Council wants more info on camera system
By Lynn Zerschling Journal staff writer | Posted: Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Sioux City councilmen decided Monday they need to get more information on the RedFlex red light camera system before any intersections are outfitted with the cameras in light of a recent court decision in Davenport.
"The city legal department sent a letter to RedFlex and asked them not to proceed until we have a chance to meet with the council and discuss this," Police Capt. Mel Williams told the lawmakers after their regular meeting.
Mayor Craig Berenstein reiterated what he said last week that the council has asked for further review of the contract and plans to meet with RedFlex officials on the best way to handle the matter. Last week a district court judge in Davenport, Iowa, overturned that council's decision to use a similar camera system, as well as a speed enforcement camera system.
"I think the consensus of the council right now is to delay further action," the mayor said.
Councilman Jason Geary interjected, "I haven't made a decision one way or another."
Councilman Brent Hoffman said, "I don't think we just move forward with them until we get clarification."
Police Chief Joe Frisbie said, "Our contract is different from what the other community had."
Hoffman said even if that is the case, the Davenport ruling will be appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court, adding, "We've got to tread very cautiously."
Berenstein said the issue is not a large constitutional one.
Rather, he said, "We're looking at a district court ruling and whether we should go forward or should we delay until we get clarification from the Iowa Supreme Court."
Councilman Jim Rixner stated, "Since we signed a contract, we need to sort out where we stand right now."
Geary added, "This is not just a City Council decision where we can say we aren't going to do it anymore. We signed a contract."
In March, the council adopted an ordinance authorizing the council to use a red light camera enforcement system to crack down on traffic violators. On Dec. 28, the council approved a contract with RedFlex Traffic Systems Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz., which called for the company to install and maintain the cameras at 11 intersections. Up to 25 intersections could have cameras.
RedFlex then would receive a percentage of the money paid in civil fines to the city. The city would not have to pay anything to RedFlex to install the cameras or maintain them.
Berenstein asked Frisbie and Williams to continue to discuss the issue with City Attorney Jim Abshier and then give the council a memo on their recommendations.
The council informally decided to hold a closed door meeting to discuss the matter after that letter is written.
Lynn Zerschling may be reached at (712) 293-4202 or lynnzerschling@siouxcityjournal.com
"The city legal department sent a letter to RedFlex and asked them not to proceed until we have a chance to meet with the council and discuss this," Police Capt. Mel Williams told the lawmakers after their regular meeting.
Mayor Craig Berenstein reiterated what he said last week that the council has asked for further review of the contract and plans to meet with RedFlex officials on the best way to handle the matter. Last week a district court judge in Davenport, Iowa, overturned that council's decision to use a similar camera system, as well as a speed enforcement camera system.
"I think the consensus of the council right now is to delay further action," the mayor said.
Councilman Jason Geary interjected, "I haven't made a decision one way or another."
Councilman Brent Hoffman said, "I don't think we just move forward with them until we get clarification."
Police Chief Joe Frisbie said, "Our contract is different from what the other community had."
Hoffman said even if that is the case, the Davenport ruling will be appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court, adding, "We've got to tread very cautiously."
Berenstein said the issue is not a large constitutional one.
Rather, he said, "We're looking at a district court ruling and whether we should go forward or should we delay until we get clarification from the Iowa Supreme Court."
Councilman Jim Rixner stated, "Since we signed a contract, we need to sort out where we stand right now."
Geary added, "This is not just a City Council decision where we can say we aren't going to do it anymore. We signed a contract."
In March, the council adopted an ordinance authorizing the council to use a red light camera enforcement system to crack down on traffic violators. On Dec. 28, the council approved a contract with RedFlex Traffic Systems Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz., which called for the company to install and maintain the cameras at 11 intersections. Up to 25 intersections could have cameras.
RedFlex then would receive a percentage of the money paid in civil fines to the city. The city would not have to pay anything to RedFlex to install the cameras or maintain them.
Berenstein asked Frisbie and Williams to continue to discuss the issue with City Attorney Jim Abshier and then give the council a memo on their recommendations.
The council informally decided to hold a closed door meeting to discuss the matter after that letter is written.
Lynn Zerschling may be reached at (712) 293-4202 or lynnzerschling@siouxcityjournal.com
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Jeff wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:35 PM:
BLA BLA wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:27 PM:
I have an idea wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:58 PM:
Brad are you a republican? wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:51 PM:
question... wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:46 PM: