HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN AUG 28 2007 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT
W.L. Pate,Jr., At-Large BECKY AMES, MAYOR Gethrel Williams-Wright, At-Large
Dr. Alan B. Coleman, Ward 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Nancy Beaulieu, Ward II
Audwin Samuel, Mayor Pro Tern Ward III August 28, 2007 Jamie Smith,Ward IV
Tyrone E. Cooper, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Tina Broussard, City Clerk
The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on August 28, 2007, at
the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the
following:
OPENING
Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call
Presentations and Recognition
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 7-11/Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
Mayor Pro Tern Samuel called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Reverend Castile Colbert of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Church gave the invocation. Chief Coffin,of
the Beaumont Police Department led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina
Broussard; City Clerk.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Pro Tern Samuel,Councilmembers Coleman, Beaulieu,Wright,
Pate, and Smith. Absent: Mayor Ames. Also present were Kyle Hayes; City Manager, Tyrone
Cooper; City Attorney, Tina Broussard; City Clerk.
Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions
"Tennis Weekend in Southeast Texas" - September 1 - 3, 2007 - Proclamation read by
Councilmember Beaulieu;accepted by Allison Golias, Southeast Texas Tennis Association
"Julie Rogers" `Gift of Life' "Prostate Cancer Awareness Day" - September 7, 2007 -
Proclamation read by Councilmember Smith-Accepted by Norma Sampson, Public Affairs
Coordinator for "Gift of Life"
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 7-11/Consent Agenda.
Charles Buckels 202 Sommerset Dr. Lafayette, LA
Item #11 - Representative of Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc., spoke regarding photo
enforcement.
Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution 07-249
Minutes-August 28,2007
Cathy Chavis would be appointed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission. The
term would commence August 28,2007 and expire August 27,2009. (Councilmember Jamie
D. Smith)
Charlie Foxworth would be appointed to the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission. The term
would commence August 28, 2007 and expire August 27, 2009. (Mayor Becky Ames)
Rocio Garza would be appointed to the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission. The term
would commence August 28, 2007 and expire August 27, 2009. (Councilmember Nancy
Beaulieu)
A) Authorize the City Manager to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Warren Independent
School District for the use of their school facilities as a temporary shelter for Beaumont
emergency workers and equipment in the event of a man made or natural disaster requiring
such shelter - Resolution 07-250
B) Authorize the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with Crockett Street
Development dba Crockett Street District for a one (1) year term - Resolution 07-251
Councilmember Wright made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Beaulieu seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider a request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-
Highest Density) District to GC-MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2)
District for property located on the west side of Warren Street,approximately 467'north of W.
Cardinal Drive.
The Administration recommended approval of a request for a zone change from RM-H
(Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District to GC-MD-2 (General
Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District for property located on the west side of
Warren Street, approximately 467' north of W. Cardinal Drive.
Mr. Arsement owns and operates the Rockin' A Cafe at 3520 W. Cardinal Drive. He is
currently expanding his business to include an additional 11,900 sq.ft.of open and enclosed
structures. To accommodate this expansion, he is wishing to construct additional parking.
The vast majority of the parking will be located north of the existing restaurant.
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 20, 2007, the Planning Commission voted 8:0 to
approve a request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-
Highest Density) District to GC-MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2)
Page 2 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
District for property located on the west side of Warren Street,approximately 467'north of W.
Cardinal Drive.
Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS AND IN
PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP
OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED RM-H (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST
DENSITY) DISTRICT TO GC-MD-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2)
DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF WARREN STREET, APPROXIMATELY
467' NORTH OF W.CARDINAL DRIVE, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Pate
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Ordinance 07-083
2. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a dental office in a GC-MD-2 (General
Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District on property located on the east side of
Delaware Extension, approximately 106' northeast of Wilcox Lane.
Administration recommended approval of a request fora specific use permit to allow a dental
office in a GC-MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District on property
located on the east side of Delaware Extension,approximately 106'northeast of Wilcox Lane.
Daron Etie has applied for a specific use permit to allow a dental office in a GC-MD-2
(General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2)District. The property is located on the east
side of the Delaware Extension, approximately 106' northeast of Wilcox Lane.
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 20, 2007, the Planning Commission voted 8:0 to
approve a request for a specific use permit to allow a dental office in a GC-MD-2 (General
Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District on property located on the east side of
Delaware Extension, approximately 106' northeast of Wilcox Lane subject to the following
condition:
1. Provide an 8'tall wood screening fence and 10'wide landscape strip along the
east and south property lines.
