The Minneapolis Climate and Infrastructure Committee approved several measures Thursday to streamline special district operations and received updates on the city's traffic safety camera pilot program launching in September.

The committee unanimously approved reducing board sizes for five special service districts to address ongoing quorum issues that have delayed decision-making. Dinkytown, Linden Hills, East Lake and Lyndale-Lake districts will each drop from five to three board members, while Central Avenue will reduce from nine to seven members, according to David Bauer, the city's special districts project manager.

"When quorum is not met, meetings must be rescheduled, delaying decision making and impacting the district's ability to move forward with progress or respond to needs in a timely matter," Bauer told the committee.

The committee also eliminated the sunset provision for the West Broadway Special Service District, which transitioned from self-management to city management in 2020. Bauer said stakeholder engagement showed clear consensus to continue operating under city management.

Ethan Fawley from traffic safety staff provided updates on the camera pilot program, which will launch with five speed camera locations in September. The cameras will issue warnings for first violations and $40 citations for subsequent violations when drivers exceed speed limits by 10 mph or more. All locations will be near schools and clearly marked with signage, Fawley said. The committee also received a comprehensive report on vehicle noise pollution policy from Legislative Policy Research Staff member Dwight Miller, who outlined potential abatement practices including quieter backup alarms and reduced emergency siren usage based on practices in other cities.