A Flock license plate-reading camera will be installed outside the Super 8 hotel in Pevely in an effort to crack down on crime in the area.
On Jan. 23, the Pevely Board of Aldermen voted 7-0 to approve a contract with Hospitality Group Inc., doing business as Super 8, and Shaiq Amir, the establishment’s owner, to have the camera installed there.
The installation of the camera is intended “to help deter crime and improve the conditions of the hotel,” according to the resolution the board passed related to the contract.
The resolution goes on to say that “the health, safety and welfare of the public continue to be compromised by the conditions of the hotel,” reflecting Pevely officials’ ongoing concerns about the business.
In November, the Board of Aldermen voted to revoke the Super 8 business license, but pending litigation has allowed the hotel to continue operations.
Pevely City Administrator Andy Hixson said concerns about crime at the Super 8 are not the only reason city officials want the camera installed in the hotel parking lot.
“It’s just a good place to have it,” Hixson said. “There’s a lot of in-and-out traffic there.”
He said he expects the camera to be installed by late this month or early in March.
Many cities, counties and other agencies have begun leasing the Flock cameras and having them installed in high-traffic areas. Businesses and subdivisions also have begun using the cameras.
The Flock cameras capture images of license plates, and that information helps law enforcement track stolen vehicles and people who are wanted for crimes.
“They catch a license plate and that can be matched to the vehicle,” Hixson said.
The agreement between Pevely and the Super 8 owner calls for the hotel to pay the fees for the Flock camera which include a one-time installation cost of $1,000 and an annual maintenance cost of $2,500.
The city and Flock will have access to the footage recorded by the camera.
Also at the Jan. 23 meeting, the Pevely board voted 7-0 to approve a contract with the Hunters Glen subdivision to install a Flock camera there.
The subdivision trustees requested the installation of the camera. According to the city’s agreement with Hunter’s Glen, the subdivision will cover the costs associated with the camera.
Hixson said he also expects the Hunter’s Glen Flock camera to be installed later this month or early next month.
Ward 1 Alderman Larry Coulson did not attend the Jan. 23 meeting.