The issue of Kendall Pond conservation area was discussed at the Conservation Commission meeting, where members gathered to talk about the possibility of installing cameras to deter would-be vandals of the area. The majority of the research on the various types of cameras was done by board member Bob Maxwell. After doing research on the various cameras the commission can use, there are still many questions that are still left unanswered. Does the Commission want real time or archive access? Having archive access would be the easier option, because someone with access to the camera would just have to pull out the memory card as often as he/she deems necessary. A 16 GB memory card could easily store up to 7,000 or more pictures, so the card can be left in for over a month without running into problems. The issue with this type of camera is that someone would physically have to remove the card to see what was picked up on it, but can be programmed to overwrite photos if necessary. If there was a problem at Kendall Pond, someone would have to go through all the photos manually to see if there was any suspicious activity caught on camera. The camera would be motion and heat activated.
If the commission would like to get a camera with real-time photos, the only way to achieve that would be through cell phones. The commission felt this approach was too expensive and they would also have to pay for the cell service as well. The real-time camera would also burn battery more quickly than an archive camera. The archive camera also has the possibility of holding up to a 32 GB camera that could potentially hold 14,000 photos if necessary. The issue here is that someone would have to sit through all these photos if there is suspicious activity on the property, but the camera card would be swapped out every so often.
The commission also discussed if the camera would be in danger if someone were to vandalize it. A solution to this problem was discussed in the form of a lock box and stored high up with access only by ladder. The camera cannot be hidden behind bushes, but if it is in a box, someone cannot steal the camera or the card. It was also discussed that the camera card would not need to be looked at specifically unless there is an act of vandalism reported. Also worth noting is that the Kendall Pond area would not be closed to the public after a certain time, but rather the parking lot area would be. By doing this, the commission felt it would deter any would be vandals.
The motion was made to authorize member Bob Maxwell to spend $500 for a camera and accessories (card, lock box, etc.) to be used at the Kendall Pond conservation area-the motion was passed.