Madeira's Flock license plate reader cameras return to the council table Monday, Sept. 28, eight months after a divided 5-2 vote renewed the city's contract with the camera company.
The Sept. 28 agenda lists Flock cameras under "Old Business" for the 7:30 p.m. meeting. The agenda does not specify what action, if any, council will take.
The cameras have come before council repeatedly. The city first approved the Flock system in 2023. A two-year renewal came up in December 2025, when council tabled the contract 7-0 over privacy and liability concerns, according to Dec. 8, 2025, meeting minutes.
Council approved the renewal on Jan. 26 by a 5-2 vote. Mayor Tom Henning, Dr. Alicia Camper, Kaity Rowe, Chad Shaffer and Vice Mayor Ramzi Takieddine voted yes. Councilmembers Logan Junger and Jodi Whitted voted no.
Junger cited a December 2025 breach of Flock camera footage, saying at the January meeting that he was "not comfortable approving this resolution without protection for the city," according to meeting minutes. The annual contract costs about $51,000 plus $10,950 for three additional cameras.
The debate resurfaced Aug. 24, when three residents spoke against the cameras during public comment. Cassidy Frew of Cherokee Drive told council that Madeira now has 22 Flock cameras and that 160 cities across the U.S. have suspended or stopped using the technology. Craig Ramsdell of Kencrest Circle said his opposition targeted the Flock company, not Madeira's police department, and called the data collection unconstitutional, according to August meeting minutes.
Police Chief David Schaefer defended the system at the same meeting, citing cases where Flock data helped resolve a Silver Alert and recover stolen vehicles. He noted the cameras capture only license plates from the rear of vehicles and do not have facial recognition capability.
Chamber funding vote
Council will also consider Resolution 65-26, authorizing the city manager to execute a supplemental funding agreement with the Madeira Chamber of Commerce for promotion of downtown businesses. Chamber Executive Director David Peterson is listed as a registered visitor for the meeting.
The city has funded similar Chamber agreements before. Council approved a $15,000 supplemental agreement for the 2025 holiday season in November 2025, and a separate 2026 activities agreement passed 5-0-1 in April, with Junger abstaining. The dollar amount for Resolution 65-26 is not listed in the agenda.
Other business
Two ordinances reach their third and final reading Monday: Ordinance 26-08, a livestock ban, and Ordinance 26-07, zoning code amendments. The consent agenda includes Resolution 63-26, accepting tax levy amounts, and Resolution 64-26, authorizing a fireworks contract with Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics of Maineville for Saturday, July 3, 2027.
Council will also enter executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters. City Manager Michael Norton-Smith announced in August that he accepted the city manager position in Centerville and plans to leave in October.
The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. Residents who want to attend virtually must email [email protected] at least eight hours before the meeting with their name and address. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13.
