HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety Committee - 11/08/2016 (2)
Public Safety Committee Agenda
Councilmembers: Dana Ralph – Les Thomas – Jim Berrios, Chair
SPECIAL MEETING - November 8, 2016
3:30 p.m.
Item Description Action Speaker Time Page
1. Call to order Chair Berrios 1
2. Roll Call Chair Berrios 1
3. Changes to the Agenda Chair Berrios 1
4. Approval of Minutes dated October 11, 2016 YES Chair Berrios 5 1
5. Fiscal Year 2016 Bureau Justice Assistance
Grant - Recommend
YES Sara Wood 10 5
6. Grant Update – Information Only NO Sara Wood 10 35
7. Graffiti Update – Information Only NO Commander
O’Reilly
10 39
8. Red Light Cameras – Information Only NO Chief Thomas 10 56
9. Police Chief’s Update – Information Only
• School Zone Traffic Safety Cameras
NO Chief Thomas 10 62
Unless otherwise noted, the Public Safety Committee meets at 4:30 p.m. on the second
Tuesday of each month in Kent City Hall, Council Chambers East, 220 4th Ave S, Kent, 98032.
For additional information please contact Kim Komoto at 253-856-5788 or via email at
kkomoto@kentwa.gov.
Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City Clerk’s
Office at 253-856-5725 in advance. For TDD relay service call Washington
Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-833-6388.
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CITY OF KENT
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Minutes of Regular Meeting
October 11, 2016 Kent City Hall,
4:30 p.m. Council Chambers East
Kent, Washington
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m., with Committee Chair Berrios
presiding.
2. Roll Call
All Councilmembers were present.
3. Changes to the Agenda
Chief Thomas indicated there were no changes to the agenda.
4. Approval of Minutes, dated September 13, 2016
Councilmember Thomas MOVED to approve the Minutes of September 13, 2016,
and Councilmember Ralph SECONDED the motion.
The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 3-0.
5. 2015-2016 Police Service Agreements with Kent School District –
Recommend
In place of Pat Fitzpatrick, Chief Thomas presented information regarding the 2015
– 2016 Police Service Agreements with the Kent School District.
During the school year, the Department provided the services called for in the
contract, and the District paid for the services, however, due to staffing changes
and other circumstances, the agreements were not executed.
In order to protect the City from any claims that may arise from the 2015 – 2016
school year, the City and District will sign the agreements that include
indemnification language.
Councilmember Ralph confirmed that the contracts reflect concerns discussed at a
prior Public Safety committee meeting. Chief Thomas confirmed that those issues
were addressed.
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Councilmember Ralph MOVED to recommend the Mayor sign the Police Services
Agreement and School Resource Officer Agreement between the Kent Police
Department and the Kent School district for the 2015 – 2016 school year, subject
to the final contract terms and conditions acceptable to the police chief and city
attorney, and Councilmember Thomas SECONDED the motion.
The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 3-0.
Item 6. 2016-2017 Police Service Agreements with Kent School District
– Recommend
Chief Thomas presented information regarding the 2016 – 2017 Police Services
Agreements with the Kent School District.
The Police Department and District negotiated changes that reflect that the officers
will return to the Department to assist with patrol staff for the time period of one
week prior to the start of the school year, one week after the end of the school
year, in addition to during all breaks during the year.
Chief Thomas confirmed that the King County Sheriff’s Office provides similar
services to both Kentlake and Kentwood high schools.
Councilmember Thomas MOVED to recommend Council authorize the Mayor to sign
the Police Services Agreement and School Resource Officer Agreement between the
Kent Police Department and the Kent School District for the 2016 – 2017 school
year, subject to final contract terms and conditions acceptable to the police chief
and city attorney, and Councilmember Ralph SECONDED the motion.
The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 3-0.
Item 7. Police Chief’s Update - Information Only
Chief Thomas congratulated Kim Komoto in her recent appointment as the city of
Kent City Clerk. Jennifer Hays will step in and take over as the secretary for the
Public Safety Committee.
Chief Thomas provided information on King County’s proposed 2017-2018 budget.
King County is proposing to close the Regional Justice Center (RJC) for bookings
100% of the time beginning in 2018. Currently, bookings are open Monday –
Friday 9-5. The Kent Police Department strongly opposes that proposition. It is the
Kent Police Department’s position that the RJC is a fully-operational service jail for
the housing and accepting of felons and it should continue to serve that purpose.
