Deer Park Council Appoints New Member, Advances Golf Course and Infrastructure Projects

The Deer Park City Council met on Oct. 7, during which council members appointed a new councilmember, heard concerns about surveillance cameras, and advanced several infrastructure projects.

Marcus Anderson was unanimously appointed to fill a vacant position on the city council following interviews with eight applicants. Councilmember Jason Upchurch said the applicants were all strong candidates, but Anderson stood out for his preparation and desire to serve the community.

Anderson said he had considered applying for the city council during the last couple of years, but wanted to “wait, study, and observe city council meetings” before he threw his hat into the ring. “Originally, I intended to let this opening pass by and wait for another time to apply, but after some encouragement from my family and Councilman (David) Aufdencamp, I submitted my application,” he said. “Having grown up in Deer Park, I owe a lot of what I've become today to the city that shaped me. My children, wife, house, career, all of them are a result of my upbringing here and it's something I'll be forever grateful for and serving on the council is the closest I feel that I'll ever come to repaying the city.”

Anderson said the other candidates who interviewed for the vacant position were “fantastic members of our community,” adding that each person had a wealth of experience. “To hear my name be nominated at the end of council deliberations was truly surreal,” he said.

The new council member is coming to the position with several ideas aimed at connecting the council with the community. “Many citizens feel like they aren't being heard, are being ignored, or feel like they don't know what the council or city is doing,” he said.

Anderson recognized Upchurch for his council updates on his Facebook page and said he thinks the council can take it a step further. “Once I'm settled in to the position, I want to partner with a local business – or several – to host a monthly ‘Coffee with a Councilman’ event to expand our availability to those who might not be able to attend city council meetings or would prefer to speak one-on-one without the parliamentary restrictions of a city council meeting.” Anderson’s other ideas include a joint effort with Deer Park Chamber of Commerce to highlight local small businesses and hear concerns, and a community garden.

Mayor Billy Costello was also formally sworn into office before the meeting.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident presented concerns regarding Flock cameras and other surveillance technology. There are two Flock cameras in the area, although both are located outside city limits and, according to information presented to the council, are not operational. The city also has a mobile camera unit (known as a “camera on wheels”) located in the Double Eagle parking lot, which was also said to be non-operational.

In addition, the city contracts with the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 20 cameras throughout Deer Park. Those cameras are not Flock cameras and primarily monitor activity on city property.

Council members Aufdencamp and Upchurch plan to further investigate the operation and status of the Flock cameras.

The council also approved a task order with J-U-B Engineers to begin engineering work at Deer Park Golf Course for a second pump to water the course. According to the council, the additional pump would provide a backup if the golf course’s existing pump were to fail. Without a backup, a failure during the summer could leave the course without sufficient water for weeks, potentially causing damage to the course and requiring years for recovery. Funds for the project were allocated a couple of years ago by the council.

The council also approved the appointment of George Haley to the Deer Park Planning Commission. Haley was described as having robust experience and a strong desire to serve the community.

The council awarded a pavement preservation bid to Inland Asphalt Company. As part of the upcoming work, 6th Street is scheduled to be repaved from Reiper Avenue to Country Club Road in the next several weeks. Drivers traveling to the Deer Park Golf Course should expect detours while the paving work is underway.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.