Council tables traffic‑camera ordinance after public hearing; staff to revise ordinance

The Lake Stevens City Council opened a public hearing on a proposed traffic safety camera ordinance on July 1, heard staff and public comments, and then voted to table further action pending an updated ordinance and additional analysis.

Aaron Halverson, public works director, and other staff presented background on traffic safety cameras, citing reduced speeds and crash reductions in other Washington jurisdictions and recent changes in state law expanding allowable locations. Halverson described the program framework, including required location analysis, signage requirements, limits on photographic use and the state requirement that 25% of fines be remitted to the state's Cooper Jones fund.

Council members and residents asked about privacy, the process for contesting citations, vendor responsibilities, cost and whether cameras would be installed only in statutorily specified zones. Halverson said photos may not show the driver or passengers for general use and that the registered vehicle owner receives the mailed violation notice and may contest it in court. He noted staff would prepare an equity and crash analysis required by state law before any camera activation.

Several residents spoke in favor of enforcement to reduce speeding in neighborhood hot spots. Carol Kotzick, a Lakeshore resident, cautioned that cameras are not a universal fix and urged a broader traffic-safety strategy. John Claybrook described speeding at a local roundabout and urged enforcement.

Councilmember (unnamed in public roll call) moved to table further action until staff submits a revised ordinance and corrected clerical errors; the motion passed. City staff said they will correct typographical and code‑section errors, provide examples of program outcomes from peer jurisdictions, supply citation and contest statistics, and return with an updated ordinance and location analysis before seeking final council approval.