MEMORANDUM

TO: City Council

FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT: Status Report/Council Poll

DATE: July 5, 2007

Status Report

1. Equipment Acquisition

The Information Technology and Police Departments have identified a company to prepare and detail the new police cruisers to be placed in service in FY 2008. The quoted amount is $116,943.00 ($6,870.00 per car installed), which is within the budgeted amount per car (total of $35,500 each, complete with all equipment). This purchase covers all vehicles except the SUV. The contract is available through GSA agreement TSS040041 (U.S. Secret Service). As provided in Section 62 of the City Charter, this will serve as the required seven-day notice of intent to purchase this service. If Council has no objection, we will issue a purchase order on July 12, 2007 for all vehicles except the SUV. The first eight vehicles were delivered to the City on July 2nd, and the remainder scheduled to correspond to the police hiring schedule.

2. Red Light Camera at Route 197 and Kenhill Drive

The City received notification from ACS that they have been directed by Prince George's County to shut down red light cameras in Prince George's County on June 30, 2007. Red light camera operations in Prince George's County will be turned over to Traffipax, the new County red light camera vendor, at that point. ACS will decommission the City's site at Route 197 and Kenhill Drive, which means that the camera housing will be taken off the top of the pole and the flash heads and flash housing will be removed as well. ACS will send the City a letter officially terminating the contract. Staff has had some discussions with Traffipax about the possibility of piggybacking on their contract with the County. If this can be arranged and if it is decided to reinstall a red light camera at Route 197 and Kenhill Drive, Traffipax could use some of the equipment left behind by ACS. City Council will need to approve any contract the City would enter into with Traffipax at a public meeting. City Council would also have to approve the location of any red light cameras in the City.

3. Vehicle Acquisition

In February 2007, the Public Works Department notified Criswell Chevrolet of its intent to purchase sixteen (16) police cars under the State of Maryland law enforcement vehicle bid. On May 31st, Council was given notice of the City’s intent to issue a purchase order to Criswell Chevrolet for these vehicles. The FY08 Equipment Acquisition and Replacement Fund, however, allows for the purchase of seventeen (17) police cars. Therefore, as provided by Section 62 of the City Charter, this will serve as the required seven (7) day notice of intent to issue a purchase order to Criswell Chevrolet for $17,990, which is within budget, for the purchase of one (1) police car.

4. 2007 Election

As of today, the following have filed for office: Fred Robinson, Mike Lyles – Mayor; Jimmy Marcos – District 1; Diane Polangin, James Golato, Kevin Conroy – District 2; Todd Turner, Mary Ellen Winlund – District 3; Isaac Trouth – District 4; Leon Buck, Jr., Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Dennis Brady – At-Large. (Kevin Conroy withdrew from the At-Large seat race and filed for District 2.)

5. Northview Elementary School Signal Status

Most of the concrete work is complete, including the large concrete base for the signal. Public Works estimates that the signal will be installed by July 16th. Additional items, including the advance hazard identification beacons, and the BGE power to the signal should be complete shortly thereafter. The signal should be operational by the end of July. As with any new signal, it will be set on flash operation for three days to allow drivers to become aware of the installation.

6. Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The Community Services Department is initiating a new program entitled "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" which will match volunteers with those who need help in maintaining the exterior of their house and keeping up with yard work. The program recognizes that there is an aging component of our population that wants to remain in their Bowie homes, but who may no longer have the means or physical ability to maintain their homes. Information about the program is published in the July issue of the Bowie Spotlight and forms and information are available on our website. Volunteer applicants and those accepting volunteer help must sign a waiver acknowledging that the City has no liability in this situation and that the City is not screening the volunteers. In addition to maintaining neighborhoods and helping those in need, the other benefit of this program is that the interaction between volunteers and the property owners may bring to light other needs that are not being met, due to a lack of knowledge or understanding about existing programs, such as transportation or Meals on Wheels.