If the RJC is closed for bookings, Chief Thomas is concerned that Kent Police will be
required to drive to and from Seattle to book felons into the King County jail, taking
them off the streets of Kent. The Police Department’s position is that the RJC
should be open 24/7 for the booking of felons since the Kent community approved
the RJC and that it is a fully-functional facility.
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Chief Thomas will be attending and speaking at the Sound Cities Association
meeting on October 12, in addition to the King County Council meeting during the
week of October 17 to provide input on the proposed changes to the felon booking
system at the RJC and the proposed reduction to the county’s marine and air
program. Chief Thomas hopes that King County will reconsider the reduction to
public-safety related budget items.
Chief Thomas provided information regarding police overtime. In the past few
years, overtime costs have averaged approximately 1.5 million, with a budget of
$650,000. 60% of overtime hours have been generated to cover basic patrol
staffing and 10% has been used to cover shift extensions.
Chief Thomas recognized Assistant Chief Padilla and his staff for their work
conducting the analysis of overtime.
The committee discussed details of what affects the overtime budget and the need
to adjust the overtime budget to accurately reflect the cost of police overtime.
Derek Matheson, Chief Administrative Officer provided clarification on budgeting
philosophies.
Chief Thomas confirmed that services are not being sacrificed due to the overtime
costs being covered by another line item of the police department budget. The
committee discussed the possibility of increasing the total number of officers
budgeted from 150 to approximately 160.
Good of the order:
Councilmember Ralph invited the public to the October 19, Kent Drug Free Coalition
meeting at Mill Creek Middle School town hall meeting.
8. Adjournment
At 5:01 p.m., Committee Chair Berrios declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimberley A. Komoto
Public Safety Committee Secretary/City Clerk
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ken Thomas, Chief of Police
Phone: 253-856-5800
Fax: 253-856-6802
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
DATE: November 8, 2016
TO: Public Safety Committee
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2016 Bureau Justice Assistance Grant - Recommend
MOTION: Recommend Council authorize the Mayor to accept the Fiscal Year
2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant through the State of
Washington Department of Commerce in the amount of $127,887, ratify and
authorize the Mayor’s signing of all necessary documents, amend the budget,
and authorize expenditure of the funds in accordance with grant terms and
conditions acceptable to the police chief and city attorney.
SUMMARY: The Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET) applied for and received a
Justice Assistance Grant to fund the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET) office
manager position. Those grant funds include the cost of the office manager’s salary and
benefits. The City of Auburn is the fiscal agent for VNET and the City of Kent is a sub-
recipient of the grant. The VNET office manager, Joanne Moen, is a City of Kent employee
and 100% of her salary and benefits are paid for by the grant funds, on a reimbursement
basis. The total award is $127,887.
Since the City of Kent is a sub-recipient of JAG funds, it is required to complete the sub-
recipient application materials in order to confirm compliance with the grant’s terms and
conditions.
Exhibit: Interagency Agreement
Budget Impact: Unanticipated Income
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ken Thomas, Chief of Police
Phone: 253-856-5800
Fax: 253-856-6802
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
DATE: November 8, 2016
TO: Public Safety Committee
SUBJECT: Grant Update – Information Only
INFORMATION ONLY
SUMMARY: Sara Wood, Research and Development Analyst will provide an update on
the status of grants for the Kent Police Department.
