The Cleveland City Council opted not to vote on a proposed ordinance regarding automated traffic enforcement, allowing the proposal to die for lack of a motion. Having recently installed red light cameras at several intersections and noticing a drop in speeding tickets and accidents since, Cleveland was considering automated traffic enforcement that focused on catching speeders.
Councilmember Avery Johnson questioned whether Cleveland needed more automated traffic enforcement.
Cleveland Police Chief Wes Snyder stated that while there was a decrease in citations and accidents, it is impossible to determine if the decreases are due to the red light cameras or a shift in driving culture. Chief Snyder went on to explain that “there’s really nothing magical about a camera other than the efficiency of it.”
During the meeting, the council approved the following:
Resolution for a $724 utility tax refund to Chattanooga Gas Company.
Resolution to accept a property donation from James L. and Nina S. Harner for the Greenway project.
Resolution authorizing Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland to sign a SAFER grant application for replacing three frozen firefighter positions.
Resolution authorizing Cleveland Mayor Rowland to sign an agreement with Cleveland Real Estate Investors, LLC, concerning sidewalk construction on Henderson Avenue.
Acceptance of bid by Municipal Equipment of Knoxville for a knuckleboom truck loader for $111,910.
Acceptance of bid by Municipal Equipment of Knoxville for a used bulldozer for $83,000.
Street light recommendation by Cleveland Utilities for an additional 100-watt high-pressure sodium street light at Harris Circle and 25th Street (requested by Maxx Morris).
Ordinance amending the Municipal Code by revising a section pertaining to solid waste and refuse collection.
Motion to have a non-voting representative from the Cleveland Police Department attending all meetings of the Wrecker Board for input and comments.
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