Fairmont Heights council approves Avio stop‑sign camera program after brief debate

The Fairmont Heights council voted on Dec. 10 to approve a resolution to work with Avio to deploy camera‑based enforcement at several stop‑sign locations after a motion and recorded vote.

Council considered the Avio resolution after the police chief outlined five proposed locations identified in prior traffic studies, including intersections near the Veterans Monument and cut‑throughs used by drivers entering from Washington, D.C. The chief said the department would run an additional traffic study before cameras are installed and stressed a multi‑step process: "Prior to them taking place we are going to do another traffic study just to make sure we're getting it right," he said.

During discussion, some council members requested further details on street‑by‑street placement and asked for the second traffic study mentioned by the chief. The council then voted; the mayor announced the motion passed after roll call. The minutes record two abstentions and multiple aye votes in favor.

The police chief framed the technology as part of a broader effort to curb targeted robberies and traffic violations; he reported 36 traffic violations issued by town officers over recent days and described ongoing coordination with neighboring jurisdictions to investigate recent robberies. He also said some camera programs impose no direct cost to the municipality but require community outreach and vendor oversight.

Next steps include the additional traffic study the chief described and follow‑up reporting to the council before installations proceed.