TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Brian Ambrose, Community Services Director
PREPARED BY: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Flock Camera Purchase - California Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park
end
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve the purchase of new Flock Cameras from Flock Group, Inc., for California Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budget as described in the Fiscal Impact section of this report;
Authorize the City Manager to execute all related documents and request orders; and
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to make minor, non-substantive modifications to the deployment plan as needed to address site specific installation conditions, provided such changes do not materially alter project scope or cost.
body
PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On August 15, 2023, the City Council approved a five (5) year agreement with Flock Group, Inc. and approved an additional appropriation of $5,500 in the Supplemental Law Enforcement Fund Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/24 (Vote: 5-0).
On August 20, 2024, the City Council approved the addition of the Enhanced License Plate Reader package, appropriated an additional $15,000 in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Supplemental Law Enforcement Fund Operating Budget (Vote: 5-0).
On June 3, 2025, the City Council adopted Joint Resolution No. 25-4837, MLB 25-201; CSD 25-285, RSA 25-35, MHA 25-45 approving the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27, Authorizing Unassigned Fund Balances to be Set Aside in Various Operating and Sustainability Reserves, Approve the use of Previously Set Aside Sustainability Reserves and Authorize the Transfer of Those Funds (Vote: 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
DISCUSSION
History
Over the past 18 months, California Oaks Sports Park has experienced a sustained pattern of vandalism and graffiti, resulting in repeated damage to public facilities, increased maintenance costs, and interruptions to community use. The park has also been the site of criminal activity that directly impacts the safety of young residents and families, including a law enforcement sting operation in which an individual was apprehended for selling illegal substances to students.
Torrey Pines Park, while not experiencing the same level of vandalism, has become a frequent overnight encampment site for homeless individuals in close proximity to a middle school. In several documented instances, individuals have secured themselves inside public restrooms, leading to hazardous situations for Park Maintenance staff, Park Rangers, and police officers conducting inspections. These encounters have created an unsafe and disruptive environment for employees and park visitors.
The accumulation of these incidents has highlighted the need for proactive security measures. The installation of Flock surveillance cameras at these locations will serve as both a deterrent to future criminal activity and a tool for assisting law enforcement in the timely investigation and resolution of incidents. Flock cameras are currently utilized by the Murrieta Police Department, and this project will allow Park Maintenance staff, Park Rangers, and police officers to share information to ultimately reduce vandalism.
Description of Flock Camera System
The proposed security enhancement includes the installation of Flock surveillance cameras at California Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park. The deployment plans, provided as an exhibit to this report, illustrate the anticipated coverage areas for both sites. While each plan covers the majority of the park, particular focus has been given to locations most frequently affected by vandalism, graffiti, and unauthorized overnight use.
The cameras will be pole-mounted and powered entirely by solar energy, eliminating the need for traditional electrical connections and minimizing installation impact. Several camera types will be utilized to address specific operational needs (See Attachment 1 for full product and service descriptions):
* Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Cameras - Allow operators to remotely adjust the camera's direction and zoom for enhanced situational awareness in real time.
* License Plate Reader (LPR) Cameras - Equipped with A.I.-driven software capable of reading license plates and identifying additional distinguishing details (e.g., make, model, color, unique features such as bumper stickers or roof racks). This data is transmitted via cellular network to a secure, cloud-based server, where it can be searched or used to trigger immediate alerts for vehicles of interest, such as those reported stolen or associated with criminal activity.
* Static Cameras - Fixed-position cameras, deployed individually or in multi-unit clusters, to continuously capture activity along specific paths of travel within the park.
Although the aerial deployment exhibits may appear to show "coverage bleed" into adjacent private properties, no surveillance will occur beyond park boundaries. Cameras will be mounted and angled to focus solely on park facilities, with mounting heights adjusted to limit the field of view accordingly.
Installation and ongoing system monitoring will be performed by Flock as part of the contract, with all associated costs and service terms outlined in the Order Form exhibit.
Anticipated Benefits and Outcomes
The deployment of Flock surveillance cameras at California Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park is expected to deliver several significant public safety and operational benefits:
* Enhanced Crime Deterrence - The visible presence of pole-mounted cameras, supported by advanced monitoring capabilities, will act as a deterrent to vandalism, graffiti, and other unlawful activities.
* Improved Law Enforcement Response - Real-time alerts from the LPR system, coupled with the ability to review recorded footage, will allow the Murrieta Police Department to identify suspects more efficiently, track vehicles of interest, and expedite investigations.
* Evidence Collection - High-quality video, combined with A.I.-enhanced vehicle identification, will provide law enforcement and the City with reliable evidentiary materials to support prosecutions and civil proceedings when warranted.
* Increased Staff Safety - By monitoring high-risk areas remotely, Park Rangers and maintenance staff will be better able to assess potential hazards before entering situations, reducing the likelihood of unsafe encounters with individuals engaged in criminal activity or unauthorized use of facilities.
* Operational Efficiency - The solar-powered, cellular-based system eliminates the need for costly electrical work and supports flexible camera placement to maximize coverage.
* Community Reassurance - By addressing known issues in these two (2) highly utilized public spaces, the City demonstrates a proactive commitment to the safety, security, and quality of life for residents and park visitors.
The combination of these benefits is anticipated to reduce incidents, improve investigative outcomes, and foster an environment where residents feel confident in the safe enjoyment of City parks.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost for the purchase and installation of Flock camera systems at California Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park is $183,350.01 for a two (2) year term, including equipment, professional services, and installation.
Funding for these purchases will require amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY)?2025/26 and FY?2026/27 Operating Budgets as outlined below:
* Amend the FY 2025/26 Operating Budget by establishing an appropriation of $57,600.01 using Measure T Unassigned Fund Balance.
* Amend the FY 2025/26 Operating Budget by establishing an appropriation of $38,000 using Landscape & Lighting District 12 Warm Springs (Fund 212) Unassigned Fund Balance.
* Amend the FY 2026/27 Operating Budget by establishing an appropriation of $87,750 using Measure T Unassigned Fund Balance.
For California Oaks Sports Park:
* Year?one (1) cost is $57,600.01.
* Equipment includes Solar Video Camera PTZ units, Solar Video Camera Fixed units, multidirectional bundles (270? and 180? configurations), and a Flock Safety Solar Multi-Purpose LPR and Video unit with LTE service.
* Professional services total $4,850.
* Annual recurring total is $52,750.
* Total contract cost is $110,350.01, a two (2) year term.
For Torrey Pines Park:
* Year?one (1) cost is $38,000.
* Equipment includes Solar Video Camera PTZ and Fixed units, multidirectional bundles (270? and 180? configurations), and a Flock Safety LPR unit.
* Professional services total $3,000.
* Annual recurring total is $35,000.
* Total contract cost is $73,000, a two (2) year term.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Order Form, Camera Details, and Pricing for California Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park
2. Aerial Deployment Plan for California Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park