MONROE — Cameras to catch speeders outside of elementary schools in this city encourage safer driving, free police officers to do more important work and save children’s lives.

But the city is just trying to make money with the cameras, there haven’t been traffic problems outside those schoo

ls and people should have been asked in a vote before they were installed.

Those were the arguments for and against the traffic- enforcement cameras at a hearing Tuesday night in Monroe City Hall. With the council chambers crowded, about 14 people spoke on the issue.

Arizona company Redflex Traffic Systems placed the two traffic-enforcement cameras in November outside of Fryelands and Frank Wagner elementary schools after reaching a contract with the city. The cameras are set up only to catch speeders in the school-zone areas.

But the company only activated one camera — the one outside of Fryelands. And drivers caught by the cameras have been receiving warning letters and not fines. About 460 warning letters have been sent between Jan. 1 to March 3, Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis said.

The company installed the two new cameras at no charge but will collect a fee for the processing of the tickets.

The city has had an ordinance allowing the use of traffic cameras since 2007. In addition to the camera at Fryelands Elementary, 15286 Fryelands Blvd. SE, and Frank Wagner Elementary, 639 W. Main St., the city is considering installing a red-light camera at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Kelsey Street.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Michael Larson of Monroe wanted to know if other enforcement measures had been considered. He said having a police officer in the schools would not only make drivers slow down, but help with other problems the area might have.

“We lose the personal touch with a law enforcement camera,” he said to the council. “And (the police) loses contact with the community.”

Rick Beane, who lives in town, said the cameras will allow police to be somewhere else.

Diana Accetturo helps as a crossing guard at Fryelands Elementary School and has seen people driving recklessly during school time. The cameras are making a difference, she said.

“They’re saving children’s lives,” she said.

Steve Jensen, who has lived in the area for years, said he does not recall the intersections having traffic trouble in the past. He believes cameras will give a false sense of security and wonders if photos from a third party can be used as evidence in court.

Activist Tim Eyman, who has made a name for himself pushing statewide initiatives and who successfully fought red-light cameras in his hometown of Mukilteo, said the decision should be put on a vote to let the city decide.

Monroe woman Rosie Tatel disagreed.

“If every decision is put to a vote, it will not be cost-effective. It doesn’t let elected officials do their jobs,” she said.

She was in favor of the cameras for “if they save one life, they’re worth it.”

Ty Balascio, part of a group called Seeds of Liberty aiming to put the cameras to a vote in Monroe, agreed safety is a priority. He believes the cameras will not punish drivers who are a danger, like drunk drivers.

“The tickets don’t go to the DMV,” he said.

The council didn’t vote on the issue or comment after the hearing was closed. Mayor Robert Zimmerman said there’s a contract with Redflex Traffic Systems, but that doesn’t mean the issue is settled.

“It is not decided until Monroe speaks as a whole,” he said.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.