Exhibit: Grant Information
Budget Impact: Unanticipated Income
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Current Grant Awards As of October
28, 2016
Funding Agency Program/Project Title Award Date End Date
Award
Budget Balance
Type of
Funding Category Explanation/City Project #
Office of National Drug Control Policy Drug
Free Communities Grant DFC Year 8 9/30/2016 9/29/2017 $125,000 $125,000 Federal Prevention Drug Free Coaltion - N00062
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services of America (SAMHSA)
STOP Grant Year 1 -
New Award 9/30/2016 9/29/2017 $47,115 $47,115 Federal Prevention
Drug Free Coalition/Youth
Board
State Farm Insurance
Illegal Street Racing
Grants 3/1/2015 N/A $39,000 $12,769 Private Prevention
Racing Prevention - N00034 -
Balance rolls over
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program
(SCAAP)
Illegal Alien Assistance
Grant 8/1/2014 N/A $20,243 $3,475 Federal Federal
Balance rolls over - new
application annually
Washington Traffic Safety Commission
(WTSC)
Flexible Funding - TZT,
DUI, Flex Funding 10/1/2016 9/30/2017 $20,700 $20,700 Public State Traffic Safety - N00037
2013 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Data Driven Crime
Fighting 5/23/2014 5/23/2019 $52,379 $924 Federal Federal Technology and Enforcement
2014 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)Hot Spot Policing 5/20/2015 5/20/2020 $57,455 $33,715 Federal Federal Hot Spot Policing
2015 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Range Upgrades, Teen
Police Academy 6/1/2016 1/1/2021 $45,796 $16,574 Federal Federal
Range Upgrades, Teen Police
Academy
2016 WTSC Data Driven Approaches to
Crime/Traffic Safety DDACTS 10/1/2016 9/30/2017 $36,000 $36,000 Public State
Traffic Safety and Crime
Prevention
King County Sheriffs Office Sex Offender Grant 7/1/2016 6/30/2017 $38,064 $27,357 Public State Community Safety
2016-2017 WTSC Target Zero Manager
Grant
South King Target Zero
Manager 7/1/2016 6/30/2017 $62,000 $46,499 Public State Traffic Safety
2016 WA Parks/Recreation Boat Grant
Boating Safety
Education/Enforcement 3/1/2016 9/30/2016 $13,394 $4,610 Public State Boat safety/enforcement
2016-2017 WA Impaired Drivers Advisory
Council Grant
King County DUI/TZT
Enforcement 3/1/2016 6/30/2017 $48,000 $48,000 Public State
Target Zero Team/DUI
Enforcement
2016-2017 JAG Grant for Valley Narcotics
Enforcement Team VNET Salaries 10/1/2016 9/30/2017 $127,887 $127,887 Public Federal VNET Task Force Salaries
Grants Application/Pending
Notification/Acceptance:Requested Amount
2016 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)$43,363
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ken Thomas, Chief of Police
Phone: 253-856-5800
Fax: 253-856-6802
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
DATE: November 8, 2016
TO: Public Safety Committee
SUBJECT: Graffiti Update – Information Only
INFORMATION ONLY
SUMMARY: Commander Mike O’Reilly will provide an update on graffiti in the City.
Exhibit: Presentation materials
Budget Impact: None
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Police Graffiti Protocol
Communication
•We receive graffiti
reports in a variety of
ways:
•Officer locates
graffiti while
conducting directed
patrols
•911 call is made and
an Officer responds
•Graffiti Hotline
•Web Q&A
•Calls to the main
line at the station
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Police Graffiti Protocol
Action
•Determine responsibility, i.e.,
Police, Parks or Public Works
•Police are responsible for
coordinating clean-up efforts
with Residential and
Commercial property
•Locate and talk with the
property owner about the
issue. Obtain a waiver
•Advise reporting party of
job timeline
•Jail Work Crew
•VIP’s Clean-Up Crew
•Consult with Code
Enforcement if necessary
•Timeline challenges are the
ability to locate owner, crew
availability, job type, etc.
•Photograph, clean or paint
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JOB COMPLETE FOLLOW UP WITH REPORTING PARTY
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Public Works Graffiti
Protocol
Communication
•We receive graffiti
reports in a variety of
ways:
•Phone calls
•E-mails
•Web Q&A
•Postal mail
•Referral from
Police
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Public Works Graffiti
Protocol
Action
•Public Works is
responsible for:
•Traffic Signs
•Public
Retaining Walls
•Pavements and
Sidewalks
•Bridge Surfaces
•Street Light
Poles
•Traffic Light
Poles/Cabinets
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Public Works Graffiti
Protocol
Action (cont.)
•Evaluate the problem,
determine a timeline for
completion and advise
the reporting party
•Timeline can be same
day, but there are factors
that come into play, i.e.,
weather, surface type,
etc., that can cause
delays in removal
•Photograph & share
with PD
•Clean, paint over or
replace
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JOB COMPLETE FOLLOW UP WITH
REPORTING PARTY
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Parks Graffiti Protocol
Communication
•We receive graffiti
reports in a variety of
ways:
•Park Staff locate
graffiti during
their shift
•Phone calls
•E-mails from
citizens & city
departments
•Web Q&A
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Parks Graffiti Protocol
Action
•Parks Department is
responsible for anything in
a Park:
•Signs
•Skate Parks
•Playgrounds
•Concrete/Asphalt
•Picnic Tables
•Garbage cans
•Fences
•Restrooms/Stage
•Trees/Shrubs
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Parks Graffiti Protocol
Action (cont.)
