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Resident urges Kenmore to pilot noise-monitoring cameras; council says staff will convene vendor meeting
Summary
A Kenmore resident urged the City Council to consider a camera-based noise enforcement pilot used by neighboring cities; council members said staff will schedule follow-up meetings with the vendor and the police chief.
A Kenmore resident asked the City Council on Monday to pursue a pilot program that uses camera-based sensors to detect illegally modified vehicle exhaust and other noise violations.
The request came from Steve Yoder, who said he lives in Inglewood Shores and described chronic noise from modified mufflers as a public-health and safety problem. "Our roads are not racetracks," Yoder said, arguing that the technology exists now to document high-confidence incidents and begin an education and enforcement process.
The appeal was part of the public-comment period. The council did not vote on any policy or procurement at the meeting; instead, Council member Marshall said she is arranging a meeting with the vendor and asked the police chief to be included. Council member Lutzes said she and Yoder had already met with a vendor and that a low- or no-cost data-gathering option may be available. Deputy Mayor O'Kane and other council members expressed support for further review.
Why this matters: Several neighboring jurisdictions have piloted automated noise monitoring as a tool to collect evidence and educate drivers before moving to enforcement. Proponents say camera-based systems can reduce dangerous driving behaviors and protect public health; opponents have cited privacy, legal, and enforcement concerns in other cities.
What was proposed and next steps: Yoder asked the council to authorize staff to pursue a pilot with vendor-supplied hardware and software at no initial cost to the city. Council members agreed to have staff and the police chief meet with the vendor and report back; no formal motion or ordinance was introduced or adopted at the meeting.
Public comments and council remarks: Yoder told the council the technology could collect data at no cost to the city and enable an education campaign before formal enforcement. "We can start collecting data now at no cost to the city, all hardware and software provided by the manufacturer," he said. Council member Marshall said she is coordinating a vendor briefing and wants Chief Mellon involved when he returns. Lutzes said she had met with Yoder and the vendor and had taken notes for the same effort.
No action was taken at the meeting; council members directed staff to set up the vendor meeting and to include the police chief, city manager, and relevant staff for a future briefing.
