VP Housing Authority discusses recent surveillance camera issues

By: ELIZABETH
WEST
Managing Editor

At Tuesday’s Ville Platte Housing Authority meeting, the board’s discussion centered mostly around making sure all housing authority complexes have working surveillance cameras on site.
During the meeting, Bo Soileau with ISS addressed the board and shared that surveillance footage at the housing complex located on Jefferson Street had been requested following a murder that occurred near the area recently.
According to Soileau, when they attempted to retrieve the footage, they realized that the “camera was not recording.”
This has not been noticed due to the fact that the internet services, provided by Centurylink, were down at that location, which is required to remotely check if the cameras are recording. Without internet services, someone would have to check the cameras manually each day to ensure that footage is being recorded.
Soileau said, “When we contacted Centurylink they had no record of DSL services at the Jefferson Street location. However, since we realized this we have worked with Centurylink and have reestablished the DSL service as of late last week.”
According to Soileau, an ISS Technician, along with the housing authority’s executive director Grant Soileau, were set to visit each housing authority facility on Wednesday to make sure things are now up and running properly.
Soileau did however advise the board to consider replacing some of the surveillance cameras currently being used.
Board Vice Chairman David Ortego requested that Soileau provide the board with information on their options when it comes to replacing the cameras at the next meeting.
Due to the speed of the current internet offered, Soileau also informed the board that they are looking into seeing if an additional faster internet service can be offered in the area.
During the meeting, the board also heard from engineer Todd Deville. Deville shared that the 2015 Capital Fund Project (CFP), which involved installing new air conditioning units in some apartments, is complete.
Deville then shared the bids for the 2016 CFP, which will consist of installing more air conditioning units in 24 additional apartments.
The engineer suggested that the job be awarded to the low bidder - Bright Construction.
Deville said, “They did the 2014 project and everyone has been satisfied with their work.”
Other items approved at the meeting were:
• Minutes from the April 11, 2017 meeting.