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Warsaw city council Monday listened to Ann Sweet's proposal of using photo-red technology on U.S. 30 to stop the problem of semis running red lights.
"My concern this evening is red-light running," Sweet said. Sweet, whose daughter, 21-year-old Shawnee Ulrey, was killed in 1997 by a semi tractor/trailer driver running a red light, put together a presentation for proposing the use of cameras to help police catch drivers who run red lights. "I, personally, am a little tired of people blaming the police," she said.
Sweet, who has become an outspoken proponet of the issue since Ulrey's death, had the help of assistant professor of psychology at Old Dominion University, Dr. Bryan Porter's, testimony on photo-red technology.
The technology would include placing a camera alongside the highway near a stoplight. The camera would film the license plates of cars and trucks that run red lights.
"Photo-red is the only means today to apply to red-light running," Porter said in his testimony. The Warsaw Traffic Commission also agrees with photo-red technology, saying that it could save lives, the discussion revealed.
"They have those out in Phoenix," said council president Jerry Patterson. "They seem to work real well."
The matter was taken under advisement.
In other business:
• The 2001 salary ordinance was discussed but no action was taken. Salaries of city employees would be raised 3 percent, with some exceptions. There are several new positions, including an operations administrator for the police department, a training officer for the fire department, a human resources administrator and an assistant city planner. Only one position would receive more than a 3 percent raise. The parks and recreation department activities director, Andy McCleary, would receive a 12 percent to 13 percent raise.
"He deserves a raise," said Bill Rhoades. The other council members agreed.
The salary ordinance was tabled.
• A fiscal plan for annexation of property in Wayne Township was approved. The property to be annexed would include the area around Ruby Tuesday restaurant and Hampton Inn. The only cost would be improvements made on Center Street.
• An ordinance for a reimbursement grant for bulletproof vests for the police department was approved. The city will pay all money up front but receive 50 percent back, which will go into the grant fund.
• A transfer of supplies to equipment for the fire department was approved. The fire department needs new ladders and mattresses.
• The Board of Works authorized the discard of four police cars. One car is to be transferred to Winona Lake and has been accepted there. This motion was approved.
• Building permit fees of $19,000 to build a new county jail and $66 for the Salvation Army were waived.
The Warsaw City Council includes president Jerry Patterson, Joe Thallemer, Trish Brown, Jeff Grose, Charlie Smith, Paul Siebenmorgen and Bill Rhoades.
