Des Moines Council OKs expanded automated traffic-camera locations; lodging-tax spending approved with one recusal

The Des Moines City Council voted Tuesday to authorize additional automated traffic-safety camera locations and approved lodging-tax spending recommendations brought forward by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

Council member Nutting moved to pass draft Ordinance No. 26-049 authorizing additional automated traffic-safety camera locations, and Council member Voss seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 7–0. “That passes 7 0,” Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui said after the roll call.

Separately, Council member Simons recused himself from a vote on lodging-tax spending because, he said, his wife is one of four LLC members organizing the parade that was a proposed funding recipient. Council approved the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee’s recommendations, 6–0 with one recusal, after Council member Nutting moved to adopt the committee’s proposal.

Council member Harris had earlier proposed removing a 24/7 school-zone provision from the speed-camera item but did not obtain a second, and that amendment attempt failed for lack of support. The ordinance as adopted remained intact.

What this means: the ordinance gives city staff authority to site and operate additional automated traffic-safety cameras in locations identified in the draft ordinance. The lodging-tax approvals allocate visitor-tax funds for recommended events and programs per the advisory committee’s submission; the council record notes the vote tally and the recusal.

The council handled the remaining consent items (vouchers, minutes, a telecommunications franchise agreement and other routine business) in a single bundled vote earlier in the meeting.

Next steps: Ordinance No. 26-049 will be implemented according to city code and administrative procedures; staff will carry out placement and notification steps required for traffic-safety camera programs.