Citywide surveillance cameras take another step forward in divided council vote

The long-awaited surveillance cameras for Selma took another step forward Feb. 27.

The Selma City Council approved a resolution to proceed with purchasing a citywide camera system from local vendor Selcom. The council awarded the contract for a camera system to Selcom in November, but the project stalled after Mayor James Perkins Jr. announced he would not sign the contract, citing “grave concerns” with the contract and the equipment.

Last week’s vote passed with five yes votes, two no votes and two abstentions. If the mayor declines to sign the contract, City Council President Billy Young can sign, if a signature is even required. State law says that resolutions of a “non-permanent nature,” like contracts, don’t require the mayor’s signature.

The camera system has taken months to develop. Three companies presented their camera systems to the city council in September, and a review panel reviewed and rated the systems. According to comments made during a meeting in November, Louisiana-based Active Solutions rated highest, but they withdrew their bid. That left Alabama Power Company, which was rated second by the review committee, and Selcom, which came in a close third.  

The November vote was the second time Selcom was awarded the bid to install citywide surveillance cameras. The system was put out for bid a second time because Perkins and law enforcement preferred the APC system. The city asked for bids again, and a committee with members appointed by the council and the administration was created to review and rate the systems. Selcom was rated slightly lower than the APC system but was awarded the bid.

On Feb. 27, Councilpersons Clay Carmichael, Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, Samuel Randolph and Young voted to approve the camera system. Troy Harvill and Atkin Jemison abstained. Michael Johnson and Leisa James voted not to approve the camera system.

As the votes were recorded, James suggested that Carmichael abstain because the project could involve concrete, which his company sells. Carmichael said that he did not believe the project involved concrete, and if he thought there was a conflict he would abstain as he does when the council votes on construction projects.

The system will cost about $400,000.