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Warrenville committee debates portable speed cameras; officials cite $3,000-per-camera monthly estimate and defer decision
Summary
Committee members and staff debated a proposal to use portable speed cameras that issue warnings. Police and staff cited an estimated equipment cost of about $3,000 per camera per month and recommended waiting for the city's traffic-study results; the proposal was withdrawn for now.
A proposal to explore portable speed cameras that issue warnings — a concept Mayor Johnson said was observed in Schaumburg — prompted a lengthy discussion May 24 in Warrenville's Public Safety and Finance Committee of the Whole before the item was set aside pending the city's traffic-study results.
Mayor Johnson said officials learned about the approach at a DuPage Mayors and Managers meeting and that Schaumburg "noticed a direct result in slowing down of speed within certain areas in town." Police Chief Sam Bonilla told the committee he had discussed the program with Schaumburg staff and a sergeant overseeing the project and that Warrenville staff are reviewing manpower-hour implications and costs.
Bonilla cited an initial vendor figure — "about $3,000 per camera, within our municipal per month" — and cautioned that the estimate covered equipment only and did not include staff time to monitor and manage the program. Public Works Director Phil Kuchler and the police chief said the city's ongoing traffic study will help determine whether there are locations that require enforcement or traffic-calming devices and whether technology or roadway changes are more appropriate.
Some aldermen expressed skepticism. Alderman Berry said she was "not crazy about this," questioned whether mailed warning notices would change behavior and argued the city should await the traffic-study results before committing funds. Alderman Weidner urged staff to collect cost estimates for equipment and annual fees along with alternatives (speed cushions, signage, decoy units) so the city can compare options and potential grants.
After discussion, staff and the mayor agreed to withdraw the item for now and revisit the idea when the traffic-study findings are available.
Key details: - Program type: portable cameras issuing notices/warnings (no citations). - Reported vendor estimate (equipment only): about $3,000 per camera per month (Police Chief Sam Bonilla). - Committee action: item withdrawn for the time being to allow consideration with the traffic-study results.
What remains: staff will compare camera costs, annual fees and traffic-calming options and present findings after the traffic study is complete, at which time the committee or council can decide whether to pursue a pilot or other approach.
