FLOCK Cameras Approved
Despite a large outcry from audience members and extensive public comment, the Florence City Council voted 3–2 last night to continue using the FLOCK automatic license plate reader camera system. Councilors heard from multiple community members who objected to the technology, raising concerns about who can ultimately access the data collected by the system, even though the company has stated it will not share information with outside agencies such as DHS or Border Patrol. Florence Police Chief John Pitcher addressed the council, outlining strict limitations placed on how the cameras can be used, and noting that the Oregon Legislature is actively working to establish statewide rules governing license plate reader systems, including penalties for violations.
“And there is also part of the legislation that they are looking at they’re doing a civil penalty against agencies that don’t follow this law and also a civil penalty against vendors that don’t follow this law.”
Several audience members expressed support for the city council and the Florence Police Department, while still voicing concern about inviting a private company they described as having a checkered past to manage sensitive data about Florence residents, particularly at a time of heightened national distrust. Former educator Joe Matthews spoke in opposition to the system.
“Contracting with FLOCK who has repeatedly violated their own pledges about sharing information with ICE and other bad actors is not protecting the community, but actually putting them at risk.”
Echoing that concern, Councilor Sally Wantz questioned the reliability of federal agencies.
“However DHS and ICE are untrustworthy. I don’t want to give them any possibility of retrieving information from our cameras. it’s just a matter of time when they try to get into our FLOCK system. I don’t want to subject our citizens to that possibility.”
Despite the strong opposition voiced at both last night’s meeting and a recent town hall, the council voted down a motion from Wantz to immediately terminate the contract and shut the cameras off.
A second motion, introduced by Councilor Robert Carp, called for continuing the use of the cameras while closely monitoring the state’s regulatory efforts and complying with any laws enacted in the future. That motion was seconded by Councilor Mike Webb and passed on a 3–2 vote, with Mayor Rob Ward casting the deciding yes vote following roll call.
City Manager Evaluation…
Also at last night’s Florence City Council meeting, councilors released the results of the annual performance evaluation for City Manager Erin Reynolds. The council issued Reynolds a 3.97 out of 4.0 favorable review. While no pay increase was approved, councilors did authorize an additional 2 percent of her base salary to be contributed to her retirement fund. The council also addressed a Non-Enforcement of Federal Immigration Policy Resolution. Four councilors voted in favor of the resolution, which states that the Florence Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws and will continue to follow Oregon state law regarding immigration. The resolution also encourages state and federal elected officials to continue working toward solutions related to immigration regulation, process, and enforcement.
OCF Grant Cycle
The Oregon Community Foundation is opening several new grant cycles for nonprofit organizations across the state. OCF officials say nonprofits are encouraged to update their organizational profiles through the MyOCF system, which helps donor advisors and program officers better understand how organizations are serving Oregonians. Nonprofits new to OCF are advised to create an account at least one week before applying to allow time for processing. Upcoming funding opportunities include grants focused on Black student success, arts and culture, workforce training, parks and outdoor education, youth programs, and community development, with application deadlines running through the spring.