The council has not had a need to provide the police department with direction for the cameras that have been there for decades.
Why does that need become necessary now?
It is the police department that should provide the council direction.
The police department knows what to do, leave them alone, let them do their job, council do your job, butt out.

Give the Police Department what they want and need to protect our community! The Police Department does not need direction from the City Council, the Council needs direction from the Police Department!

This city council should not be involved in this, just the idea of needed discussion undermines the work of the Police Department.

When the city council interferes with police operations, it can have serious consequences. The council's role is to provide oversight and guidance to the police department, through the city manager, but the council is not responsible for day-to-day operations.

Interference can be in the form of micromanagement, political pressure, or even direct orders to the police department. Such interference can lead to a breakdown in the relationship between the police department and the council, which can have serious consequences for public safety.

The Pleasanton city council demonstrated that pattern recently with the police union and its members. Public safety in Pleasanton was not readily assured.

If any of the previous commenters had taken the time to attend or at least view the meeting regarding the cameras, they would know this has nothing to do with existing cameras, but instead everything to do with a more sophisticated type of camera being acquired with some expected grant money. If the grant isn't awarded, the funds will need to be sought from the city budget. That puts the ball squarely in City Council's court.
Captain Schlehuber made an excellent presentation to the city council and council members acknowledged that. It was one of the least contentious police department/council exchanges I've witnessed in some time. Kudos to the Captain and council members. If only other matters could be settled so easily.