Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic And Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mukilteo swears in Jessica Ness as hearing examiner; police say traffic cameras cut speeding
Summary
Chief Illian introduced Jessica Ness as Mukilteo's new hearing examiner and reported traffic-camera results: zero school-zone collisions in the reported period, an 8.5% reduction in speed on 92nd Street and approximately 9,000 fewer speeders per month across four monitored zones (May–Dec reporting window).
Mukilteo officials on March 2 administered the oath of office to Jessica Ness, who will serve as the city's hearing examiner overseeing contested and mitigation hearings, while Police Chief Illian reported data showing measurable changes in driver behavior from the automated traffic camera program.
Chief Illian told the council the program —has successfully changed driver behavior in sensitive zones,— citing the city's 2025 annual report and summary figures: a largest recorded speed reduction of 8.5% at 92nd Street, zero collisions reported in monitored school zones during the reporting window, and, on average, about 9,000 fewer speeders per month across the four monitored zones between May and December. The chief framed the program as safety-focused and said the city had selected a dedicated hearing examiner to ensure due process for contested citations.
Jessica Ness, introduced by Chief Illian, took the oath and affirmed she would faithfully and impartially perform the duties of hearing examiner for the City of Mukilteo. Chief Illian highlighted Ness's municipal and prosecutorial background, noting she currently serves as the presiding judge for Monroe Municipal Court and has experience as a hearing examiner or police chief's appointee in several Puget Sound municipalities.
Why it matters: The appointment places an experienced municipal adjudicator in charge of contested traffic-camera hearings at a time when residents are questioning program implementation and signage timelines. During public comment, some residents asked for clarification about notice requirements and the city's implementation dates for camera activation and signage.
What happens next: Ness will preside over contested mitigation hearings linked to the automated traffic camera program. The council and staff indicated continued attention to program fairness and transparency.
Notable quotes: Chief Illian said, "From May to December, we're seeing on average 9,000 fewer speeders per month through all 4 of our zones." Jessica Ness repeated the oath to uphold the constitutions and to perform her duties fairly and impartially.
Provenance: The oath and the chief's summary of the traffic camera program are on the record in the council packet and in Chief Illian's remarks during the March 2 meeting.
