Red-Light cameras--again!

The first hour of the Finance Advisory Board meeting was discussing previous motions. One in particular was hashed over for most of the hour--red light cameras.

If you recall, the motion that was passed on July 7, 2010 was—
Motion made by Mr. Pickett and seconded by Ms. Decker that the Finance Advisory Board recommends to the Commission and supports the red light camera traffic safety program as presented subject to further investigation by staff as it relates to the issues discussed including sliding scale fee structure (5-2, Dority, Marchal)

After the Board received the minutes of this meeting there was concern regarding the Motion. Many felt that their intent was to approve the “concept” of red-light cameras. The above motion indicates that they approved a red-light camera “program” when in fact there never was a program. When checking with the city manager, she concurs, “There is no program.”

Rescinding the original motion was discussed. One member suggested that before they reconsider the original motion that they should wait for Bill Thrasher to arrive as he was in full support of red-light cameras. Jennifer Marchal, another member who opposed the original motion, was out of town but her presence was not considered.

Nevertheless, there are still some on the Board who believe that we will be making $1.8 million, a sales pitch given to Staff from American Traffic Solutions, and put before them on the night of July 7. I keep on looking for that Brooklyn Bridge I want to sell.

When other members on the Board were discussing the possibility of a huge revenue stream and making a motion to support, Darrian Dority said, “this could come back and bite you in the butt.” He also said that it would take a person with "sub-standard intelligence to agree to these terms." The reality of the American Traffic Solutions “deal” is that the City would be paying them $298,997 a year over a 3 to5 year contract for 5 cameras and we are guaranteed absolutely nothing. It all depends on how many people are stupid enough to run red-lights knowing that cameras are at the intersection.

Bill Thrasher stated that he was ok with the original motion. When a Motion was put into effect by Jessica Plotkin and seconded by Laurel Decker to rescind the original motion of July 7, Exline was the only member who dissented.

The new motion and passed last night is as follows:
The Finance Advisory Board supports the concept of red-light cameras as a potential revenue stream and the Board suggests that Staff explore alternative vendors and fee structures. This passed on a 6/0.