Sunrise authorizes outside appellate counsel after judge’s order affects red-light camera program

City Attorney Thomas Moss told the Sunrise City Commission on March 10 that a recent court order has placed the city’s automated red-light camera program at risk and asked the commission to authorize the retention of outside appellate counsel to defend the city’s position.

Moss asked the commission to hire the law firm named in the packet (identified in the meeting materials) for appellate and litigation counsel in traffic-related matters; commissioners discussed vendor responsibility, past reimbursements and the need for broader state involvement.

Mayor Michael J. Ryan urged the Attorney General to "step in the breach" and described the order as legally wrong in his view, arguing the underlying violations are noncriminal traffic infractions and not subject to the constitutional review cited by the judge. City staff also said they had previously obtained reimbursement from vendors in a separate 2015 matter and requested that vendors and the Attorney General provide defense support where appropriate.

The commission moved, seconded and approved authorization for the outside counsel by voice vote; commissioners instructed staff and the city attorney to continue coordination with the Attorney General’s office and to seek vendor participation where possible.

What was said: Moss described the firm as experienced appellate counsel and recommended the retention; commissioners expressed concern about the city bearing full legal costs if vendors and the Attorney General do not participate. The mayor said the order risks the entire statewide safety program and asked the Attorney General to engage.

Next steps: Staff will finalize a retainer and work with the city attorney’s office to coordinate possible amicus participation or vendor defense; the commission provided the requested authorization by motion.