The speed camera proposal landed in front of the Barrington School Committee on Thursday night, June 12.

Committee member Tim McNamara said speed cameras were a hot topic in town. He also said the committee had planned to discuss speed cameras at the meeting in May, but were not able to get to it. 

McNamara said he believes speed cameras in school zones is a school-related issue. He said the school committee should have an opinion on the matter. He also suggested the issue could be slated for a joint meeting between the town council and school committee. 

McNamara said it was his goal to have the school committee leave the discussion with a statement either supporting the speed camera initiative or opposing it. 

Council members Jordan Jancosek and Kerry O’Neill attended the June 12 meeting. Jancosek told committee members that they have only requested proposals from speed camera companies and have not yet decided on whether to install cameras in town. 

Committee chairman TJ Peck said when he and his brother were growing up, they were nearly killed by the same motorist while walking on Middle Highway. He said he appreciated the effort of the town council. He also said he was fully invested in protecting Barrington students. Peck stopped short of endorsing or rejecting the proposal, adding that he would like more details. 

Committee member Frazier Bell shared support for the speed camera proposal and also concerns. He said the ACLU made some strong points in a recent letter sent to the town council opposing the speed cameras.

Committee members appeared divided on whether the council needed the school committee’s involvement. McNamara said he wanted to have a discussion and was hoping the school committee could weigh in once the town receives RFQs and RFPs from speed camera vendors. He said the school committee could not vote on it until they know what the council is voting on. 

Jancosek suggested committee members review the video footage of the June 10 council meeting where speed cameras were discussed.