East Central Reporter

Former Milton Township Supervisor John Monino is alleged to have signed a contract authorizing a private company to conduct traffic enforcement operations, issue citations for traffic infractions, appoint a hearing officer, and conduct adjudication hearings on behalf of the township. This action reportedly took place without presenting the contract to the township board for approval.

Milton Township does not have legal authority to perform policing or enforce traffic laws, similar to previous issues seen in Thornton Township where unauthorized police vehicles led to license plates being confiscated by the Secretary of State Police.

The township has posted a warning about these citations on its website, referring to them as a “scam.” However, questions remain about this characterization due to language in attorney Pat Bond’s letter to DDSP and references to discussions with the contractor that resulted in voiding the agreement. The letter from Bond declared the “Distracted Driver Safety Program Automated Traffic Enforcement Services Agreement” void for multiple reasons.

According to statements made in the release: “Just when you think a public official can’t do anything crazier than has already been attempted somewhere else, along comes Milton Township.”

The release also notes: “Obviously, the entire contract is unlawful, unenforceable, and void – even if the entire township board voted to approve it.”

Residents who received citations and paid fines are encouraged by those reporting on this issue to seek recovery of their funds from Milton Township. It is suggested that Milton Township reimburse those fines by filing a claim against the former supervisor’s bond.

Jeff Castle, a former Milton Township Trustee, was identified as one of the first individuals to report on this contract and published an initial press release on the matter.