Orting staff to pursue RFP for automated school-zone cameras after council discussion on scope and uses of revenue

The Orting Police Department asked the council Feb. 19 for direction to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for automated school-zone enforcement cameras aimed at improving safety during active school-zone hours.

Chief Gabrelick told council the program would be configured to operate only during posted school-zone hours and to be revenue-neutral — not a general city revenue source — with any excess limited to specified safety-related uses. Staff said the RFP would seek proposals for hardware, software and vendor services and that any contract would return to council for formal approval.

Councilmembers discussed potential allowable uses for excess revenues and asked staff and the city attorney to verify legal limitations. Chief Gabrelick said the city attorney was reviewing the draft and would provide more specific guidance about whether revenue could fund a pedestrian bridge or other capital projects. The chief also said the city would reserve the right to move camera locations if school-zone boundaries change with the new evacuation bridge or other infrastructure changes.

Council members expressed differing views but several said they supported issuing the RFP to explore vendor options. City Attorney Daphne said suppliers would be aware an RFP does not obligate the city to procure services; final procurement decisions would return to council. Council did not adopt a procurement contract at the meeting.

What happens next: staff will finalize the draft RFP, incorporate attorney feedback on allowable uses of revenue, and post the RFP if council concurs. Any contract award would require a separate future council approval.