Cameras in Calumet?
Residents have questions
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CALUMET - Last month, the Calumet Village Council adopted a resolution to apply for a $5,000 Michigan Participating Plan (Par Plan) grant to assist in funding a municipal camera security system. At the July 21 meeting, concerns were raised by residents about what kind of camera system would be used and how the data would be stored and accessed.
Calumet resident Shannon Perkins is among the concerned and spoke at Tuesday’s Council meeting. During public comment, Perkins expressed worries over who would have access to the footage and was unclear what precipitated the need for cameras along 6th Street in the village.
Jason Wickstrom Commander of the Michigan State Police Calumet Post and a member of the Calumet Downtown Development Authority addressed the council regarding the proposed camera system. The idea of cameras in the downtown area of Calumet started with the DDA and Wickstrom agreed to look into a system and report on potential costs.
Wickstrom said he first wanted to reassure everyone that the system is not a Flock-style and is instead a general video surveillance. There is no wi-fi involved as the cameras work on a point-to-point radio link and include Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
Wickstrom said access to the footage is completely in the hands of the Village and no police group would have automatic access to any recordings. He said those who have access to the cameras could view footage on their phones.
As to why the cameras are needed, Wickstrom said he preferred law enforcement that "is proactive instead of reactive. Hopefully cameras would make some people think twice."
Calumet Village Council President Pro Tempore Pamela Que said, "The DDA has talked about security cameras for more than two years, for as long as I've been on the council." President Rob Tarvis added, "Businesses have been asking for cameras since [Calumet] lost the police department."
Council member Kelly Ryan asked Wickstrom if he could look into getting a second quote for a camera installation plan as only one had been presented so far, and Wickstrom agreed. Village Manager Megan Haselden added the DDA tabled the discussion on cameras and, "this will likely be a next-year project if it does get picked up," additing the timeline for installation isn't feasible before winter sets in.
Perkins spoke in the ending public comment section saying, "I'm actually more worried than I was before after hearing those answers." Warning that security systems can be a slippery slope and pointing to Wickstrom mentioning he sees the camera system as a multi-stage program that would spread to other streets, Perkins implored the council to take caution with their decision.
Revisiting the possible abandonment of a portion of 9th Street, the council is waiting for a survey by U.P. Engineers & Architects to finish before making any final decision. Questions about what utilities are located on and under the property are also still outstanding and will help inform the council on their decision. All information should be available by the end of the month meaning a final decision is possible at the next village council meeting.
As conversations about a joint Fire Authority between the Villages of Laurium and Calumet and Calumet Township continue, a different proposal was put to the Village Council Tuesday. The Village Fire Department indicated their preference for combining with the Township in the short term. This does not preclude the three-way merger in the future, but would help with more immediate sustainability.
Representatives from the village fire department stated a call that went out earlier on Tuesday only had four people show up, showing how critically understaffed they are. Members from the township stated combining the two groups would be welcome and the younger firefighters on their staff would learn from the more experienced staff from the village.
Council member Jim Tercha expressed concerns about an informal merger saying no legal basis existed to do that. A formal agreement, like the one being worked on for the three-way merger, would be needed to combine the two Calumet based groups. This was universally agreed and no immediate action was taken. The council indicated it was in favor of the two groups working on an agreement to present to the council in the future.
Haselden told the council the Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant Program is underway and 10 applications have been submitted so far. She is going to continue publicizing the program and encourage people to apply. Ryan asked for how long the money is available if there are not enough applicants in this first submission window. Haselden replied the funds are available through December 2027. This means a second round of submissions can take place if money remains.
At that July meeting, the council approved the resignation of Matt L'Esperance creating two openings on the council. Tom Bowles is running unopposed for a council seat in the November election. He reached out to the council to offer his services sooner if they were interested since he is guaranteed a spot in November. Tarvis nominated Bowles for a partial term ending in November 2026 which was unanimously approved.
Haselden said the Department of Public Works has scheduled a clean up including recycling scrap metal which brought in nearly $4,000. She also applauded the Big Annie committee for the successful event on Saturday when they unveiled the new statue, a sentiment Ryan agreed with as well.
In other business, the council:
• Unanimously approved Tarvis' appointment to the Calumet Theatre Board of Directors as the Village of Calumet contact
• UYnanimously appointed Rick Campioni, Janet Johnston, and Nathan McParlan to the Downtown Development Authority for four-year terms ending August 2030.
• Invited the public to a retirement party for Coreen Balbough, village secretary and deputy treasurer for more than two decades, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 12 in Agassiz Park. More information will be posted as details are finalized.