Orting council approves automated school‑zone camera contract with Nova Global

The Orting City Council on June 18 voted to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Nova Global for automated traffic‑infraction detection and enforcement services to operate in school zones when the school‑zone beacons are flashing.

Councilmember Hogan moved to authorize the mayor to enter the contract and Councilmember Tracy seconded. The council amended the motion to add the words “for school zone enforcement cameras,” then approved the amended motion on a roll call vote with Councilmember Moore opposing and Deputy Mayor Koenig absent.

Public safety committee members and staff told the council the system would operate only when school‑zone beacons are active and that the vendor’s proposal and a traffic study supported enforcement in the school areas. Council discussion focused on limiting operations to school‑zone hours and on ensuring the municipal ordinance governing automated school‑zone enforcement governs times and procedures.

Jamie Iscaro, a crossing guard at White Hawk, told the council during public comment that the intersection at White Hawk and State Route 162 is “getting dangerous” and urged installation of ticket cameras to reduce frequent speeding.

Councilmembers debating the motion referenced a speed study included with the vendor’s proposal that recorded an outlier speed of 63 mph in a 20‑mph school zone during the study period; proponents said the study showed a need for automated enforcement. Some council members expressed concern about scope and timing, saying they preferred enforcement limited to periods when children are present. City legal staff noted a municipal code already limits such camera enforcement to school zones and that any changes to fines or enforcement hours would require separate ordinance action.

The council directed staff to finalize the contract and proceed; the council did not adopt new ordinance language at the meeting. Staff and the vendor will operate under the city’s existing municipal code for school‑zone camera enforcement and return to council if additional ordinance amendments are proposed.