TIS 2021-08-09 Item 2D - Resolution - School Zone Automated Traffic Safety Camera Revenue

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City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee FROM: Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst DATE: August 3, 2021 SUBJECT: School Zone Automated Traffic Safety Camera Revenue ISSUE The proposed resolution states that revenues generated by school zone automated traffic cameras, beyond those needed to fully fund the program, should be directed only to school traffic and pedestrian safety initiatives. BACKGROUND Ordinance 2612, adopted in August 2019 after a rigorous year-long public meeting and outreach process', authorizes the use of automated traffic safety cameras in school speed zones in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 46.63 RCW. In August 2020 the City Council authorized a contract with NovoaGlobal Inc. for implementation of the program, which is intended to be cost neutral to the City, with personnel, vendor, equipment, and adjudication all covered by program revenues. The pilot program initially proposed to place two cameras, westbound and eastbound, located between the 4200 and 4600 blocks on South. The Community Services & Safety Committee received a program update last month, including a staff recommendation that two additional cameras be placed on 42nd Avenue South. The program will begin this year with the return to in-person school. September will serve as an educational phase-in with infractions beginning in October. During the August 2020 discussion of the contract, the City Council made clear that the program goal should be behavioral change, not punishment or revenues, with the end result being significantly improved safety for our community members. At that time the Council requested the preparation of a policy that would direct any revenue above the cost of the program be used exclusively for school zone traffic safety improvements, including infrastructure and driver education. There are many unknowns with this pilot program, and staff is recommending this policy direction be captured in a resolution that makes the intent clear but provides future flexibility to adjust as new information becomes available. It is difficult to predict program revenue at this time and the City Council can adjust based on the first year of implementation. ATTACHMENTS Draft resolution 1 Extensive background information can be found in the .7,✓,.,,,A1. �;CW it°cc Xrb::b::ic�Xr 193