Mendota to install downtown cameras

City council discusses other projects

Kip Cheek
Posted 9/14/17

MENDOTA – The Mendota City Council discussed some downtown projects and approved several requests at its Sept. 5 regular meeting.

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Mendota to install downtown cameras

City council discusses other projects

Posted

MENDOTA – The Mendota City Council discussed some downtown projects and approved several requests at its Sept. 5 regular meeting.

Alderman Bill Hunt said a committee of council members and city officials met to discuss some concerns about loitering and other happenings in the downtown area. One of the conclusions was to install high-resolution domed cameras at strategic locations in downtown Mendota. Hunt said the purpose of the cameras isn’t to be a watchdog of people, but to have video available to view in case a situation occurs. Hunt added that the cameras are another resource to help keep the city a safe place.

Hunt said the city will purchase a mobile unit for the Mendota Police Department that can be placed at whatever location the department chooses and it will act as an on-site command center.

The city is looking into formalizing an agreement with neighboring communities in which their police departments will be available for mutual aid in case such a situation arises that the communities need police help.

Hunt added that the city will implement a two-hour limit on parked vehicles in the downtown area. The city will likely issue a decal to owners of vehicles who have residences downtown and those vehicles will be required to be parked in city-owned lots, but all other vehicles will be subject to a two-hour parking limit.

Finally, Hunt briefly mentioned that the city is inquiring about purchasing the building next to the old Waterfalls restaurant on Main Street. The issue will be discussed at the next council meeting.

Alderman Randy Morris read a thank-you note from the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce for the city’s assistance in purchasing Sweet Corn Festival brochures and the rental of portable toilets, and also the help given by city employees during the festival.

MAYOR’S REPORT

During Mayor David Boelk’s report, the council approved two permit requests.

The first was from OSF Healthcare Saint Paul Medical Center to hold its annual ‘Lifesaver’ Candies giveaway to promote Breast Cancer Awareness on Monday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Meriden streets.

The other request was from Mendota High School to hold its annual Band Candy Sales on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m.