StoryAutomated License Plate Readers (ALPR) / Axon CamerasNovember 3, 2026

Residents Press Rochester Council to Halt License Plate Reader Cameras

Speakers raised privacy, legal and oversight concerns over automated license plate readers, while Mayor Kim Norton defended the city's use of Axon cameras as limited to active investigations.

Published Nov 4, 2026

Automated license plate readers dominated the public comment period at a recent Rochester City Council meeting, as residents urged elected officials to reconsider the technology and the mayor responded that the city's cameras are not used to track ordinary residents.

Speakers described the devices — also referred to in public comment as Flock cameras — as raising practical, ethical and security concerns, and pointed to a growing list of Minnesota communities that have paused or suspended their use. No formal action was taken on the issue; the council received the comments and the mayor offered clarifying remarks.

These devices, also known as Flock cameras, raise significant practical, ethical and security concerns. First and foremost, because these cameras are part of a national infrastructure, there is no practical way for citizens to hold those responsible for abuses accountable.
— Adam Schlaegel, resident

Legal questions raised

Another speaker cited a recent court decision in arguing that warrantless use of the systems is unconstitutional.

Last month, the court ruled in United States v. Kyle, case number 426, that the use of these systems constitutes an unconstitutional search without a judicial warrant, and specifically violates an individual's right to privacy regarding their movements.
— Sarah Jackim, resident

Commenters listed Minnesota cities including Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Columbia Heights, Crystal, Dayton, Duluth, North Branch, Plymouth, Shorewood, St. Paul, West St. Paul and Winona, along with Isanti, Itasca, Sherburne and St. Louis counties, as jurisdictions that have halted or suspended ALPR use.

Mayor defends Axon system

Other Topics from This Document

Homelessness Prevention Initiatives
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Downtown Special Service District (SSD) Fees
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocations
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Utility Easement Vacation Request (Bogey Bugaloos)
Final Plat Approval (Cassidy Heights)
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Private Sewer Lateral Cost Assistance Program
Ordinance Readings (Rezoning, Stormwater, Fees)
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Votes (8)

Public Comments on Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

No direct action; public comments received and Mayor provided clarifying remarks.

Adam Schlaegel and Sarah Jackim expressed serious privacy and constitutional concerns regarding Axon ALPR cameras, referencing a court case (US vs. Kyle) and requesting the city cease ALPR usage and redirect grant funds. Mayor Norton later clarified that the city's Axon cameras are not for general citizen tracking, have strict data protocols, and are distinct from Flock cameras which have faced public scrutiny.

G1 - 2027 Downtown Special Service District Fees

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Dorn [32:15] · Seconded by Council Member Fredericks [32:41]

Staff proposed a 4% fee increase for the Downtown Special Service District, a self-assessment on property owners to fund services like cleaning, safety, and marketing by the RDA. A business owner, John Krizel, voiced opposition due to parking difficulties and economic strain. RDA Executive Director Shawn Fagan detailed success stories, including increased foot traffic from events and enhanced marketing. Council members inquired about ADA parking and the city's administrative role in the self-imposed fees.

G2 - 2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocations

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Fredericks [41:48] · Seconded by Council Member Miller [42:27]

Brent Svenby presented the 2027 CDBG Annual Action Plan, focusing on benefiting low/moderate-income individuals through housing rehabilitation and affordable housing planning. Linda Parker urged for robust fraud prevention, including independent audits, phased payments, data matching, and a public dashboard. Svenby outlined existing safeguards, such as reimbursement-based payments and monitoring visits, to ensure financial integrity.

G3 - Bogey Bugaloos Southeast Rochester LLC Vacation Request CD 2026-008 VAC

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Fredericks [46:40] · Seconded by Council Member Ken [47:50]

Elliott Miller presented a request to vacate a 10-foot unused utility easement for a proposed six-story, 211-unit multi-family residential development. The Public Works and RPU departments supported the vacation, provided a new easement is established. Craig Britton, representing the applicant, confirmed acceptance of these conditions.

G4 - RJR Land Development LLC Final Plat, Cassidy Heights (CD 2026-028 PLAT)

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Fredericks [51:15] · Seconded by Council Member Dorn [52:16]

Elliott Miller presented the final plat for Cassidy Heights, a 12.7-acre residential subdivision creating 18 residential lots and one outlot. The plan includes the extension of Cassidy Ridge Drive NE, with a temporary cul-de-sac that allows for future development. Dan Horsch, the applicant's engineer, confirmed all conditions would be met.

H1 - Research on Private Sewer Lateral Cost Assistance

2-5 Rejected

Dissent: Council Members Ken, Miller, Wol, Dorn, and Council President Schubring voted against maintaining the status quo, indicating a desire to explore new options.

