nov. 25th information update to Council, by Manager, Proakis; none of the elected representatives uttered a word!!! No questions; no answers.
A second update to Council was given by Manager, Proakis on 12/09/25. Council President, Mark Sideris, stated as follows:
- “…written policy for referral to Committee for public discussion…”
I bring to light the Budget Hearings. On 05/20/25, the Committee of the Whole met to hear from the Public Safety Departments. Manager, Proakis referenced the purchase of the Flock cameras. None of the Councilors offered comments! Watch the proceedings for yourselves.
Committee of the Whole – May 20, 2025 https://share.google/nv6gNT6zvZVjXrAzi
“Fiscal Year 2026 Budget – Page 106
Additional Budget Requests
• Funds $24,000 request for Flock Camera System for the installation of eight cameras throughout Watertown to enhance the department’s ability to successfully conclude investigations.”
Also, pages two and thirteen of the Police Dept. Budget Documentation (click here).
I offer as follows:
DATE SUBMITTED: December 5, 2024
0121052-520240 Flock Camera System $24,000/annually
“The Department wishes to engage in a two-year contract with Flock Safety at an expense of $24,000 annually to install eight cameras throughout the City of Watertown. The cameras are designed for placement at keys areas to support safety and investigative functions. Engagement with this program will allow investigators from our Department to access similar camera systems installed in other jurisdictions, region-wide. This access will enhance collaboration, information sharing and our Department’s ability to successfully conclude investigations”
Irrelevant of the good merits, associated with the cameras for public safety needs: where was the analysis by Council to safeguard all aspects of day-to-day life of Watertown residents, and those beyond? Inclusive of cybersecurity concerns; as sent to the FTC by two Midwest Legislators. https://share.google/h22SRDdgrESxSuvfj
Where was the oversight? Where was the Council’s commitment to the electorate? By virtue of a rubber stamp; the Administration seems to own the Council.
Best,
Angie
Angeline Maria B. Kounelis
Retired Watertown District A, East End, City Councilor
Angie, thank you for finding the initial documents that show when/where this process started.
And just so everyone is clear what happens here. Watertown PD puts up the 8 cameras in Watertown and now they not only have access to those 8 cameras, they have access to all the Flock camera’s in the region. This also means that all the police departments in the region have access to Watertown’s cameras.
It is completely enraging that at no point in the process anyone on the Council even ask the basic question “Where are each of these 8 cameras going to be put”