Susquehanna to re-bid for camera system

BY STACI WILSON

Susquehanna Depot is still looking to install cameras in the borough in an effort to catch people illegally dumping trash in the area.

The borough advertised for bids for a camera system; but failed to give prior approval to the advertisement – sending the purchase process back to its starting point.

Council has set aside funds for a base system that can be added to over time, bringing the cumulative pricetag to an estimated $20,000. It was requested the bids be itemized.

In previous discussions, council agreed that they wanted to place cameras on two known dumping sites; as well as on Main Street.

Councilman Dana Rockwell said he thought the system may be too costly for what the borough would get out of it.

Councilman John Hendrickson also noted his reservations, “I’m concerned people in this community don’t want to live in ‘1984.’”

But Council President Joe Varsik said it would not be the Orwellian ‘1984’ and said that many cities and municipalities have cameras. “This is to help our police force,” he said. “It’s not spying. We’re trying to make a safe community.”

Mayor Nancy Hurley assured council that police would not be monitoring the recorded material in lieu of patrolling the borough.

“If there’s an incident, that when (police) would take a look,” she said, noting she would not be in favor of the cameras if they would take time away from patrols.

Council voted to move forward, motioning to re-advertising for the camera system.

Throughout the Wednesday, June 8 meeting, several council members remarked on the amount of litter in the borough.

Councilman Roy Williams said the Dept. of Public Works employees make rounds in the morning to pick up trash. “It takes time away from other jobs,” he said.