Commissioners debate school-zone camera tickets and traffic safety on Burns Avenue

Several commissioners used the comments portion of the meeting to raise constituent concerns about school-zone speed enforcement along Burns Avenue and other traffic-safety issues.

Commissioner Gillespie said she received a notice showing she was photographed in a school zone on Burns Avenue but could not find clear signage marking the zone. "I see no markings... I don't know how you would know that you were in a school zone," she said, and warned that people unfamiliar with the area could be surprised by citations.

City Manager and staff responded that the school-zone segments are marked and that the program includes a magistrate review process for people wishing to contest citations. Staff clarified enforcement thresholds used by the city: a motorist is ticketed if traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit when lights are not flashing; when flashing, the threshold is lower and specific over-limit bands apply.

Other commissioners and the deputy mayor urged motorists to slow down and noted that the camera program is intended to reduce dangerous driving near schools. Commissioner Gillespie suggested the signage and publicity around the zones could be improved to avoid confusing visitors.

Separately, commissioners noted several roadway safety concerns — including collisions at the Burns Avenue/Tower Boulevard intersection — and asked staff to consider additional marking or safety improvements.

The city manager said staff would review signage and public outreach and reminded residents that contesting tickets is possible through the magistrate process.