Sweetwater commission narrows and approves school‑zone camera amendment for August ballot

The Sweetwater City Commission on May 4 agreed unanimously to send a charter amendment to the Aug. 18, 2026 ballot that would permit the city to place automated traffic‑control cameras in designated school speed zones and restrict enforcement to the times the school zone is active.

Mayor Ed Diaz said he backed the narrower language after commissioners raised concerns about broad camera authority. “My goal is simply for the school time as they’ve requested,” the mayor said, arguing the cameras would protect children and help curb cut‑through speeding.

City Attorney (speaker 4) told the commission the amendment would give the city the authority to place cameras but would not mandate their immediate use. He recommended leaving operational details to administrative regulation or later ordinance rather than embedding them in the charter, so the city could adjust timing and locations if the program proves problematic.

Commissioners debated whether to limit enforcement to the school‑zone flashing light periods or to broader school hours, with several members urging precise ballot language so voters understand what they are approving. After a straw vote favored restricting enforcement to the school‑zone times and clarifying the language to reference “designated school speed zones during designated times,” the commission moved, seconded and approved the amended resolution by unanimous voice vote.

The commission directed the clerk and city attorney to prepare clear ballot language and transmit the amendment to the elections department by the statutory deadline. If voters approve the measure on Aug. 18, the city would have the authority to adopt a camera program for school zones that city officials said is intended to enhance child‑safety around schools.