Moved by Council Member Fredericks [01:29:55] · Seconded by Council Member Palmer [01:30:20]

Aaron Lokken presented staff research on options for assisting homeowners with private sewer lateral repair costs. Proposed options included expanding RPU's Service Assured program, transferring responsibility to the city, or offering low-interest loans/grants. Staff recommended against these due to high cost and logistical challenges, favoring a partnership with a third-party voluntary insurance provider, OnCourse Home Solutions. Debate covered the low frequency of public right-of-way repairs, potential for increased claims if insurance is widely adopted, and the value of a voluntary option for homeowners. A motion to maintain the status quo was rejected, and an alternative motion to further discuss the voluntary insurance program in a study session was approved.

H1 - Motion to Hold Study Session on Voluntary Insurance Program

5-2 Passed

Dissent: Council Members Fredericks and Palmer voted against holding a study session on the voluntary insurance program.

Moved by Council Member Miller [01:32:10] · Seconded by Council Member Ken [01:32:35]

Following the rejection of maintaining the status quo on private sewer lateral cost assistance, a motion was made to direct staff to hold a study session to further discuss a voluntary insurance program, likely with OnCourse Home Solutions. Supporters emphasized the benefit of offering residents an optional safety net against unexpected high costs, while opponents reiterated concerns about city branding and staff time.

K1 - Second Reading: Ordinance amending fees and costs

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Ken [01:36:25] · Seconded by Council Member Wol [01:36:30]

Mr. Spindler Craig presented the second reading of an ordinance to amend Section 2-1-2 of Chapter 2-1, Title 2 of the Rochester Code, pertaining to fees and costs for licenses, permits, and services provided by the City. No specific discussion was recorded beyond procedural presentation.

Notable Quotes (16)

تُثير هذه الأجهزة، المعروفة أيضًا باسم كاميرات Flock، مخاوف عملية وأخلاقية وأمنية كبيرة. أولاً وقبل كل شيء، ولأن هذه الكاميرات جزء من بنية تحتية وطنية، فلا توجد طريقة عملية للمواطنين لمحاسبة الجهات المسؤولة عن التجاوزات.
— Adam Schlaegel [00:54]

Public Comments on Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

في الشهر الماضي، قضت المحكمة في قضية الولايات المتحدة ضد كايل، رقم القضية 426، بأن استخدام هذه الأنظمة يُعد تفتيشًا غير دستوري بدون إذن قضائي، وينتهك بشكل خاص حق الفرد في الخصوصية فيما يتعلق بتحركاته.
— Sarah Jackim [03:45]

Public Comments on Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

نستخدم كاميرات أكسون كما ذُكر. هذه الكاميرات لا تُستخدم لتتبع المواطنين... إنهم لا يتعقبون الجميع، بل يعتمدون على بلاغات سرقة السيارات أو الجرائم الجارية.
— Mayor Norton [10:25]

Public Comments on Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

رسوم منطقة الخدمات الخاصة هي رسوم يفرضها أصحاب العقارات في وسط المدينة على أنفسهم... توفر المنطقة التمويل لجمعية وسط مدينة روتشستر لتقديم الخدمات والأنشطة التي تفيد وسط المدينة، بما في ذلك خدمات التنظيف، ومبادرات السلامة، والفعاليات، والبرامج، والتسويق.
— Josh Johnson [18:04]

G1 - 2027 Downtown Special Service District Fees

Ordinances & Resolutions (12)

F6Agenda Item

Agenda item clarified as a traffic safety grant not intended for ALPR funding.

US vs. Kyle, Case No. 426Court Case

Federal court ruling cited, deeming ALPR use without a warrant an unconstitutional search.

Traffic Law Enforcement Grant 2027Grant

Minnesota Department of Public Safety grant whose funds public commenters requested not be used for ALPR systems.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) ProgramGrant Program

Annual federal funding from HUD to aid low-to-moderate-income communities.

2027 Annual Action PlanPlan

City plan outlining the allocation and use of CDBG funds for 2027.

CD 2026-008 VACVacation Request

THE ROCHESTER RECORDER

Residents Press Rochester Council to Halt License Plate Reader Cameras

Legal questions raised

Mayor defends Axon system

Other Topics from This Document

Homelessness Prevention Initiatives

Downtown Special Service District (SSD) Fees

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocations

Utility Easement Vacation Request (Bogey Bugaloos)

Final Plat Approval (Cassidy Heights)

Private Sewer Lateral Cost Assistance Program

Ordinance Readings (Rezoning, Stormwater, Fees)

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Votes (8)

Notable Quotes (16)

Ordinances & Resolutions (12)

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