Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer
(Courtesy photo – Flock camera use has recently been suspended in the cities of Charlotte and Lansing pending review and recommendations.)
The Charlotte City Council suspended use of the city’s Flock license plate reader cameras pending a city attorney review.
The Flock discussion centered on whether the city has an adopted policy governing the cameras. Mayor Kevin Fullerton said the city does not have a council-adopted policy, while Police Chief Paul Brentar said the department had an internal policy established when the cameras were approved in 2024.
City Attorney David Revore said department policies generally concern operational procedures and do not come before council. He said his initial review did not identify liability concerns or a legal issue with cameras being used in public. Revore said he would conduct a further review.
Council members discussed the cameras’ effectiveness. Officials cited cases involving a missing elderly person, stolen vehicles, and assault investigations where the cameras helped officers locate people or resolve cases.
Brentar said neither the police department nor city clerk’s office has received complaints.
Councilman Joseph Chin questioned the cost of continuing the system if it is suspended, but Brentar said he would need to contact Flock for that information. Councilman Justin Brummette supported bringing the policy before council for review.
There are just under 30 Flock cameras in use in Eaton County, according to the Lansing State Journal, including Charlotte and Eaton Rapids. Just days before the Charlotte City Council meeting the Lansing City Council adopted a similar resolution. Flock, an American Company, began selling these cameras in 2017 and claims use in 49 states.
Also during the Aug. 24 meeting, Council also approved an asset management system and received updates on city finances and emergency medical services.
The council also approved a five-year, $130,738.05 subscription with ClearFlow LLC for an enterprise asset management platform. The system will integrate with the city’s systems for work orders, maintenance records and inventory tracking. Public Works Director Stephanie Whitney said staff can track work such as hydrant maintenance and line flushing.
Mayor Fullerton reported on quarterly EMS activity. Eaton Area EMS, which provides ambulance services under contract with the city, has 77 employees and operates a fourth ambulance for 12 hours during peak periods. Charlotte recorded 423 calls during the quarter, while 525 transfers were made from Sparrow Eaton Hospital. Common calls included falls, breathing difficulties, chest pain and weakness. The city’s EMS contract expires next year, and officials hope to negotiate a lower rate.
City Manager Vester Davis reported the general fund balance is about 34%, above the 17% minimum established by policy. Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Rodriguez noted the balance had previously been reported at 54% and cautioned against excessive spending from reserves.
Council members also received updates on EATRAN, Camp Francis and parks. EATRAN reported Charlotte as the highest community use at 25,522 passengers and 1,477 refused rides due to limited buses from October 2025 through July 2026.
The council approved Camp Francis bylaws and renamed the sledding hill Johnson Foundry Park. Claims and expenditures totaling $656,024.37 were also approved.
Mayoral appointments were approved for the Administrative Appeals Board, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Zoning and Construction Board and Camp Francis.
Meeting materials are available on the city’s website. The next meeting is Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at City Hall and will also be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page.
