Red light cameras given a green light in Lancaster

by Bill Conrad of Lancaster TODAY

Lancaster City Council unanimously approved three resolutions Dec. 10 clearing the way for the implementation of red light cameras in Lancaster.

Prior to the cameras being installed, a seven- member Citizens Advisory Committee must be consulted.

Committee members, who will serve two year terms, were appointed at Monday's council meeting and will meet as needed.

The committee will make a non-binding recommendation to the city about each proposed intersection.

The final determination about which, if any, intersections receive cameras will be up to the city council.

In an effort to increase cooperation and equality between all races and cultures in Lancaster, the council also voted to rejoin the National League of Cities.

Lancaster was previously a member, but dropped out in 2000. According to the council, the Inclusive Communities program of the National League of Cities will perform some of the same functions that were previously done by the Human Relations Committee.

The measure was approved 6 votes to 1. Council member Susan Anderson was the lone vote against the measure on the basis that the $3,012 entry fee to the National League of Cities was not a budgeted item and could be better spent elsewhere.

Construction on the new public safety building and the renovation of the municipal courts building can also now begin, after the council awarded the contract to Phillips/ May Corporation. The bid was originally for $11,345,000, but this figure was cut down to less than $11 million before the contract was awarded. Phillips/May Corporation has worked with the city before, as they were awarded the contract for the new senior citizens center to be built in Lancaster Community Park.

The council also unanimously approved the hiring of Henry Campbell III as associate judge. Campbell will only serve when the Municipal Count Judge is unavailable.