Politics & Government

Aldermen to discuss red light cameras, Ranken Tech

Board also will review GM, Fairfield Inn site plans and release executive session minutes from three closed meetings.

Wentzville’s will be under scrutiny Wednesday evening, as the Board of Aldermen examine staff reports on the topic. The aldermen face a decision on whether to renew its contract with Redflex, the company that operates the system.

The Board of Aldermen meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at .

The meeting promises to be eventful, as the agenda includes the following:

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  • Site plan approval for;
  • Site plan approval for building additions and improvements;
  • Scheduled release of executive session meeting minutes for Nov. 30, Dec. 11 and Jan. 11.

The city’s contract with Redflex Traffic Systems, which operates the system, expires Sept. 30, 2013.

According to one staff report, under the system, the city averages 90 tickets per month at $100 per ticket. Redflex receives $48.50 per ticket. In 2011, the total revenue was $121,272 and Redflex received $57,230, while the municipal court received $64,000 after expenses. Projected revenue for the city in 2012 is $64,020 and $57,230 in court revenue.

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Police Chief Lisa Harrison provided some reports on the system, including some accident information at the intersections before and after the red light cameras were installed. (Accident information and other data are available by linking from the city's agenda.)

 “Certainly the population and traffic has changed in the area since we got red light cameras in 2008, but the number of accidents has been steady or has even dropped a bit,” she said.

 “I tend to like (the red light cameras) because people know that Wentzville has red light cameras and they think every stop light has a camera on it,” Harrison said.

She said people then pay more attention to obeying the traffic lights.

Ranken approval

The board also is scheduled to vote on executing a memorandum of understanding with Ranken Technical College to put a satellite site in Wentzville.

Alderman Nick Guccione, Ward 3, recently told the Suburban Journals that he regretted voting Jan. 25 to approve the Ranken deal. The city is investigating possible conflicts of interest regarding Mayor Paul Lambi.

Lambi has called the process “a witch hunt.” His partner, Ed Watkins has said that there have been no conflicts of interest on his or Lambi’s part.


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