GOVERNMENT: COUNCIL TO DISCUSS CAMERAS TONIGHT

Cape Girardeau motorists shouldn't expect higher fines or more tickets being issued if cameras go up at traffic signals.

However, some people, including members of the Cape Girardeau City Council, still oppose the idea of a camera being used to enforce traffic laws. They think it is an invasion of privacy.

The council will again discuss whether the city should install an automated red light camera system at traffic signals and how an ordinance should be worded. The council meets at 7 tonight at City Hall, 401 Independence.

The council discussed red light traffic systems at its Oct. 9 meeting but tabled the issue until more information about installation, costs and use by other cities was available.

Council members wanted more detail about who would be liable for tickets issued by the system and who would pay for its maintenance.

The police department has received a $75,000 grant from the Missouri Division of Highway Safety and expects additional money from the Missouri Department of Transportation to help pay for the $100,000 system, should the council approve it.

City police first presented information about red light enforcement in February. Deborah Walker, a representative of Nestor Traffic Systems Inc. of Providence, R.I., explained then how the system would work and showed examples of what the cameras can capture on tape. Someone from the company will attend the council's study session at 5 tonight.

The red light enforcement system captures video of motorists who run red lights only. It doesn't film continuously but is activated by sensors when a vehicle is about to run a red light. The system then sends a signal that delays cross traffic until the offending vehicle has passed through the intersection. Tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle, not the driver as is the current practice.

Because the camera delays cross traffic at an intersection, it helps prevent accidents and lets officers spend more time on patrol with other calls, police say.

Police estimate that a quarter of all accidents at Cape Girardeau intersections are from running red lights. In 1999, police issued 487 tickets for red light violations. Each ticket is $50 plus $21 in court costs.

That fine cost would more than cover the maintenance and service offered by Nestor, said City Manager Michael Miller in a memo to the council.

Councilman Frank Stoffregen says the ends don't justify the means for installing an automated system.

"It intrudes on your life," he said.

Officials in Creve Coeur, Mo., have asked Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon to issue a ruling on whether automated traffic light systems are legal in Missouri.

Who's using cameras at stoplights

Cities that are already using automated red light systems:

* Vienna, Va.

* Irvine, Calif., is installing the equipment.

* Garland, Texas, has approval for the system and should have it in place by December.

Cities considering using the technology:

* Alexandria, Va.

* Fairfax City, Va.

* New York City

* Amherst, N.Y.

* Charlotte, N.C.

* Raleigh, N.C.

* Howard County, Md.

* San Francisco, Calif.

* Garden Grove, Calif.

* Culver City, Calif.

* Beverly Hills, Calif.

* Fresno, Calif.

* Scottsdale, Ariz.

Cape Girardeau City Council

Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.

Council Chambers, City Hall, 401 Independence

Study session at 5 p.m.

Public hearings

* Public hearing regarding the request of Solar Pools Inc. and AmerenUE for a special-use permit for an electrical distribution substation at the northwest corner of Independence and Ellis streets in a C-1, local commercial district.

* Public hearing regarding the request of P&J Marketing LLC and Jeffrey J. Maurer for a special-use permit for gasoline pumps in the 1100 block of North Sprigg Street in a C-1 district.

Consent ordinances

(Second and third readings)

* Ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a quit claim deed to Ronald and Juanita Donner for a portion of Stoddard Street right of way.

New ordinances

(First reading)

* Ordinance granting a special-use permit to Solar Pools Inc. and AmerenUE for an electrical substation at the northwest corner of Independence and Ellis streets.

* Ordinance granting a special-use permit to P&J Marketing LLC and Jeffrey J. Maurer for gasoline pumps in the 1100 block of North Sprigg Street.

* Ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a special warranty deed for disposal of excess property pursuant to a property acquisition agreement for the South Sprigg Street elevation project.

* Ordinance approving the record plat of Randol Farms First Addition amended.

Resolutions

(Reading and passage)

* Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a release of a lien for the Community Block Grant program.

* Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Horner and Shrifrin Inc. for a stormwater master drainage plan.

Appointments

* Appointment to the Public Awareness Advisory Board.

Other

* Discussion regarding the discharge of fireworks on New Year's Eve.

* Discussion and action regarding the City Council meetings in 2001.

* Motion accepting the 1999 airport pavement repairs and improvements at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, and authorizing final payment to Fronabargers Concreters Inc. Discussion and action are necessary regarding liquidated damages.

* Discussion regarding automated red light technology.