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Columbia board authorizes draft ordinance, RFP process for speed cameras after 4–1 vote
Summary
The Columbia Board of Selectmen voted 4–1 to authorize the Town Administrator to draft an ordinance and pursue a vendor RFP for automatic traffic enforcement (speed cameras). The decision follows months of committee review and heated public comment on privacy and due process.
The Columbia Board of Selectmen voted to authorize the Town Administrator to prepare an ordinance, work with CRCOG on a Safety Action Plan and put together an RFP for an Automatic Traffic Enforcement vendor after a 4–1 vote on July 7.
First Selectman Steven M. Everett said the Traffic & Safety Committee recommended beginning the process and the next steps include town counsel review, adopting the CRCOG safety action plan and a crash data narrative study before soliciting vendors. Everett moved the authorization; the motion carried 4–1 with Selectman Rachel Riendeau opposed.
Selectman Rachel Riendeau said her opposition was grounded in civil‑liberties concerns and the right to due process, telling the board that opponents worry about being judged by a "subjective board" on a civil citation and not having the ability to "face your accuser." She said, "you speed, you deserve it. You speed, you should get the ticket, but that’s not due process," and argued the issue is not solely about privacy.
Multiple residents addressed the board during public comment. Martha Carter urged automated enforcement as a revenue-neutral way to fund local enforcement. Mike Armstrong and others raised concerns about data retention and third‑party data use by vendors; Armstrong asked the town to provide the Material Safety Data Sheet for herbicide questions and to clarify what products and data-retention policies vendors would use. Jeff Lewis said, "complete detachment from technology is the only way to reclaim your privacy," while also urging the town to act to improve safety. Bruce Samson told the board cameras could free up the town’s single officer to handle other tasks.
Town Administrator Mark Walter told the board there would be no direct cost to the town for the camera equipment under typical vendor contracts and that specifics such as contract length, calibration, signage requirements and data-retention policies would be addressed in the ordinance and RFP. Several residents urged a limited pilot period; the board said those details could be considered during ordinance drafting and at public hearing and town meeting.
The board will schedule a public hearing on any proposed ordinance and the town will publish procurement materials when the RFP is released.
