Mount Vernon City Council Meeting - March 11, 2026

The City of Mount Vernon, WA City Council held a meeting on March 11, 2026, with significant focus on the city's contract with Flock Safety, a private company providing AI-powered surveillance cameras including automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). Public comments overwhelmingly expressed concerns about privacy, data security, and the surveillance implications of the Flock cameras, urging the council to cancel the contract. Council members discussed the balance between public safety benefits and privacy rights, with some advocating for turning off the cameras immediately and others preferring to wait for further information and an action plan from the police chief. A motion was made and passed to continue the Flock contract until its expiration on November 26, 2026, while the council requested a transition plan for potentially discontinuing the service. Additionally, the council approved several procurement-related items including a $324,735 consultant agreement with HDR Engineering for wastewater treatment plant and collection system consulting, a purchase of new ADA-inclusive playground equipment for Hillcrest Park funded through the 2026 levy lid lift, and formalized a resolution for the use of opioid settlement funds with an application process for public proposals. The council also reviewed and approved a preliminary plat for a residential subdivision and discussed the annual docket for comprehensive plan amendments. The meeting included budget discussions related to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocations for local nonprofits and housing authority improvements. The council recessed into executive session to discuss collective bargaining and potential litigation matters.