Security system, plaza, wastewater storage on city’s stimulus wish list

NEWMAN – City leaders are hoping the federal stimulus bill picks up the tab to install high-definition security cameras which would keep watch over downtown Newman.

The camera system is one of three items on the city’s stimulus wish list. City Manager Michael Holland said the city is also seeking federal money for a $3 million wastewater storage project, and for full funding of the city’s downtown plaza. The city has already been allocated $300,000 in stimulus funding for the plaza through the Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG).

Downtown cameras have been discussed in the past, but had no readily-available funding source.

City officials hope to land $150,000 in federal money to install the system, which Holland and Police Chief Adam McGill said would offer numerous benefits.

“We look at the advantages as being several,” Holland explained. “It enhances police officer safety, and it creates a safer environment for citizens downtown.”

Officers would be able to monitor downtown activity from the police station or from their patrol cars through the wireless video feed.

“They would have real-time information in their cars, so they could see what was happening downtown. It would be an asset for the business owners to know that there is a strong infrastructure of cameras,” McGill commented. “The cameras are not a substitute for a police officer, but they are a very useful tool to supplement our existing resources.”

He and Holland agreed that cameras would be a deterrent to criminal activity in the downtown area because of the constant, high-quality surveillance system.

A camera system would not be without its detractors, the chief conceded, but he believes that the majority of residents would welcome the safeguards the cameras would provide.

“There will be those against it, but in general I believe people would support it, and I know a number of council members have expressed their support as well,” McGill said.

Security cameras are already so commonplace that they are rarely given a second thought by the public, he added.

“Is there really anywhere you go in public that isn’t monitored?” he reflected. “You are under camera almost anywhere you go, to the point where you don’t really think about it. When you walk into most of those businesses, you are on video anyway.”

Holland said he discussed a camera system with the business license surcharge committee several months ago. He characterized that group as generally supportive of the idea, but requesting additional information.

Initially, a camera system would be focused on the downtown area and planned downtown plaza. The city wants to build in capabilities to expand to coverage of other areas as well, such as parks.

The city also hopes federal money materializes for its project to add storage at the wastewater treatment plant. If the stimulus plan pays for that, Holland said, the existing residents would be relieved of the burden of repaying that $3 million obligation.

The downtown plaza and treatment plant projects are ready to move forward, Holland said, which is a consideration in the allocation of stimulus funds.

“We’re basically shovel-ready on them,” he noted.