Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to excuse Commissioner Vogt from the July 1, 2010 Piqua City Commission Work Session. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Terry, Wilson, and Fess. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

Purpose of the Special Meeting is to discuss Automated Traffic Enforcement.

Police Chief Bruce Jamison gave a brief overview of the Automated Traffic Enforcement program, stating he would like to get a consensus from the Commission if they are on board with the program by the end of the meeting.

Chief Jamieson stated we have fewer officers on the streets now to issue citations, and the City of Piqua has to share the revenue received with Miami County on citations issued. This would be a revenue enhancement for the City, but that is not the primary focus for the program. The main reason is public safety. Cameras have been proven useful in several other surrounding communities, utilizing them in various ways, said Chief Jamieson.

Locations for the cameras was discussed with Chief Jamison stating he feels the locations should not be set by an Ordinance, but by the City Manager designating the location with the recommendation of a committee or the Commission. Law Director Wall explained if done by an ordinance it could be defined to give the City Manager the authorization to set the location. Commissioner Martin stated he read that red light cameras cause more accidents. Chief Jamison stated he would be interested in reading the information Commissioner Martin spoke about.

There was discussion on the use of the Speed Trailer, Phantom Police Car # 39, and the hand held Radar Gun, and how effective they have been in the past. The use of signs notifying motorist they were entering a Speed Zone, and the various locations the cameras could be mounted was explained.

Chief Jamison stated the Police Department issued 1,666 traffic violations in 2009, and estimated if the cameras are installed the number would raise to 2,500 to 3,500 annually, with a projected revenue of around $150,000 to $320,000 possible.

Chief Jamieson explained how the citations would be issued and who would receive them. The owner of the vehicle would be issued the civil citation, not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation. There is no way to distinguish who is driving the vehicle, said Chief Jamieson. Commissioner Wilson asked if it could be proven he was not the driver at the time of the citation would he still receive it. Chief Jamieson stated yes. The citation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless who was driving it at the time of the violation.

Law Director Stacy Wall stated the citations issued through the camera system would be civil not criminal, and explained the difference between a civil and a criminal citation. Ms Wall further stated with the civil citation the owner would not receive points on their license, and their insurance companies would not be notified. It was stated it is the registered owners responsibility to pay the citation. Chief Jamison stated other surrounding counties also cite the registered owner.

Chief Jamison explained how the automated traffic enforcement would be set up, and what the benefits would be to the City of Piqua if they decide to pursue the use of the cameras. The vendor would supply the cameras at no cost to the City and would receive a set portion of the fees collected. There was discussion on nonpayment of the fees and how it would he handled. Chief Jamison stated the camera footage would be reviewed either by the vendor, or by a Police Officer in the Police Department, Chief Jamison explained the difference and the benefits of having a local officer reviewing the footage.

Chief Jamison cited several trouble locations that would benefit from the use of the cameras, such as Looney Road and Ash Street, Covington Avenue and Sunset Drive. It was stated with the use of the cameras in these high traffic areas officers would not have to be sitting and could be assigned to other areas.

Commissioner Wilson voiced his concern over the use of the cameras stating he feels it could become a big issue with citizens and the image of the city. Mayor Fess stated we need to help the Police Department do more with less, and would like to put the information out to the community first. Commissioner Wilson stated he would like to get the reaction of the community first and get more information before making any decision. Commissioner Wilson asked if either Troy or Sidney have looked into this type of enforcement? City Manager Enderle stated no, not that he was aware of, but they have more Police Officers on the streets.

City Manager Enderle stated he would schedule another Study Session to review the Automated Traffic Enforcement System in a few weeks after receiving feedback from the community.

Mayor Fess stated community safety is the first priority. It was the consensus of the Commissioners present to seek public feedback and to receive more information before making any commitments at this time.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission Work Session at 8:50 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Wilson, Martin, Hudson and Terry. Nay: None.
Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________
LUCINDA L. FESS, MAYOR
PASSED: ________________________

ATTEST: _________________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION