City Council Hears from Public on FLOCK Cameras
At a special meeting of the Florence City Council held last night at the Florence Events Center, councilors heard extensive public testimony regarding the City of Florence’s use of FLOCK automatic license plate reader cameras. The special session began with an opening presentation from Florence Police Chief John Pitcher, who outlined how the FLOCK camera system is currently used by the Florence Police Department. Chief Pitcher explained the purpose of the system, the types of data collected, how long information is retained, and the policies governing access and use of the cameras. Following that presentation, the council heard public comment, the majority of which was in opposition to the use of the cameras. Speakers included both Florence residents and visitors from outside the community. Those speaking in opposition raised concerns about the potential misuse of the technology and the possibility that the system could be used to surveil residents beyond its stated purpose. Several speakers cited examples from other communities, including what they described as instances of inappropriate or unauthorized use of similar camera systems. Some referenced a situation in the Eugene-Springfield area in which a camera that had previously been turned off by city officials was later reactivated. After public comment concluded, Chief Pitcher offered follow-up remarks from his seat, addressing concerns raised by members of the public. His comments focused on clarifying department policies, oversight, and limitations on how the FLOCK system may be used. Those remarks were followed by a statement from FLOCK Director of Public Affairs Trevor Chandler, who addressed the council and the audience. During his comments, Chandler spoke to concerns about data use and privacy,
“We will not sell your data, it is your data, you own it, 100 percent. Which is very important. You own in period, we will never share it.”
Chandler went on to describe the operation of the camera system and responded to concerns regarding the previously deactivated camera that was later turned back on. He stated that the only reason the public became aware of that incident was due to FLOCK’s own internal investigation, which he said was disclosed as part of the company’s transparency commitment to the communities it serves. After the close of the special session, the council reconvened for its regular meeting, where councilors briefly discussed how to proceed. Councilor Beaudreau made a motion, seconded by Councilor Wantz, to delay a decision on the FLOCK cameras until the February council meeting and to turn the cameras off in the interim. That motion did not pass. A second motion was then introduced to continue the discussion during a work session scheduled for January 22nd, while maintaining the use of the FLOCK camera system. That motion passed unanimously. The Florence City Council is expected to further review the use of the FLOCK automatic license plate reader cameras during the upcoming work session.
New FRAA Website
The Florence Regional Arts Alliance has launched a newly redesigned website aimed at better serving artists, students, and arts supporters across the community. The updated site features artist profiles highlighting local creatives and their work, along with an improved system for registering for classes and workshops, including opportunities in painting, ceramics, fiber arts, and writing. The website also offers easier access to information on upcoming events, exhibitions, and programs connected to the local arts scene. The new site is now live at fraaoregon.org.
LIHEAP Dollars Available
The Lane County Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, has received its federal fiscal year 2026 funding after delays caused by the recent government shutdown. Funding for the program is about $1.2 million less than last year. As of December 10, 2025, the Lane County Human Services Division mailed LIHEAP applications to past applicants who are age 60 and older and to those receiving disability payments. Recipients are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Today, January 5, 2026, starting at 9 a.m., ten local agencies are accepting phone calls and online sign-ups for a limited number of LIHEAP waitlist openings. Officials say the waitlists are expected to fill within minutes due to high demand. Waitlists are scheduled to reopen February 2nd. More information is available at lanecountyor.gov slash energy assistance