•Evaluate the problem,
determine a timeline for
completion and advise
the reporting party
•Timeline can be same
day, but there are factors
that come into play, i.e.,
weather, surface type,
etc., that can cause
delays in removal
•Porous surfaces require
a contractor to remove
the graffiti
•Photograph & share
with PD
•Clean, paint over or
replace
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JOB COMPLETE FOLLOW UP WITH
REPORTING PARTY
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Communication Plan
for Graffiti Reporting
“Where we’re headed”
•Michelle Wilmot and Greg
Sconce have been consulted
regarding the development of
one location to report graffiti
•Will be on the City’s
main website
•Link will direct to an
easy to follow reporting
page
•The completed report
will be sent to the
Department responsible
for the clean-up
•The page will also
include information to
frequently asked
questions, i.e.,
challenges with the
timeline for completion
•Sconce will be coordinating a
future meeting with all
stakeholders to generate an
effective reporting model
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ken Thomas, Chief of Police
Phone: 253-856-5800
Fax: 253-856-6802
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
DATE: November 8, 2016
TO: Public Safety Committee
SUBJECT: Red Light Cameras – Information Only
INFORMATION ONLY
SUMMARY: Chief Thomas will present information regarding red light cameras.
Exhibit: Presentation materials
Budget Impact: None
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Red Light Camera Information
Introduction
In October of 2016 Councilman Berrios asked the police department to gather information on red light
cameras. Over the last week the Police Department has examined local statistics to determine
problematic traffic intersections. The Police Department has also talked with other jurisdictions in the
other that are currently utilizing red light cameras or have used them in the past as well as researching
the effectiveness of the cameras. Our current vendor for school zone speed cameras was also contacted
for pricing information.
Goal of the Program
The primary goal of this program would be to reduce red light violations and collisions at designated
intersections. The secondary goal of this program is to generate revenue to aid in the purchase and
placement of traffic calming devices throughout the city.
Legal Considerations
Is it legal to send the registered owner of the vehicle a civil infraction? The issue of owner liability has
been addressed in the US courts, with a ruling in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 2007,
which agreed with a lower court when it found that the presumption of liability of the owners of
vehicles issued citations does not violate due process rights. This ruling was supported by a 2009 7th US
Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in which it was held that issuing citations to vehicle owners (or lessees) is
constitutional. The court stated that it also encourages drivers to be cautious in lending their vehicles to
others.
Does the use of red light cameras violate a citizen’s right to privacy? The argument that red light
cameras violate the privacy of citizens has also been addressed in the US courts. According to a 2009
ruling by the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals, “no one has a fundamental right to run a red light or avoid
being seen by a camera on a public street.” In addition, cameras only take photographs or video when a
vehicle has run a red light and, in most states, the camera does not photograph the driver or the
occupants of the vehicle.
Across the country is a mixed bag and there is no clear cut answer
In Florida a state judge ruled the state’s camera’s law is unconstitutional. The Washington State
Supreme Court ruled local voters couldn’t ban red-light cameras by ballot initiative. A Missouri circuit
judge in St. Louis ruled cameras are invalid without validation by the state legislature; then another St.
Louis circuit judge reached the opposition conclusion a month later. In 2002, the Colorado Supreme
Court ruled that state legislators do have authority over municipal photo traffic enforcement.
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Do red light cameras make intersections safer?
There have been several studies/analyses involving the use of red light cameras. Many of these
contradict each other. Recent studies/analyses include the following:
A 2010 analysis by the Los Angeles City Controller found L.A.'s red light cameras hadn't demonstrated an
improvement in safety, specifically that of the 32 intersections equipped with cameras, 12 saw more
crashes than before the cameras were installed, 4 had the same number, and 16 had fewer crashes; also
factors other than the cameras may have been responsible for the reduced crashes at the 16
intersections.
In 2010, Arizona completed a study of their statewide 76 photo enforcement cameras and decided they
would not renew the program in 2011; lower revenue than expected, mixed public acceptance and
mixed accident data were cited.
