TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Jason Yarborough, ICMA-CM, Interim City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Narramore Park Security Upgrade Project
Recommended Action
Review cost estimate to provide security camera coverage at Narramore Park and provide direction on proposed budget impacts.
Background Information
On October 23, 2020 staff was contacted by representatives from Miss North Port Fast Pitch softball organization regarding damage from an apparent break-in to their storage area adjacent to the concession stand at Narramore Park, located at 7508 Glenallen Blvd. Police report #20-096068 was filed and the damage was estimated at under $100. The incident was addressed during the Commission Communications portion of the November 5, 2020 City Commission Special Meeting and consensus was provided to “bring back the cost of additional security measures for the girls softball fields at Narramore Sports complex with a budget amendment if needed”.
Narramore Park is comprised of a four-field softball complex, three field soccer complex and a park maintenance building with a small equipment yard. Both complexes have nearly identical buildings that provide space for league storage, restrooms and concession stands.
Parks & Recreation and Information Technology (IT) staff met at Narramore Park to discuss potential camera locations and connections needed to serve the entire park including the softball complex. Following review of available technology connections and potential areas of concern, IT obtained a quote to install three cameras on the storage/restroom/concession buildings at both Narramore softball and soccer complexes and two cameras on the Park Maintenance building to cover field maintenance equipment that will be stored at this location when the City takes over the maintenance and operation of the sports fields in June of 2021. Attachment 1 outlines the camera locations to provide coverage for both Narramore softball and soccer areas, and Attachment 2 details the equipment and installation cost of $19,840.50. In addition, the required service from Comcast is estimated at $108.35/month, $1,300 annually, plus a one-time installation cost of $119.95. Should direction be to prioritize the softball complex, the project cost could be reduced to approximately $15,400.
Although camera footage has been valuable at park locations with a high incident of damage to address issues with vehicles driving on fields/courts, damage to restrooms and vandalism in parks, Narramore Park is not currently identified as a priority location for camera installation, and as such, funds were not identified in the FY21 budget.
For reference, security cameras are in place at the following parks/facilities:
• Atwater Park
• Blue Ridge Park
• Boundless Adventure Playground at Garden of the Five Senses
• Butler Park
• Dallas White Park
• George Mullen Activity Center
• Highland Ridge Park
• Morgan Family Community Center
• McKibben Park
• North Port Aquatic Center
• Park Maintenance Building and Yard
• Skate Park
Since the October 22, 2020 incident, Facilities Maintenance and Park Maintenance crews have implemented other security measures at this location including repair/replacement of lighting around the building and installation of a chain barrier to the rear shell lot to help deter unwanted park visits during the evening. In addition, staff is researching the possibility of installing security lighting on existing field lighting posts.
Strategic Plan
Develop and promote City governance that fosters trust and utilizes departmental strengths and innovative philosophies to facilitate effective and efficient provision of all City services.
Financial Impact
Camera installation for the park in its entirety would be an approximate one-time expense of $19,840.50. Additionally, Comcast service and installation fees are estimated at $770 for FY21 and are projected to be a recurring annual cost of $1,300 in the upcoming fiscal year if approved. Because this purchase and service is not currently budgeted, a budget amendment would be required to move forward with the camera installation.
Procurement
If approved, the IT Department would procure the equipment and installation services via an approved joint purchasing agreement with Iron Bow Technologies, LLC.
Attachments:
1. Narramore Sports Proposed Camera Locations
2. Iron Bow Quote 276584 Narramore Sports Complex
3. November 5, 2020 Special Commission Meeting Minutes
Prepared by: Tricia Wisner, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Director of Parks & Recreation