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ITEM: RESOLUTION NO. R2024-52 (SPEED DETECTION CAMERA SYSTEMS FOR SCHOOLS)
A RESOLUTION OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN WELLINGTON AND REDSPEED FLORIDA LLC TO PROVIDE THE TRAFFIC REPORT SERVICES FOR THE VILLAGE’S SCHOOL ZONES, AND TO INSTALL AND OPERATE THE SDS SYSTEMS ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE TO ENFORCE SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDING VIOLATIONS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REQUEST: Approval of Resolution No. R2024-52 and Authorization to utilize a Southeast Co-operative contract, as a basis for pricing, for the placement, installation and operation of a speed detection camera system for school zones, with RedSpeed Florida LLC.
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EXPLANATION: In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 657, codified as Chapter 2023-174, Laws of Florida, to permit the use of speed detection systems to enforce speeding within school zones. This law became effective July 1, 2023, and allows for automated speed enforcement beginning thirty (30) minutes before the school day starts, or breakfast program (whichever is earlier), during the entirety of the school day and thirty (30) minutes after it ends. Speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour (MPH) over the speed limit may be photo or video enforced.
State Statute outlines the requirements and processes that local governments must follow in order to implement the speed detection systems, some of which are summarized below:
• Municipality must enact an ordinance authorizing the installation of a speed detection system. A public hearing is required, during which traffic or other evidence is considered and the determination is made whether a school zone constitutes a heightened safety risk that warrants such enforcement measures.
• Cities must follow the Department of Transportation specifications for placement and installation of these systems, including posting signage that indicates that photo or video enforcement of school zone limits is in effect.
• 30-day public awareness campaign must occur before the enforcement may commence and only warnings may be issued to violators during this period.
• Annual reports of the results of enforcement by the automated speed detection systems, contracts that provide for the installation of such systems, and contract renewals must be heard at the Public City Council meeting. These items cannot be considered on consent agenda and the public must be allowed to comment on them.
• School zone speed detection systems may not be used for remote surveillance. Recorded video or photographs must be destroyed within 90 days after the final disposition of the recorded event.
• To ensure accuracy, systems are required to be able to perform self-tests at least once every 30 days and maintain a log of the results. Independent calibration test is required annually.
Once the alleged violations are captured, they are reviewed by a traffic enforcement officer, and if confirmed, a notice of violation in the amount of $100 is issued. There are no points associated with the notice of violation.
State Statutes outlines how the funds are distributed and used:
|
Distribution Source |
Amount |
|
Village of Wellington for Public Safety |
$39.00 |
|
RedSpeed |
$21.00 |
|
State General Fund |
$20.00 |
|
Local School Districts for Security, Hardening, Walking Conditions |
$12.00 |
|
School Crossing Guard Program |
$5.00 |
|
FDLE Criminal Standards & Training Fund |
$3.00 |
Per Statute, if payment is not received within 30 days after notification (unless the registered vehicle owner requested a hearing or submitted an affidavit demonstrating that the motor vehicle was operated by another individual, they received a uniform traffic citation for this violation, or the owner is deceased), a uniform traffic citation is issued.
RedSpeed will be responsible for all permits, equipment and signage installation, maintenance, inspections, repair, replacement and program administration services. Based on the needs of specific locations, the Village may choose from a Lidar or radar speed detection systems option. All systems shall perform a daily calibration self-check and no violations will be issued if the test fails.
Program administration includes the initial review of the captured alleged violations, the identification of the owner of the motor vehicle, the preparation of Notices of Violation once approved by the Village’s traffic enforcement officer and mailing of such notices. They will assist the Village with preparing the materials for the public awareness campaign. They will also operate an ADA-compliant customer service portal and a call center capable of assisting customers in English and Spanish.
RedSpeed will implement its RedCheck system where our traffic enforcement officer will review and approve or reject the alleged violations that have been pre-screened by RedSpeed. They will provide statistics and reports, conduct training and deliver expert testimony as needed.
RedSpeed shall not be reimbursed for any cost/fees associated with Certified Mail for Notices of Violation converted into Uniform Traffic Citations and all extra-action charges or fees listed are RedSpeed responsibilities. Additionally, RedSpeed shall not be reimbursed for any expenses unless authorized in writing by the Village.
Staff recommends that speed detection systems be installed at the following school sites:
|
School Name |
School Address |
Approach Street |
|
Wellington Elementary |
13000 Paddock Drive |
Big Blue Trace |
|
Wellington Elementary |
13000 Paddock Drive |
Paddock Park Drive |
|
New Horizons Elementary |
13900 Greenbriar Blvd |
Greenbriar Blvd |
|
Panther Run Elementary |
10775 Lake Worth Rd |
Lake Worth Rd |
|
Elbridge Gale Elementary |
1915 Royal Fern Drive |
Royal Fern Drive |
|
Elbridge Gale Elementary |
1916 Royal Fern Drive |
Birkdale Drive |
|
Equestrian Trails Elementary |
9720 Stribling Way |
Stribling Way |
|
Binks Forest Elementary |
15101 Bent Creek Road |
Bent Creek Road |
|
Binks Forest Elementary |
15102 Bent Creek Road |
Binks Forest drive |
|
Wellington Landings |
1100 Aero Club Drive |
Aero Club & Greenview Shores |
|
Wellington Landings |
1100 Aero Club Drive |
Binks Forest Drive |
|
Emerald Cove Middle School |
9950 Stribling Way |
Stribling Way |
|
Polo Park Middle School |
11901 Lake Worth Road |
Lake Worth Road |
|
Polo Park Middle School |
11901 Lake Worth Road |
Lake Worth Road |
|
Somerset Academy |
1000 Wellington Trace |
Wellington Trace |
Enforcement begins thirty (30) minutes before the school day starts or breakfast program (whichever is earlier), during the entirety of the school day and thirty (30) minutes after it ends. Speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour (MPH) over the posted speed limit at the time, may be photo or video enforced.
Entering into the Agreement is contingent upon Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-14 authorizing the placement and installation of SDS systems and creating enforcement procedures for enforcement of school zone speed limits through the use of an SDS system.
Based on direction from Council at the October 8, 2024 meeting, staff reviewed other piggyback options with several vendors including Verra Mobility, Altumint, Blue Line Solutions, and Traffipax, LLC (Jenoptik Group) and found RedSpeed Florida, LLC. provides the best value to the Village (summary attached).
Staff is seeking approval of this Resolution and recommends utilizing a Southeast Co-operative contract as a basis for pricing for the placement, installation and operation of a speed detection camera system for school zones, with RedSpeed Florida LLC.
The term of the proposed agreement is five (5) years with one (1) five (5) year renewal. However, the Village may terminate the agreement for convenience with a 30-day notice.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL:
FIRST READING: SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: Revenue Generating to be determined.
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of Resolution No. R2024-52 and Authorization to utilize a Southeast Co-operative contract as a basis for pricing for the placement, installation and operation of a speed detection camera system for school zones, with RedSpeed Florida LLC.