In 2010, a Texas Transportation Institute white paper examined numerous intersections in Texas,
Arizona, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington, California, and other countries to gather data. In
conclusion they found: If installed at locations with significant red light running crashes and/or
violations, over a group of intersections, red light cameras:
• Substantially reduce red light violation rates;
• Reduce crashes that result from red light running;
•Usually reduce right-angle collisions;
•May result in an increase in rear-end collisions;
•May or may not reduce total crashes, but rarely result in a substantial increase; and
•Usually reduce crash severity by virtue of reducing the more severe right-angle crashes while
sometimes increasing the less severe rear-end collisions.
In examining local statistics as well as the studies mentioned above, there is no clear cut answer. In
some intersections collisions are reduced, in others they increased.
Other Local Jurisdictions
• The Puyallup Police Department has had a red light camera program for the last 5-6 years. They
have a total of 11 cameras throughout the city. In talking with their traffic Sgt, he felt that they
have not seen a huge reduction in accidents in those intersections. The Sgt did state that there
is not a lot of public support for the program and that it is seen as a revenue generator for the
police department. In Puyallup the revenue goes into the general fund and the police
department does not get reimbursed for the 2-3 hours a day it takes to review the camera
footage.
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• The Auburn Police Department had a red light program with 6 cameras from 2009-2013. During
that time they had a slight decrease in collisions at the end of the 5 years. Auburn ran into
billing problems with their vendor and at the time they terminated their program city owed
money to the vendor. The program ended at the end of 2013 when the city council decided they
wanted a more inviting and friendly city instead of one where the residents felt that “big
brother” was watching them.
• The Renton Police Department has had a red light camera program for several years. They have
a total of 4 red light cameras and 5 school zone cameras. In examining the statistics from the
Renton website comparing 2014 and 2015, there has actually been an increase in each of the
intersections where the cameras are located. Comparing the totals from before the cameras
were installed to now shows a reduction of collisions in 3 intersections. These cameras produce
approximately 1200 reviews a month for the traffic unit. Each violation review takes
approximately 30 seconds to decide whether a violation was committed.
• The Federal Way Police Department has had a red light camera program since 2005. These
cameras appear to be limited to 3 intersections. In two out of the three intersections there was
a reduction in collisions. In the third intersection there has been an increase over the 2005
numbers in all but one year.
• The Lynnwood Police Department has also had a red light program for a number of years. Their
website shows statistics from 2012-2015. The numbers from these intersections show an
increase in collisions during certain years and a decrease in collision in others. Overall there has
been a decrease in the total collisions when comparing each year to 2012.
Costs of the equipment
An approximate cost for the cameras is $4250 per camera to cover 2 lanes and $4750 per camera to
cover 4-5 lanes. For example, to cover an intersection the size of S 212th and 68 Ave S it would cost
roughly $19,000 per month. To cover an intersection the size of 104 Ave SE and SE 256th it would cost
roughly $17,000 per month. Typically a city would have 1-2 cameras at an intersection which would cost
roughly $8500 per month.
If you consider a normal notice of infraction costing $124, you would need 137 violations a month to
break even on $17000. For a 2 camera installation at an intersection you would need 69 violations a
month to break even. There is a minimum of a 36 month contract to cover the cost of the equipment,
installation, fees, etc. If for some reason the city decides to take down the cameras, there would be an
accelerated charge to cover the cost of these items and their install.
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Possible locations for red light cameras
Sgt Schanbacher crunched the collision numbers around the city and came up with a list of the top 5
intersections in regards to total collisions. These are not necessarily accidents caused by failing to stop
for a red light, but everything collision at that location. These intersections accounted for approximately
25% of the collisions in the city for 2015. The total collisions are in parenthesis.
(60) 104th Ave SE & SE 240th St.
(48) 104th Ave SE & SE 256th St/ Kent-Kangley Road & SE 256th St
(37) Central Ave N & E James St
(37) 84th Ave S & S 212th St
(35) Central Ave N & E Smith St
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ken Thomas, Chief of Police
Phone: 253-856-5800
Fax: 253-856-6802
Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
DATE: November 8, 2016
TO: Public Safety Committee
SUBJECT: Police Chief’s Update – Information Only
Information Only
SUMMARY: Chief Thomas will present information regarding the current events affecting
the Police Department and will provide an update on the School Zone Traffic Safety
Camera program.
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KENT MUNICIPAL COURT
Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total
2016 841 562 810 702 1229 693 7 0 1263 1175 7282
2015 423 467 904 560 920 931 7 2 913 974 943 1078 8,122
2014 649 832 1032 587 978 883 4 2 1006 1198 623 572 8,366
*2 new schools added 10/1/15
School Zone Tickets
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