BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WV News) — More than 120 new security cameras will soon be installed in Bridgeport after a purchase agreement was unanimously approved by City Council Monday.
Following an executive session, council members voted to contract with Advantage Technology for 123 Verkada video cameras and licenses. The total contract is in excess of $282,500 due to a contingency.
“There was no reason to buy cameras with the old system when we weren’t totally pleased with it,” City Manager Randy Wetmore said. “We started with 23 intersections we thought would be a good place for them, but to be able to change out all the cameras at once, we’d be able to have one system and it works easy enough that anybody will be able to use it if we give them authority to use it.”
Much of the behind-the-scenes work on making sure the system meets the city’s needs was performed by Deputy Police Chief Mark Rogers, Wetmore said.
Updates will be provided for the next 10 years as part of the contract.
There’s a possibility that security cameras could eventually be purchased by local businesses and become a tool for police in investigating crimes.
“The businesses will be able to become a part of the community with the camera system,” Councilor John Wilson Sr. said.
For installation, council agreed to an $11,968 contract with Cardinal Cabling.
In other news:
— Council unanimously approved a resolution allowing Wetmore, his successor or his designee to negotiate, enter into and executive sponsorship agreements at city recreational facilities.
City Attorney Dean Ramsey said the resolution expedites future agreements and does not violate the city charter.
Rates will be re-evaluated by council annually.
— Council unanimously voted to contribute $15,000 to Harrison County Senior Citizens Center Inc. to help with transportation expenses.
“We provide over 6,300 trips per year to doctors at various places within Bridgeport,” Senior Center Executive Director Beth Fitzgerald said. “It costs a lot to run transportation. We work by donations only.
“It’s very difficult to say ‘no’ when a senior calls you and needs to get to a doctor and doesn’t have any other way to get there.”
Mayor Andy Lang said city leaders are “very supportive” of the Senior Center’s efforts.
— Council unanimously voted to amend a December 2018 bond issue with Wesbanco Bank. The $40 million in bonds was issued to cover the cost of Bridgeport Sports Complex construction. Monday’s amendment approved an interest rate decrease of about 1%, Ramsey said.
Public documents show the bond issue matures in November 2048, with payments made each quarter.
You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
Post a comment as Anonymous Commenter
Report
Watch this discussion.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.