There has been ongoing confusion over information from police as to who can fund the $20,000 cameras, as community-funded equipment is not an option.
City council head of community support, governance and partnerships John Filsell said the meeting will address the “resourcing, provision and operation of crime prevention cameras.”
Following this, a briefing with the Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board will be arranged to provide it with the information needed to inform decision-making going forward.
Security company October Protection chief executive and Sumner resident Matt Wood was ready to supply Safer Sumner with security cameras in 2018 after they raised $4000.
However, he had to approach the community board for funding after the cost of the cameras skyrocketed to $20,000 when police requested they be aligned with its system.
A report requesting funding for the cameras was removed from the community board agenda in July at the last minute by city council staff.
Board members were meant to decide on a recommendation to decline all funding towards cameras which would help to prevent crime in Sumner. The amount requested by Safer Sumner was $16,187.
However, the application was withdrawn due to confusion over how Safer Sumner was expected to meet the discretionary response fund criteria.
Said community board member Darrell Latham, who has been pushing for the cameras: “Safer Sumner and the community have been proactive in wanting to discourage crime and have worked hard at raising funds towards the installation of the crime cameras. However, it has been very difficult for them to progress matters through no fault of their own.
“I was disappointed that the item was pulled from the agenda at an earlier meeting. There has been too much confusion over this matter and it is to be hoped that proposed meetings between city council staff and the police will result in a positive outcome with a recommendation to the board.’’