Councilmember Coleman made a motion to ADOPTAN ORDINANCE ENTITLEDAN ORDINANCE
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A DENTAL OFFICE IN A GC-MD-2 (GENERAL
COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2) LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF DELAWARE
Page 3 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
EXTENSION, APPROXIMATELY 106' NORTHEAST OF WILCOX LANE IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,
JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Ordinance 07-084
3. Consider a request for an amended specific use permit to allow the expansion of a mini-
warehouse storage facility in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling)
District at 5945 Cole Road.
Administration recommended approval of a request for an amended specific use permit to
allow the expansion of a mini-warehouse storage facility in a GC-MD(General Commercial-
Multiple Family Dwelling) District at 5945 Cole Road.
Jim Speed has applied for an amended specific use permit to allow the expansion of a mini-
warehouse storage facility in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling)
District. The property is located at 5440 Old Dowlen Road and 5945 Cole Road.
In July, 2003, City Council approved a specific use permit to allow a mini-warehouse storage
facility at 5440 Old Dowlen. Mr. Speed would now like to construct an additional 7,000 sq.ft.
building to the east of the existing buildings. An additional access drive will be constructed
to enter and exit onto Cole Road.
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 20, 2007, the Planning Commission voted 8:0 to
approve a request for an amended specific use permit to allow the expansion of a mini-
warehouse storage facility in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling)
District subject to the following condition:
1. Locate the additional seven parking spaces that are required
Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF A MINI-WAREHOUSE STORAGE
FACILITY LOCATED AT 5945 COLE ROAD IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS.
Councilmember Pate seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Page 4 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
Ordinance 07- 085
4. Administration recommended approval of a request for a specific use permit to allow a
general office complex in a GC-MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2)
District at 2340 Dowlen Road.
Taher Quraishi has requested a specific use permit to allow a general office complex in a GC-
MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District.
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 20, 2007, the Planning Commission voted 8:0 to
approve a request for a specific use permit to allow a general office complex in a GC-MD-2
(General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2)District at 2340 Dowlen Road this request
subject to the following conditions:
• No new median cut on Dowlen Road will be allowed.
• An 8'tall wood screening fence and 10'wide landscape strip will be required along the
east property line.
• The two easterly buildings must be modified to provide for a 15'rear building setback
or a variance must be granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Restrict all buildings on the subject property to one story.
Councilmember Smith made a motion to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A GENERAL OFFICE COMPLEX IN A GC-MD-2
(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2)LOCATED AT 2340 DOWLEN ROAD IN THE
CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Coleman seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Ordinance 07- 086
5. Council consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a recreational vehicle park in an
RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District at 5775 Erie Street.
Administration recommended denial of a request for a specific use permit to allow a
recreational vehicle park in an RM-H(Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density)
District at 5775 Erie Street.
Charles and Beth Boren have applied for a specific use permit to allow a recreational vehicle
park in an RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density)District. The property
is located at 5775 Erie Street.
Page 5 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
The Borens have the subject property under contract to purchase. Their plans are to build a
73 space recreational vehicle park on 3.49 acres. In addition to the pad sites, there will be
a 1,600 sq. ft. structure that will contain the main office, a storage room, a storage garage,
laundry room and four shower rooms.
The Borens state that noise will be controlled through a strictly enforced 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
curfew by the on-site manager.
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 20, 2007,the Planning Commission voted 9:0 to deny
a request for a specific use permit to allow recreational vehicle park in an RM-H (Residential
Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District at 5775 Erie Street.
The"20% Rule" is in effect on this item. This means that in order to approve a zone change
or specific use permit when the 20% Rule has been invoked at least six Councilmembers
must vote in favor of the ordinance.
COuncllmember Wright made a motion to DENY AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE
PERMIT TO ALLOW A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK IN AN RM-H(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY
DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT, LOCATED AT 5775 ERIE STREET IN THE CITY OF
BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION DENIED
6. Council consider a request fora specific use permit to allow a cellular telephone transmission
tower in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at 4155 Laurel.
Administration recommended Council approval of a request fora specific use permit to allow
a cellular telephone transmission tower in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family
Dwelling) District at 4155 Laurel.
Dave Petrakovitz, representing T-Mobile West Corporation, has applied for a specific use
permit to allow the construction of a 1 00'tall cellular telephone transmission tower in a GC-MD
(General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling)District. The property is located at Beaumont
Community Players new theater at 4155 Laurel.
