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A city task force's recommendations for red-light cameras are a start, but implementing them is the minimum that should be done to improve the program, some city councilors say.

The task force Monday recommended lowering fines and reviewing much of the rest of the controversial program, which is run in large part by the Arizona company Redflex Traffic Systems.

Councilors said they want public input before making changes to the program.

There is a special Jan. 28 meeting of the finance committee to discuss lowering the fine for running a red light from $100 to $69, one of the task force's recommendations, which Councilors Don Harris, Debbie O'Malley, Michael Cadigan and Ken Sanchez said they support.

Mayor Martin Chavez also said he would support lower fines.

Harris hosted a meeting in his district Tuesday for his constituents to discuss the cameras.

"I think we need to wait and vent this thing a little bit more with the public," Harris said.

He said he thinks most people like the idea of the program and would not have a problem with it if the task force's recommendations were used, but a small and vocal group of people "are really upset by them."

Cadigan said he would like to take Redflex out of the equation and replace administrative hearings over disputes with court hearings.

O'Malley had not seen the report but said she is still concerned about the constitutionality of the program, especially the hearing process.

The task force recommended an immediate assessment of the hearing process, along with periodic reviews, but said it found the hearings to be "professional and independent."

It recommended keeping the program running at least until the end of 2009, as long as its recommendations are met.

The task force, appointed by Chavez in November, was charged with finding out how effective the program was at making intersections safer, but did not have enough data to do so, according to the report.

Councilor Isaac Benton said he is in favor of keeping the program and is happy with the task force's recommendations.

"There have been a lot of things that needed to be worked on, so I'm glad we're addressing that," he said. "I'm glad they think it's a program worth saving."

Councilor Brad Winter, who did not return phone calls Tuesday, had introduced legislation that would suspend the program until the task force's findings were released.

Councilors Rey Garduño, Sally Mayer and Trudy Jones also did not return calls.