Council considers donated 'fake cop car' to deter speeding in Seneca

Councilor Barbara Northington raised a resident's idea to place a donated 'fake cop car' in town as a low-cost traffic-calming measure. The resident, Mr. Saul, offered to move the vehicle periodically so it would appear used rather than permanently parked in one spot.

Councilor Lilly Foster questioned whether the measure would be effective, saying local drivers would recognize a dummy vehicle and nonresidents who speed "will still speed through and never come back." Despite doubts, councilors agreed that obtaining a donated vehicle at no cost would be worth trying; Northington volunteered to ask Mr. Saul to look for a free vehicle.

Mayor Brad Smith added that past practice has been for residents to complain, prompting the county sheriff or Oregon State Police to patrol and write tickets. Council discussed whether reserve- or deputy-status for a local volunteer was a possibility but did not take formal action beyond pursuing a donation.