HOT SPRINGS – The installation of a License Plate Reader (LPR) camera by the S.D. Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on Hot Springs city property sparked another 20-minute discussion at last week’s council meeting on Tuesday, April 2, but was ultimately approved by a margin of 7-1.
Ward 2 Alderman Travis Orback cast the lone dissenting vote. He is also the person who first questioned it at the March 18 meeting, when Public Safety Committee chairman Bill Lukens mentioned the LPR camera as an informational item in his committee report. At that time, in addition to his concerns of personal privacy involving the camera, Orback also questioned how a committee had the power to approve the action on behalf of the city. His concerns prompted Mayor Bob Nelson to put in on the April 2 agenda to allow time for council members to seek more information before it was officially given the goahead.
Since that meeting, several council members – including Orback – had the opportunity to discuss the matter directly with a representative of DCI. Despite learning more about how the camera would be used to help identify vehicles involved in serious crimes, Orback remained opposed, primarily due to him wanting something in writing from DCI which precisely outlined its use through a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Lukens did once again – just as he did at the March 18 meeting – explain verbally the camera’s intended use, which is to address violent crimes and felonies, including such things as murders, kidnappings, human trafficking, drug trafficking, Amber alert child abductions and stolen vehicles.
“The LPR cameras are designed to recognize license plates only,” Lukens said. “They do not identify speeding violations, stop sign violations, nor is it used for facial recognition. It does not identify registered owners of vehicles.”
Lukens went on to say that access to this technology is controlled by strong policies and procedures and will only be utilized when a crime has occurred. The camera in Hot Springs would be part of a statewide LPR system under the full control and policy management and purposes of the S.D. DCI.
After the near-unanimous vote to approve the installation of the camera, both Mayor Nelson and Councilman Lukens thanked Orback for standing firm on his concerns and pushing for a vote of the full council on the matter.
The council then unanimously approved the purchase and installation of two 60K BTU propane heaters in the Mueller Center gymnasium as a backup heat source due to the building’s geothermal heating system being unable to function during periods of bitter cold temperatures. The purchase will be a total estimated expense of up to $25,000, including propane and lines, to be funded by a future contingency transfer. Finance Officer Misty Summers-Walton said the expenditure represents the third contingency transfer of 2024 and leaves $42,000 remaining in the fund.
A revision to the city’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Certification and Repayment policy was also approved unanimously by the council, whereas the city will pay for the cost of the course and wages for time spent in the classroom, in exchange for a two-year employment commitment.
If the employee is terminated, resigns or retires within two years after receiving their CDL, he/she must repay the costs incurred by the City for obtaining of the license, including wages paid above the minimum wage rate, program cost, travel cost, wages and meal reimbursement.
During council updates, Public Works Engineer Tracy Bastian said he feels the downtown reconstruction project has gotten caught up to its projected timeline and made great progress as of late. Bastian also said the retaining wall project near the golf course clubhouse also looks good.