BOYNTON BEACH

Red-light cameras have been a thing of the past in Palm Beach County for eight months. While drivers might still spot the cameras on top of the lights, you arent going to get a ticket in the mail if you run a red. The programs are over.

But, that could change tonight.

Commissioner Mack McCray, who has long voted against the cameras, has requested his colleagues reconsider their decision that ended the program Jan. 1. McCray needs two votes and Mayor Steven Grant and Vice Mayor Justin Katz have been proponents of the cameras, citing safety benefits.

I hated them, but then after they went away people must have known they went away and people have just been zooming through, McCray told The Palm Beach Post last week.

The cameras are only one item on a packed agenda that is sure to last well into the night. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd.

Among the other key topics:

What: Should dispensaries be allowed in the city?

Why: In November, Florida voters overwhelmingly passed Amendment 2, making marijuana available to people with certain illnesses. The state has licensed organizations to grow, distribute and sell medical marijuana. The law went into effect July 1.

While the state worked on their law, the city worked on a local law. But city staff recently found out that portions of the local law such as how many dispensaries will open in the city and where are moot according to state law. State law says rules for locating dispensaries cant be tougher than the ones on pharmacies. The City Commission can either allow the dispensaries to open in the city and not restrict them more than pharmacies; allow the stores but change requirements for pharmacies in order to write stricter rules; or ban the dispensaries.

What: The first of two votes allowing a $1 per month increase on residential garbage rates for the next two years. If approved, beginning Oct. 1, single-family home rates would be $17 per month and multifamily home rates would be $13.75 per month. Those increases would bring about $460,000 a year in revenue to the city. For 2018-19, the rate for single-family would be $18 per month.

Why? Vehicle and personnel costs for Solid Waste are rising, and the city wants to keep enough money in the Solid Waste fund to be able to handle unexpected emergencies.

What: Commissioner Joe Casello has requested to discuss allowing dogs at Oceanfront Park beach during certain hours. If the dogs could be confined to one area, he said the dogs wouldnt need to wear leashes. If not, they would wear them.

Why: Just to have the ability to have dogs be on the beach and enjoy the water would be a huge success, Casello said.

What: State Rep. Emily Slosberg has asked Boynton to support legislation that would make the ban on texting while driving a primary offense. As it is now, police officers cannot pull over drivers who are texting while driving because it is a secondary offense.

Why: Slosberg said new legislation would save lives, prevent injuries and prevent property damages.

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Red-light cameras among five big items at tonight's Boynton meeting - Palm Beach Post