East Brandywine camera upgrade: Server, audio and costs

East Brandywine Township's approved camera upgrade involves more than replacing cameras. The $38,993.59 project calls for a new recording server, changes to the video network and compatible audio recording for police interview and holding areas.

The August 6 meeting minutes, on pages 1 and 2, record the supervisors' unanimous approval. The October 15 packet, on page 45, later lists a $20,000 deposit to Pavion dated August 19. These are different stages of the project: an approved purchase and a recorded deposit do not establish that installation and testing are complete.

Why the recording server matters

A staff explanation in the August packet, on page 22, reported video loss from three cameras and attributed communication problems to the aging server. It described a Windows 7 system mixing analog and network cameras.

That is a historical description of the system staff wanted to replace, not a fresh test of the township's equipment. Microsoft's support notice identifies January 14, 2020 as Windows 7's end of support date.

The Pavion proposal, on page 25, specifies a network video recorder with 36 terabytes of storage and a new rack. It also calls for replacement and relocation of cameras and connection to the township's existing network switch.

The proposal's final system summary, on page 27, describes 25 cameras, including units with multiple lenses. That is a proposed final system count, not 25 newly purchased cameras. The plan includes reuse of existing equipment.

Keeping sound as well as pictures

The audio section, on page 26, explains a compatibility issue. Pavion says the existing analog audio arrangement would not work with the new recording platform. Its scope calls for four compatible network cameras and rerouting microphone cabling.

The vendor warns that without those changes, video could remain available while audio recording would stop in the affected areas. This describes a design requirement; it is not evidence that an audio outage occurred.

The proposal includes testing audio and video together. For residents examining the purchase, a camera count alone therefore leaves out an operational question: whether the completed system records both sound and pictures where required.

What the payment records show

The June 11 quote, on page 24 of the August packet, totals $26,893.59 for equipment and $12,100 for professional services. Together they equal the $38,993.59 approved price. The August minutes identify the purchase as using a COSTARS contract.

The October capital ledger separately lists $981.60 for camera upgrade cable, dated September 16, under an HVAC and controllers account. It lists the $20,000 Pavion deposit under the security video upgrade account. Neither entry should be read as the final project bill or proof of operational acceptance.

Useful follow up records would include the final invoice, installation acceptance and audio and video test results. Storage capacity also does not by itself specify how many days recordings are retained. The reviewed records do not establish the current retention period or current operating status.

Residents can consult the township agenda center for later records. Our public records request guide explains agency selection for documents that are not posted online. This is an East Brandywine project, rather than a county equipment purchase.

For another local technology procurement record, see the Upper Uwchlan police drone budget report. Browse the Chester County coverage hub for related reporting.

Photo: FlitsArt on Pixabay, used under the Pixabay Content License. Illustrative stock photograph of a security camera, not East Brandywine equipment or the proposed installation.