Department of Community Services Director Beth Kinney and Police Chief Robert Lucid said the project to install video surveillance in several downtown locations could be implemented by this summer.

During the common council meeting Wednesday night, Kinney said that she and Lucid have been investigating hardware, software and infrastructure considerations since the homicide of 47-year-old Abelino Mazareigo in July 2010 and that they could be installed by the first anniversary of the deadly attack.

There are several hurdles that must be managed, including compatibility with other existing and future networks, such as with the proposed Northwest Union Joint Dispatch center.

"We are trying to be careful with the city’s money," Lucid said.

The three proposed locations for the initial implementation would be the Promendade park where Mazariego was killed, the movie theater, and several cameras by the train station aimed at Beechwood Road by Starbucks.

Kinney said a second phase of implementation would include between 10 and 15 cameras at the city's two parking garages and then expanding to include the Village Green and the city's parks.

But the issue of video surveillance once again brought up a debate about allocation of police resources and disagreements regarding police department budget funding.

Resident Lauren Wiess, a friend of Shona Inggs whose 9-year-old daughter was injured in the alley below the Tier Garage last month when PVC piping was allegedly thrown off the top level of the parking garage, said she and many others recognize that resources are a consideration but she would like to see increased patrols in the downtown.

"It seems like we’ve had two big strikes now," she said. "We don’t want a third."

Julie Adams, a resident who said her home was robbed in the past, questioned why the council wasn't increasing the number of officers on patrol at any given time if that is said to be most effective in deterring crime, not surveillance cameras.

Councilwoman Ellen Dickson recalled the council's decision in 2009 to fund the city's police department at 46 officers with the retirement of two officers.

"Frankly we have a very safe city," Dickson said.

Councilman Michael Vernotico once again reiterated his diagreement with the council's decision to support only 46 officers and not fill vacanices when the two officers retired.

"I’m very disappointed that it wasn’t restored," he said.