Split Iowa City Council votes again in support of red-light cameras

IOWA CITY – The City Council approved Tuesday night the second of three readings needed to allow red-light cameras to go up in Iowa City, but it plans to discuss the matter more before the final vote.

The council voted 4-3 in support of a red-light camera ordinance. The divisions were the same as the first reading, with council members Rick Dobyns, Terry Dickens, Susan Mims and Mayor Matt Hayek in support and Michelle Payne, Connie Champion and Jim Throgmorton against.

The final vote is scheduled for Feb. 21. At a work session before the meeting, the council will talk about the cameras further.

Jim Throgmorton asked for the work session discussion, saying he had some questions he wanted to submit for staff to answer. Champion also noted that the council has three new members who took their seats earlier this month and placing the item on a work session agenda, rather than only talking about it at the regular meetings, could be beneficial.

If the final reading passes, city staff would seek vendors and negotiate a contract, which would need to be approved by the City Council.