- December 26, 2024
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What's going to happen with red light cameras? It sure seems like they're on their way out, or at least on their way down. The City Council indicated a couple of weeks ago that they favored a plan to bring the number of cameras from 43 down to five and asked City Manager Jim Landon to negotiate a deal with American Traffic Solutions, the Arizona-based provider.
Well, this is a little nugget on the March 10 City Council agenda:
"City Manager has been in discussion with ATS representatives in an effort to reach an agreement on a contract amendment for our red light camera safety program. The discussions have been productive, but a final agreement has not been reached. The City Manager will update City Council on our progress and hopefully be able to present a final proposal."
Apparently, no deal yet, but "productive" discussions. Stay tuned!
Code changes?
Another item on the City Council agenda deals with potential code changes. Here is the brief summary of what will be covered:
"Pursuant to City Council’s direction at their January 13, 2015 workshop, Planning staff has reviewed the City’s code standards for fences and walls and drinking establishments, including bottle clubs. Planning staff will make a presentation to the City Council seeking their direction."
Gas station forges ahead at Wynnfield and Pine Lakes
A year ago, residents expressed concern about a gas station that has been proposed at Wynnfield Drive and Pine Lakes Parkway. Now, it's fully under construction; I drove past it this morning on my way to the office. The lot is cleared, and heavy equipment appears poised to go vertical any time.
I don't live in the neighborhood, but I don't think the gas station will cause any trouble for the residents nearby. First of all, there won't be any through traffic on Wynnfied, because Wynnfield doesn't lead anywhere; it's a big U that ends up back on Pine Lakes. Second, given that it's close to the Grand Club golf amenity on Pine Lakes, it doesn't feel as out of place as some residents seem to have argued in the past.
To me, the gas station is another sign that our economy in Palm Coast is bustling. So, bring on the gas station!
Stephen Bickel and the Free Clinic
Earlier this morning, Dr. Stephen Bickel was on "Free For All Friday" on WNZF radio. (The show is every Friday morning at 9 a.m., and it's exclusively about local topics, so if you haven't tuned in before, you should check it out.)
Bickel was a doctor for 30 years in Los Angeles and moved to Palm Coast to retire and escape the smog. When he got here, though, he got involved in the Flagler Free Clinic and hasn't looked back. Now, he's pretty much working full time, including a couple of half-days at the Flagler County Health Department. He has taken on a real leadership role at the clinic, and he says that when he is donating his time to serve patients, it feels great because it's less stressful. He's not as concerned anymore about billable hours, etc., and I got the feeling that he can get to know patients better.
Thanks to Bickel and the other 100 volunteers who make the clinic a success. It's one thing that makes me proud to live in Flagler County.
A dental clinic opened two months ago, with four suites. The clinic still looking for more dentists to volunteer their time, so if you know of anyone who might be interested, visit the clinic's website here. Bickel said most of the work so far has been tooth extractions.
The Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation just presented a $50,000 check to the clinic after its Moonlit Gala fundraiser, and on the radio today, foundation head Tony Papandrea said the total will likely be more like $60,000.
Manfre on body cameras
Sheriff James Manfre also called into "Free For All Friday" to discuss body cameras, the topic of the March 5 front-page story. He said the cameras are extremely beneficial, and you can read all about it in the link. But he also said something curious about Public Defender Jim Purdy, who was quoted extensively in the story by Jonathan Simmons.
According to Manfre, Purdy didn't have all his fact straight, and he suggested that if Purdy had the chance to be interviewed again, he might have been less "strident" in his warnings about the cameras causing an increased workload for public defenders. Manfre said he talked to a supervisor at the Public Defender's Office who said the body cameras haven't been a huge impact, and they can also save time by leading to settlements or avoiding legal action altogether when defendants realize they were caught on video, and that it won't just be one person's word against another.
Essentially, it means that defendants now have a higher standard when they accuse law enforcement officers. If you're a lowlife and you are making a false accusation against an officer, you will be caught. You can't lie now and get away with it, because you were on video.
Manfre suggested that 99% of the time, the cameras will exonerate the officers. And in the 1% when the officer is in the wrong, it's also good that they get caught.
One other curveball: The officer decides when to start the recording. If he doesn't push the button, there is no video.
Manfre said one officer was opposed to the cameras at first but now embraces them because they mostly show that the officers are acting appropriately.
