City Council, February 27, 2019

 

 

A special session of the Pawtucket City Council is held Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at 6:15 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. 

 

Present – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

Absent – Councilor Rudd.

 

President Moran presides.

 

Communication from Council President David P. Moran, calling a Special Session of the City Council on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BARRY.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Barry, seconded by Councilor Mercer, the agenda is amended to include the following:

 

Communication from Sara Miranda, HR Coordinator, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council.  (Fire Fleet Mechanic)

 

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR LOCAL 1012 IN §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996. (Create: Fire Fleet Mechanic – Levels I, II, III; Delete: Police & Fire Fleet Mechanic Specialist)

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Barry, seconded by Councilor Mercer, the following matters are READ AND ORDERED FILED, LAID ON THE TABLE AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, on a unanimous voice vote:

 

Communication from Sara Miranda, HR Coordinator, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council.  (Fire Fleet Mechanic)

 

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR LOCAL 1012 IN §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996. (Create: Fire Fleet Mechanic – Levels I, II, III; Delete: Police & Fire Fleet Mechanic Specialist)

 

 

COUNCILOR BARRY LEAVES THE CHAMBERS AT 6:17 P.M.

 

 

THE NEXT MATTER IS THE PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION REGARDING RED LIGHT/SPEED CAMERAS.

 

Andrew Noble and Rich Kosina from Sensys Gatso Group are present and conduct the following presentation, which is submitted for the record:

 

“Pawtucket Automated Photo Enforcement”

 

In addition to what is in the prepared presentation:

 

Mr. Noble states that Sensys Gatso Group makes all the products used. 

 

They issue the citations and collect the fines.   He states that no citations are issued until approved by the Pawtucket Police Department.  If not approved, the citation does not get sent. 

 

Mr. Noble states that their cameras can track 36 vehicles at one time.  The cameras have radar inside.  He states that legislation sets out the minimum requirements for the program.  There will be public education on the program and media information provided.

 

Major Kane states that the traffic division will review all violations.   There will be two sets of eyes that will be reviewing the citations. 

 

Mr. Noble states that any violations would be sent out in approximately 4-5 days and violators would get a second notice if they don’t respond to the first notice.  He states that the photos are in real time - accurate to 1/100 of a second.  He states that violators can review the video on-line to determine if they want to contest the violation.   They can also call Gatso if they don’t have a computer.  He states that the vehicle owner gets the ticket and can transfer liability if someone else was driving, as long as the driver agrees to it.  Gatso checks the plates to ensure there is not a mismatch.  There are various reports available to the city.

 

Mr. Nobel states that the police can use the video to check on criminal activity in the area or other issues.

 

Major Kane states that the Police are on board with this program.

 

Mr. Noble states that Gatso is responsible for repairing equipment in case of vandalism.

 

Mr. Kosina states that the signage about the cameras will be the same as in Providence.  They signs are paid for by Gatso.

 

Mr. Noble states that they have bilingual education and advertisements in English and Spanish.  They will work with the City for other translations needed.

 

Mr. Nobel states that they use crash studies and volume studies to determine where the first cameras should go.  There is no evidence that traffic moves to other streets when the cameras go up.   There is a minimum of a 5-year contract for these cameras.  This is considered a no loss contract.  If enough revenue is not received to cover expenses, the cost of the contract will be put off until the next month.  There are usually 10-20 violations issued per day with the speed cameras.

 

Mr. Nobel states that there is no charge for any software updates and Gatso pays for the state permit fees.  Mr. Kosina states that they ask that any local fees be waived.

 

Rhode Island is the only New England state to have a camera program. 

 

Dylan Zelazo, Director of Administration, states that they are looking to start this program in early April.  

 

The Council would like monthly reports.

 

Councilor Mercer asks if the contract is signed.

 

Mr. Zelazo states yes.

 

Councilor Mercer asks if this is strictly an administration initiative.

 

Mr. Zelazo states yes.

 

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Mercer, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the meeting is adjourned at 7:07 p.m.