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Commission adopts ordinance for red‑light cameras and advances school‑zone speed‑camera rules in first reading
Summary
On second reading the commission approved use of traffic‑infraction detectors (red‑light cameras); staff also introduced a separate ordinance to allow automated speed detection in school zones and asked the city attorney and police to finalize permitting and placement details.
The City Commission on Tuesday gave final approval to an ordinance authorizing traffic‑infraction detectors (red‑light cameras) and advanced a separate ordinance on first reading to allow automated speed‑detection systems in designated school zones.
On second reading commissioners approved an ordinance that authorizes use of traffic‑infraction detectors, sets a civil‑penalty structure and assigns program administration to city staff and a contracted vendor. Commissioner Bristol Eastman urged language that would channel leftover revenue into traffic‑safety capital projects; the commission accepted staff’s recommendation and Eastman’s suggested clarification, and approved the ordinance 6–0 (1 commissioner absent).
Police Chief Nelson Moya and staff described the administrative process for camera systems: a contracted vendor initially identifies and documents violations, and city staff will review video and sensor evidence before any violation notice is issued to a vehicle owner. Moya said that steps are in place so “the company would send us what they believe are violations. We would have an in‑house person that looked at those … and said, yes, this is a violation.” He emphasized that final determination and issuance of notices remain municipal functions.
The earlier ordinance also details how proceeds are distributed under state law: from a $100 penalty the city retains $60 per violation (part of which pays the vendor), $20 goes to state general revenue, $5 to FDLE training and $5 to crossing‑guard programs. The ordinance identifies pilot locations for detectors and authorizes staff to work with procurement and the vendor on installations and an educational lead‑in period.
Later the commission considered a related ordinance to authorize speed‑detection systems in school zones under state law (House Bill 657 framework). Captain Summerhall (GPD) explained the vendor‑driven traffic studies and permitting needed before installation; the draft ordinance would allow speed‑detection devices in school‑zone speed limits and authorize the same adjudication process used for other civil traffic violations. The commission advanced that measure on first reading; staff will return with a cleaned version addressing minor citations and the county school‑district status of two sites.
What’s next: Staff will coordinate vendor contracting, FDOT/County permitting for state roads, and an education period ahead of any live enforcement; the city will also provide annual program reporting to the commission.
