Tempers flared Monday night among members of the Bartlesville City Council while discussing Flock cameras, with council members questioning political influence and religion among the nonpartisan body.

 

Several citizens spoke during the public comment section of the meeting. Most spoke in support of the cameras. Here is a sample of what they said.

 

Only about a dozen people were able to speak due to time constraints. A contentious exchange occurred between Council member Tim Sherrick and Mayor Jum Curd during which Curd questioned Sherrick's motive and Sherrick questioned Curd's religion. After Sherrick continued his points on religion and political beliefs, Curd forcefully responded, saying he is there to represent the citizens regardless of personal beliefs and political affiliation.

 

Sherrick also had an exchange with fellow council member Aaron Kirkpatrick. Sherrick says he has no problem with the cameras.

 

Cooler heads eventually prevailed, leading to a vote on the issue. The Flock camera systems will remain in Bartlesville but with higher oversight and regulations in an amended ordinance that passed 3-2. The  Flock cameras to remain in use, but only within 500 feet of the city limits. The ordinance also allows for a maximum of 20 cameras, up from the 10 currently in use. The information gathered from the cameras will also only be kept for up to 30 days.