The Flock camera system will soon be installed in multiple locations around Leitchfield.
The Leitchfield City Council on Monday night unanimously approved Mayor Harold Miller signing a two-year contract to purchase nine cameras at a cost of $65,250, which includes the installation of the cameras, maintenance fees and software maintenance.
It’s possible that the cost of the camera installations could decrease because of existing suitable poles on which the cameras will be mounted, Leitchfield Police Chief David Riley said. Officials believe the six existing poles could save the city about $6,000.
The city of Elizabethtown had 20 Flock cameras installed in February 2023. The camera system, according to Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson, a 26-year law enforcement veteran, is an important part of his department’s investigative arsenal.
“Of all the years I’ve been doing this, I can’t think of a better piece of technology, a more game-changing piece of technology that what Flock has done for law enforcement,” Thompson told The News-Enterprise in a November 2023 interview, found here (paywall). “It gives us actionable intelligence in real time on what’s going on in our city when it comes to criminal behavior.”
Other business
The council entered an Executive Session that lasted an hour and seventeen minutes where a possible land purchase, pending litigation and an appointment to the Utilities Commission were discussed.
Upon emerging from the private session, City Attorney Earlene Wilson said litigation filed against the city was dismissed last week. She stated, regarding the possible land purchase, that the city would be “moving forward on that,” without offering further details.
The council also discussed Leitchfield business-owner Kevin Pharis replacing current Utilities Commission member Greg Bernard, whose term expires on February 28.
Miller noted that Pharis has previously served on the Utilities Commission and also worked for Leitchfield Utilities.
“So, he has a ton of experience … I think the experience that Kevin has will be very beneficial to the Utilities Commission,” Miller said.
The mayor also praised Bernad, saying “he has been a benefit to the commission.” And Bernard leaving the commission is “kind of a business decision.”
The council unanimously approved appointing Pharis to the commission.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
