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Ruston adopts parks code update to clear the way for automated traffic cameras
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 1605, updating Chapter 10.01 of the Ruston Municipal Code to set official park hours (5:00 AM–10:00 PM), clarify rulemaking authority and penalties, and allow the automated traffic camera vendor to move forward; the measure passed 4–1 with Councilmember Wilson opposed.
The Ruston City Council voted on June 16 to adopt Ordinance 1605, updating the City's park code in Chapter 10.01 of the Ruston Municipal Code. The ordinance lists current parks, sets fixed park hours, clarifies rulemaking authority and penalty provisions, and modernizes prohibitions. Councilmember Hedrick moved to waive the first reading and adopt the ordinance with amendments correcting opening hours to 5:00 AM and directing staff to return to the July 21, 2026 meeting for further review; the motion passed 4–1 with Councilmember Wilson voting no.
City Attorney Jennifer Robertson said the change was prompted in part by the automated traffic camera program, explaining that "the camera vendor required clearly established park hours before activating the system." Police Chief Nestor Bautista and staff told the Council the cameras are expected to begin a 30‑day warning period on July 1, 2026, once administrative and contractual steps are complete.
Council discussion included concern about the ordinance being added to the agenda without adequate review, questions about enforcement mechanisms (the City intends to handle violations as civil infractions with possible trespass notices for repeat offenders), and requests to place additional amendments on a future agenda. Councilmember Syler supported immediate adoption to avoid delaying the camera program while reserving future amendment options; Councilmember Jensen agreed to proceed only with a formal commitment to revisit the code.
The ordinance establishes default park hours of 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM for enforcement purposes and clarifies that police officers may issue civil infractions under the new code. Council directed staff to return with additional proposed amendments on July 21, 2026.
