HomeMy WebLinkAboutTIS 2021-08-09 Item 2D - Resolution - School Zone Automated Traffic Safety Camera RevenueCity 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
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO REVENUES
GENERATED FROM THE USE OF AUTOMATED
TRAFFIC SAFETY CAMERAS IN SCHOOL ZONES.
WHEREAS, vehicles speeding through school zones is an ongoing problem of great
concern to the Tukwila community; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has adopted Chapter 46.63 RCW,
which authorizes local jurisdictions to use automated traffic safety cameras in school
speed zones; and
WHEREAS, the Tukwila City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2612, codified at
Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 9.53, authorizing the use of automated traffic safety
cameras in school zones; and
WHEREAS, the City Council's goal relating to use of the cameras is behavioral
change leading to a safer environment for all members of the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends that revenues generated by the automated
traffic safety cameras be used principally to cover the costs of the enforcement program,
with any surplus revenues to be used only to expand efforts to improve traffic and
pedestrian safety in school zones;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Revenues generated by automated traffic safety cameras in school zones
shall be used to pay the costs of administering the automated traffic safety camera
program including, but not limited to, the following-
- personnel costs;
- vendor costs; and
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- equipment costs associated with installation, administration, enforcement,
operations, maintenance, adjudication, and technology infrastructure security
and integration.
Section 2. Revenues in excess of costs described in Section 1 shall be directed
towards school traffic and pedestrian safety, including school zone infrastructure projects
and driver education campaigns. Distribution of revenues between school zone
infrastructure projects and driver education campaigns shall be evaluated following the
first year of school zone automated traffic safety camera implementation.
Section 3. Revenues from fines for traffic infractions under Tukwila Municipal Code
Chapter 9.53 shall not be diverted to non -traffic -safety purposes.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at
a Special Meeting thereof this day of , 2021.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Office of the City Attorney
Kate Kruller, Council President
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Resolution Number:
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