Ruston adopts automated traffic camera program and creates parking infraction hearing examiner

Ruston adopted Ordinance 1599 on Feb. 17 to authorize automated traffic safety cameras under RCW 46.63 and identified three initial camera locations: North Baltimore Street at North Commercial Street; North 51st Street at North Shirley Street; and North Pearl Street at North 49th Street. The ordinance follows state rules on eligible locations (park speed zones and one additional location per 10,000 population where crash risk is elevated) and requires that excess program revenue be used for traffic safety improvements.

Council also adopted Ordinance 1600 to establish an independent Parking Infraction Hearing Examiner to process parking and camera-generated infractions after local court partners declined to handle the anticipated increased caseload. Ordinance 1601 made housekeeping amendments to remove parking/camera infractions from the existing hearing-examiner pathway and reference the new office.

The Council approved Resolution 819 to contract with NovoaGlobal for camera systems and operations. The contract term is five years with two five-year renewal options. The agreement specifies tiered monthly fees per system based on infraction volumes ($3,999 per system/month for fewer than 400 infractions; $4,900 for 400–800; $5,700 for more than 800) and a one-time $9,500 court-module setup fee for contested-infraction processing. Staff said projected program revenue should cover operational costs and fund traffic safety improvements. Council adopted the ordinances and resolution by unanimous votes (ORD 1599, 1600, 1601 and RES 819 all passed 4–0).