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 20, 2007, the Planning Commission voted 9:0 to
approve a request for a specific use permit to allow a cellular telephone transmission tower
in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at 4155 Laurel subject
to the following condition:
1. Plant shrubs along the east side of the facility.
Page 6 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A CELLULAR TELEPHONE TRANSMISSION TOWER
IN A GC-MD(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT,LOCATED AT 4155
LAUREL, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Smith
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 07- 087
7. Council consider a request to abandon a portion of Averill Street from Maime to the dead end
of Averill Street.
Administration recommended Council approval of a request to abandon a portion of Averill
Street from Maime to the dead end of Averill Street.
In December,2006,the Beaumont Housing Authority requested the abandonment of a number
of streets and alleys located within the former Fair Park property. The purpose of these
abandonments is to facilitate the development of housing by the Housing Authority. City
Council approved the abandonments in January, 2007.
It was recently discovered that an additional 60' x 500' portion of Averill Street needs to be
abandoned. The purpose of this request is to abandon that portion of Averill Street which will
allow the Housing Authority to develop its property as planned.
At a Regular Meeting held August 20, 2007,the Planning Commission voted 9:0 to approve
a request to abandon a portion of Averill Street from Maime to the dead end of Averill Street.
Councilmember Pate made a motion to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
ABANDONING A 60' x 500' PORTION OF AVERILL STREET FROM MAIME TO THE DEAD END OF
AVERILL STREET IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember
Coleman seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Ordinance 07- 088
Page 7 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
8. Council approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for the
Oaks Historic District Water Main Rehabilitation Project.
Administration recommended approval of a contract with Insituform Technologies. Inc.,
Houston, Texas through the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Buyboard
cooperative purchasing program. The Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative
Buyboard, administered by TASB,complies with all state bidding statues. Membership with
Buyboard allows municipalities to purchase items from their contracted vendors.
The contract amount is for$349,620.00 to rehabilitate approximately 1,817 linear feet of 18-
inch water mains. The amount includes the repair and rehabilitation of asphalt and reinforced
concrete pavement,curbs, sidewalks and driveways, sodding as needed and traffic control.
The project time is 150 calendar days.
The MBE goal will be met through a subcontract with the certified MBE firm Briones
Construction & Supply, Ltd. of San Antonio, Texas for $84,500.00
The existing water main was installed in the 1940's and supplies Saint Elizabeth Hospital
from the West Elevated Storage Tank. The line has had numerous breaks in the past few
years. The rehabilitation of the line will provide a reliable water supply and improve water
quality in the area.
Funds for the project are available in the Capital Program.
COuncilmember Wright made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER
BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH INSITUFORM TECHNOLOGIES,
INC., HOUSTON, TEXAS THROUGH THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS (TASB)
BUYBOARD COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF$349,620 FOR THE OAKS
HISTORIC DISTRICT WATER MAIN REHABILITATION PROJECT.Councilmember Beaulieu seconded
the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 07- 252
9. Consider approving Change Order No. 1 to the Main Street Roadway Reconstruction Project
for installing a 3-inch conduit and fiber optic cable on Main, Forsythe, Park and College
Streets to improve the facility data network system.
Administration recommended approving Change Order No. 1 in the amount of$214,805 for
installing a 3-inch conduit and fiber optic cable on Main, Forsythe, Park and College Streets
to improve the facility data network system.
Page 8 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
On December 5, 2006, City Council awarded the Main Street (Calder To Blanchette) Brick
Paved Sidewalk and Roadway Reconstruction Project, in the amount of$6,377,855.59, to
Brystar Contracting.
High speed data circuits are required between Police Headquarters and the Municipal Court
building to connect the Primary and Secondary Public Safety servers. Constant updates are
sent between the Primary and Secondary systems so that in the event of a failure, the
Secondary Server is up to date. The approximate cost to lease two (2) lines from AT&T to
support this connection is approximately $5,800 per month. In order to eliminate this high
monthly cost, the fiber optic loop would be installed connecting the two (2) buildings.
Additionally, by running fiber i a loop through downtown,connections will also be made to City
Hall, the Main Library, Julie Rogers Theater, Tyrrell Historical Library and the new Police
Property Building(former Goodwill Building). This will allow the cancellation of existing AT&T
T1 lines that currently connect these buildings and will eliminate the need to order additional
lines. This will reduce an additional$1,100 per month in AT&T costs while greatly increasing
the speed of the connection to the City network.
This work is recommended for inclusion in the Main Street Project since sections of Main,
Forsythe and College are scheduled for replacement as part of the project. Also, a conduit
run currently exists on College between Park and Pearl.
The funds for this additional work are available in the Capital Program.
Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER
BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$214,805 THEREBY INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT TO $6,592,690.59 IS REQUIRED TO
INSTALL A THREE (3) INCH CONDUIT AND FIBER OPTIC CABLE ON MAIN, FORSYTHE, PARK AND
COLLEGE STREETS TO SERVE THE JULIE ROGERS THEATER,THE HISTORICAL LIBRARY,MUNICIPAL
COURT, THE NEW POLICE PROPERTY BUILDING, THE DOWNTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY, THE POLICE
STATION AND CITY HALL. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 07- 253
10. Council consider approving a contract with Motorola to consolidate radio systems from the
current Fire and Police dispatch centers into the 911 Operations Center.
Administration recommended approval of a contract with Motorola to implement a
consolidated radio dispatch system in the 911 Operations Center in the amount of
$586,111.80.
Page 9 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
This contract will provide for the implementation of consolidated radio dispatch system in the
911 Operations Center will be housed on the second floor Municipal Court Building.
In an effort to minimize cost, Motorola will reuse as much of the City's existing infrastructure
as possible. All of the existing radio equipment will be moved to the new center with the
exception of the antenna networks at the two current dispatch centers. The current Police
Dispatch will be the backup location for the new center and to support that functionality two
radio consolettes will be installed to provide VHF(Very High Frequency)and UHF(Ultra High
Frequency) capabilities.
To support the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that will be housed at the 911
Operations Center, additional radio equipmentwill be installed to support 800 Mhz, UHF and
VHF radio communications.
The City is applying fora Port Security Grant for this project, If awarded, a 25% match will be
required by the City which amounts to $146,527.95. Funding is available in the Capital
Program.
Councilmember Coleman made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THATTHE CITY MANAGER
BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF$586,111.80
WITH MOTOROLA TO CONSOLIDATE RADIO SYSTEMS FORM THE CURRENT FIRE AND POLICE
DISPATCH CENTS INTO THE 911 OPERATIONS CENTER.Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL,COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,PATE,
AND SMITH
NAYS: COUNCILMEMBER WRIGHT
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 07- 254
11. Council consider a contract for photographic traffic signal enforcement services.
Administration recommended approval of a five (5) year contract for photographic traffic
signal enforcement services with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona
through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). This contract is a cost neutral
arrangement resulting in no expense to the City.
State statute allows municipalities to implement a civil penalty by ordinance for anyone who
disobeys a red light and is caught by a photographic traffic signal enforcement system. The
goal of these systems is to save lives and reduce collisions. State law allows the presumption
that the registered owner of a vehicle is responsible for the penalty. A penalty of$75 will be
charged per offense. There is also a $25 penalty for late payment.
Page 10 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
Cameras are triggered by sensors which are activated when a vehicle enters the intersection
after the light turns red.The cameras take digital photos of the vehicle and the license plate.
The system is designed to operate 24 hours a day in all weather conditions.
The system is operated by a contracted vendor who installs and maintains the camera
equipment.The company evaluates each photographed incident for accuracy, identifies the
registered owner of the vehicle photographed, and presents the information to the Police
Department for review. After the Department approves a file, a citation is then sent by the
vendorto the registered owner.The violation notice includes a picture ofthe license plate.The
vendor maintains a secure website for the violator to review the images and to pay the fine.
Fees are collected from violators by the vendor through both secure online payments and a
mail-in check service. Each month, the fees collected from the violators in excess of the
monthly fees charged by the contracted vendor are transmitted to the City. Any operating
expenses the City incurs related to this program can be paid for by the fees collected from the
violators. These expenses can include electricity to run the cameras, labor to review and
approve citations,or costs associated with an administrative adjudication and appeal process
which is expected to be established through the Traffic Division.This process results in a cost
neutral arrangement.
In accordance with State statue, excess fees received by the City beyond the costs
associated with this program are divided equally with the State. The State deposits these
funds into regional trauma center accounts.The portion retained by the City may be used only
to fund traffic safety programs, including pedestrian safety programs, public safety programs,
intersection improvements, and traffic enforcement.
The Police Department Traffic Division reviewed a variety of companies offering photographic
traffic signal enforcement services. Information was gathered pertaining to issues such as the
type of equipment utilized, picture resolution, as well as installation and maintenance
arrangements. The Traffic Division presented their findings to an evaluation committee
consisting of staff members from the Police, Public Works, Legal,and Finance Departments.
The evaluation committee invited three(3)leading providers to make a presentation about the
products and services they offer. These companies each have contracts with H-GAC, a
cooperative purchasing association providing cities and political subdivisions with the means
to purchase specialized equipment at volume pricing and to participate in competitively bid
service contracts. H-GAC complies with all State of Texas procurement statutes.
Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc.and American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS), both headquartered
in Scottsdale, Arizona participated in the presentation. The equipment was evaluated on
issues such as their suitability to the local traffic environment which includes a substantial
number of large trucks.ATS currently has a stronger presence in the southeast Texas area,
including the City of Houston,which allows them to keep more personnel and equipment in the
area for a potentially faster response in the event of a malfunction.
Page 11 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
VENDOR MONTHLY FEE PER INTERSECTION APPROACH
American Traffic Solutions, Inc. $4,821.25
Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. $4,870.00
The term of the contract is five (5) years with an option to renew for a second five (5) year
term. Beginning on the second anniversary of the initial term,the monthly fee per intersection
approach shall increase by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index as
published by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Initially,the City expects to install cameras at approximately ten(10)intersection approaches.
Most intersections have four (4) traffic approaches while some intersections that include
frontage roads along freeways may have as many as six(6)traffic approaches.The City will
determine the most advantageous intersections in which to install cameras to enhance safety
based on information such as previous accident statistics.
Installation will begin in approximately 60 to 90 days this may take a little long to re-negotiate
a contract with TxDot.
This contract is a cost neutral arrangement resulting in no expense to the City.
Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THATTHE CITY MANAGER
BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A FIVE(5)YEAR CONTRACT,WITH AN OPTION TO
RENEW FOR A SECOND FIVE (5) YEAR TERM, FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN (10) PHOTOGRAPHIC
TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENFORCEMENT SERVICES WITH AMERICAN TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS, INC., OF
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA THROUGH THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL (H-GAC). THE
MONTHLY FEE PER INTERSECTION APPROACH IS $4,821.25. Councilmember Coleman
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,
WRIGHT, PATE, AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 07- 255
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN - THANKED STAFF FOR THE WORK THAT WAS DONE ON ITEM
#11, AND WELCOMED THE NEW 911 COORDINATOR
Page 12 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
COUNCILMEMBER BEAULIEU - THANKED THE GIFT OF LIFE PROGRAM FOR THEIR CANCER
PREVENTION FOR MEN AND WOMEN; WELCOMED THE 911
COORDINATOR
COUNCILMEMBER WRIGHT- COMMENTED ON A DISCUSSION THAT SHE HAD WITH SOME
LAMAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS,THEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE
SOMETHING SIMILAR TO A WAL-MART OR K-MART IN THEIR
AREA DUE TO A LACK OF A CAR WHILE LIVING ON CAMPUS
COUNCILMEMBER PATE - WELCOMED THE 911 COORDINATOR, COMMENDED THE
OUTSTANDING PEOPLE THAT WORK WITH THE JULIE
ROGERS GIFT OF LIFE PROGRAM AND THE VOLUNTEER
WORK THAT THEY DO, ALSO STATED THAT PETE SHELTON
WOULD BE RECOGNIZED ON TUESDAY NIGHT AT THE
HARVEST CLUB AT 6:00 P.M.,ALSO STATED THAT SCHOOL
HAS STARTED AND TO BE CARFUL AND WATCH OUT FOR
OUR CHILDREN
MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL- DISCUSSED PROGRAMS AT LAMAR INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH - ANNOUNCED THAT THE SOUTH PARK NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION WILL BE HAVING A MEETING ON THURSDAY AT
6:30 P.M., COUNCILMEMBER SMITH ALSO ATTENDED THE
SCHOOL DRIVE THAT WAS HELD AT THE MASONIC LODGE
WHICH SERVED OVER A 1,000 CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
CITY ATTORNEY COOPER - NONE
CITY MANAGER HAYES - NONE
MAYOR AMES - ABSENT
Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes)
Frank Kieffer 3190 Willowood Beaumont TX
Stated that Life Share Blood Center is in need of blood
Brenda Holmes Gilbert 10745 Johnson Rd. Beaumont TX
Commented on the Gilbert Building and the upcoming workshop
Page 13 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007
Bruce Hoffer 2615 Gladys Beaumont TX
Commented on Soccer tournaments that occurred over the weekend
Gracie Middleton 1585 Auburn Dr. Beaumont TX
Asked that Avenue A be included in the City of Beaumont's Capital Improvement Program
There being no Executive Session. Council adjourned at 2:59 p.m.
Audio recordings are available upon request in the City Clerk's Office.
Aud in I, M yor Pro Tern
Tina Broussard, City Clerk
.y I ,•a I
Page 14 of 14 Minutes-August 28,2007