Pool Surveillance Cameras, Sidewalk Repairs in Manchester

AQUATIC CENTER CAMERAS

Surveillance cameras are coming to the . 

Monday night the Manchester Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a resolution for the city to purchase, install and setup a surveillance system in the Manchester Aquatic Center in an amount not to exceed $13,894.

Twenty-five thousand dollars was previously approved in the 2011 fiscal year budget for the purchase of a video surveillance system for the pool.

The cameras were previously discussed by the board, but Manchester Police Detective Ed Skaggs reiterated the need for the cameras immediately. He explained that there have been wallets, purses, credit cards and cash stolen from guests' unattended bags at the pool. He estimated 10 to 12 incidents this last season. Skaggs also said there are reports of vandalism to the center's equipment and pool. He said lack of video surveillance has hindered investigations in these circumstances.

Alderwoman Marilyn Ottenad questioned the clarity of the pictures the new cameras would take.

"I would rather pay more if it's needed now than be in the same situation and we don't have a clue after the surveillance," Ottenad told Skaggs.

Skaggs told board members the cameras will cover the entire deck of the pool. It is the same system that is installed in a downtown parking garage and the images are very clear.

The cameras are infrared and will produce quality night photos too, Skaggs said.
 

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POOL REPAIR PROJECT

City Administrator Ed Blattner told board members that the city is all set to start work on the Manchester Aquatic Center pool repair project. After numerous issues, Blattner said that shortly after the last board of aldermen meeting the city received and now has all permits from St. Louis County to begin construction on the project.

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MERAMEC STATION ROAD SIDEWALK

A representative with Juneau Associates, the firm developing the designs for improvements of the sidewalk at Meramec Station Road, gave the board an update. He told board members that issues involving federal requirements, utilities and changes to accommodate concerns of a property owner who lives near the construction have increased the design and engineering cost of the project about $8,000 to $9,000.

The representative with Juneau told the board the construction cost of the project currently estimated at $240,000 and original construction cost was estimated at $275,000. The money is budgeted and coming from the 2012 budget and grant money for the project becomes available in 2012.

*Board members also voted on a number of issues dealing with the . Check back to Town and Country - Manchester Patch on Wednesday for details on overtime and state certification of the department.