In the minutes: Plymouth meeting, flock camera (Oct 13)

CITY OF PLYMOUTH, WISCONSIN
TUESDAY. OCTOBER 13, 2026 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING,
IMMEDIATELY AFTER FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 302
CITY HALL, 128 SMITH STREET
AGENDA
1.

Call to Order and Roll Call

2.

Approve the Minutes from September 15, 2026

3.

Discussion regarding property appraisal when selling property – Alderperson Sande

4.

Adjourn

It is likely a quorum of members of other governmental bodies of the municipality may be in attendance at the above stated meeting to gather
information. No action will be taken by any governmental body at the above stated meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred
to above in this notice.
Please note that, upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and
services. For additional information or to request this service, please contact the City of Plymouth Clerk’s Office, located at Plymouth City Hall at
128 Smith St., Plymouth, WI or call (920) 893-1271.

CITY OF PLYMOUTH, WISCONSIN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
SEPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
UNOFFIAL MINUTES
1.

Call to Order and Roll Call: Mayor Pohlman called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. On
the call of the roll, the following were present: Dave Herrman, Mike Penkwitz, Jeff
Tauscheck, John Binder, Kevin Sande, Angie Matzdorf, Diane Gilson, and Dana Haucke.
Staff present: City Administrator/Utilities Manager Tim Blakeslee, Police Chief Ken
Ruggles, and City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Anna Voigt.

2.

Approve the Minutes from August 11, 2026: Motion was made by Tauscheck/Gilson to
approve the minute from August 11. A unanimous aye vote was cast. Motion carried

3.

Discussion on Agreement with Flock Group Inc.: Chief Ruggles started the
conversation explaining in the light of recent discussions among law enforcement agencies
across the state regarding Flock Group, Inc., the Police Department is proactively bringing
its contract before the committee to provide information and answer any questions. The
cameras were part of the 2025 capital budget. The PD entered a contract with Flock Group
in February 2025. Installation of the four cameras was completed in July 2025. Chief
Ruggles explained that beginning with the installation process the PD viewed the primary
use of the cameras as an investigatory tool. He pointed out that they did something most
communities didn’t which was to aim the cameras on the side of the road where traffic is
leaving, not entering. The Police have implemented safeguards to ensure Flock data is not
misused. The new restrictions and ongoing evaluation of the city’s contract with Flock are
in response to issues and questions that have arisen in other communities. Pohlman asked
the Chief if this is something beneficial to the department with the right restrictions. Chief
responded that he does think its beneficial and it’s important to have the appropriate
policies and procedures to dictate how it should be used. Herrmann asked if the city has
received any feedback from the community about the cameras based on recent news items?
Chief stated there have been a small number of negative emails from community member
regarding the cameras. Blakeslee stated the City hasn’t received anything. Herrmann asked
if other alderpeople have received anything. Haucke was the only one that stated she
received anything. Herrmann asked if there was any need for an additional camera? Chief
answered initially when the contract was signed the thought was to get a reasonable
number to start and see where it goes. It ultimately will be council decisions. Tauscheck
asked if there has been input from the Chief of Police Associations concerning this issue?
Chief stated that the association recognizes the technology is beneficial for law
enforcement but the responsible use of all technology by government and law enforcement
is key. Penkwitz asked what the main vision was for the cameras? Chief stated that intent
is investigatory. He gave an example of responding to an incident and if there is a vehicle
involved, they get a partial description. The cameras can help if someone is fleeing an
incident and passes one of the cameras, it could help narrow down the offending vehicle.
Gilson asked if the department would share information with the federal government?
Chief stated that prior to some changes in the parameters there were a handful of federal
partners they would share with, FBI included. Now with the parameters the agencies will
have to request the information. Haucke asked about parameters for the retention of data
from 30 day to 7 days. She wanted to know if that’s something that can be changed back at
anytime and who is authorized to do that. Chief stated that he is authorized to request the
change. Haucke asked if the Flock group can share data with whoever they want? Chief

answered it depends on the data set. The license plate data and vehicle data per the
agreement is determined Plymouth’s data. Some data the cameras are capable of such as
vehicle count and potentially vehicle speed or other traffic related data. Flock is marketing
in other regards. Chief stated he is aware the data is available but they are currently not
using it and doesn’t intend to. Haucke asked if the department has any access to private
entities using the cameras. Chief stated that they haven’t been sharing with private entities
and they don’t have access to any private entities using flock cameras. Binder asked how it
was determined where the cameras were placed. Chief stated that they tried to place them
roughly in the four corners to capture anyone who could be fleeing area. Binder asked if
the department uses any privately owned surveillance cameras. Chief stated that they
frequently look for privately owned cameras. It has been helpful in the past. Sande stated
that his biggest concern is what Flock gets off the cameras and who they can potentially
sell it to. He stated there is a long list of cities that have suspended use or have announced
plans to discontinue use. He suggested having a policy on exactly how its to be used if the
plan moving forward is to keep the cameras. Tauscheck asked the city has cameras on all
the buildings. Blakeslee stated yes there are cameras on all the buildings. Gilson asked if
Flock can do that, if they own the cameras. Chief stated that the city doesn’t own the
hardware we pay a service fee to maintain them. The data regarding license plate reads,
vehicle pictures, and descriptors of the vehicles that data belongs to the city as the user per
the agreement. There is other data such as number of vehicles that pass a camera that Flock
retains some use of. Chief explained that is where is some of the discrepancy is coming
from among other agencies. When he looks into the operating system he finds there is a
service that he can pay for to get that data. Mayor Pohlman explained that this meeting is
for discussion and encouraged alderpeople to forward any questions and comments to staff.
Committee and staff agreed a review of this and any changes should be brought back to
Council in 3 months and to repair the camera that is down.
4.

Adjourn: Motion was made by Herrmann/Tauscheck to adjourn the meeting. A
unanimous aye vote was cast. Motion carried.