Thornton City Council Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Thornton City Council meeting held on April 14, 2026, primarily focused on community resolutions and public safety technology discussions. The council unanimously passed several resolutions recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, Autism Acceptance Month, Arab American Heritage Month, and Earth Day, highlighting the city's commitment to social and environmental issues. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments and council discussions regarding the use and oversight of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) provided by the vendor Flock. Community members expressed concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misuse of surveillance technology, urging for greater transparency, public hearings, and independent oversight. Council members acknowledged these concerns, with some advocating for continued use of ALPRs to address vehicle theft and public safety, while others emphasized the need for balanced policies that protect privacy and community trust. Additionally, the council approved a second amendment to the 2026 budget, increasing appropriations by $173,734 to fund sustainability initiatives, including staffing to support the implementation of the city's environmental sustainability master plan, particularly focusing on building decarbonization efforts.