Commission approves first amendment to school‑zone speed camera agreement amid transparency questions

The North Port City Commission approved a first amendment to the city’s agreement with Red Speed Florida LLC to operate school‑zone speed detection cameras following a lengthy discussion about procurement transparency and study methodology.

Deputy City Manager Yarborough told the commission the amendment aligns the city contract with the piggyback contract the city plans to use, sets the term to June 24, 2029, updates reporting of monthly receipts, and replaces the insurance exhibit with an updated certificate and a city insurance requirement form. He described the changes as largely housekeeping to fit the piggyback and to tighten contract terms.

Commissioner Petro objected to using a piggyback procurement and said it reduced competition and transparency, noting he had found about 20 vendors in Florida and questioning why the city did not run its own solicitation. He also raised concerns that the same vendor had performed a speed study and would also administer the enforcement program, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.

Captain King of the Police Department and the city’s finance director responded that piggybacking is permitted under Florida law and city code, that Plantation’s selection process had included eight submitting firms and a selection committee, and that earlier issues raised in other jurisdictions were input errors that had been rectified. As Captain King stated: "Most of the pricing...were all around the same area...some of those were input errors that weren't verified." Commissioner Duvall said the program addresses safety in school zones and defended the city’s process.

After discussion and no public opposition, the commission voted 5‑0 to approve the first amendment to the agreement with Red Speed Florida LLC.