Fireworks ban and new traffic cameras on Redmond City Council agenda
Tracee Tuesday
REDMOND, Ore. {KTVZ} — Redmond City Council addressed two significant public safety issues Tuesday night during their regularly scheduled city council meeting—approving a new contract for traffic photo enforcement cameras and passing tighter restrictions on fireworks use.
The council voted to approve a five-year contract for traffic photo enforcement, with options for renewal based on performance. According to Redmond Police, the cameras are expected to generate an average monthly revenue of about $49,000 from citations. With Oregon Department of Transportation approval, additional cameras along Highway 97 could raise total monthly revenue to just under $267,000.
Permanent enforcement sites will include Highway 97 at Highland Avenue and Rimrock Way, NW 6th Street and NW Maple Avenue, and NW 10th Street near Tom McCall Elementary School. Portable camera units will also rotate through other city locations.
The city and police plan to post signs and launch a public awareness campaign starting in December. Camera installation begins next month, with a 30-day warning period before enforcement begins in March. The city will retain ownership of all enforcement data.
Mayor Ed Fitch said the effort aims to curb speeding and respond to residents’ concerns.
“Our goal is to address traffic issues that are being raised by our citizens every week,” Fitch said. “We have to curtail that, and this is going to be an important tool to help do that.”
The council also voted on an amended fireworks ordinance, limiting fireworks to Independence Day only. Continued high fire danger prompted renewed discussion this year about the risks posed by fireworks outside of July 4 celebrations.
Councilor Kathryn Osborn emphasized that penalties for violating the new rules will be steep.
“The penalty for illegal fireworks or setting off fireworks during a ban outside of the legal fireworks approved for July 4th is a Class F $1,500 fine per instance,” Osborn said.
Officials are urging residents to follow city guidelines, respect firework restrictions, and help keep the community safe during the holiday season and beyond.