HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2006-103
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-103
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH
RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, APPROVING THE POLICY ON USES OF
REVENUES FROM THE AUTOMATED TRAFFIC SIGNAL
ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM; ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES
GOVERNING THE USAGE OF FUNDS AND DEFINING THE SCOPE OF
RESOURCES FOR WHICH THE TRAFFIC SAFETY FUND MAY BE
UTILIZED; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 54-407 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of North
Richland Hills, Texas funds from the Traffic Safety Fund may be expended
only for the costs of automated signal enforcement, public traffic or
pedestrian safety programs, traffic enforcement, intersection
improvements and other uses as determined on an annual basis by
resolution of the City Council pursuant to the Traffic Safety Fund policy
guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas, has been
presented a proposed Policy Guidelines for Use of Traffic Safety Fund
(Exhibit "A") establishing guidelines governing the usage of funds and
defining the scope of resources for which the Traffic Safety Fund may be
utilized, and finds such to be acceptable and in the best interests of the
City of North Richland Hills and its citizens;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the Memorandum Policy Guidelines for Use of Traffic Safety Fund
attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby approved.
SECTION 2. That the funds from the Traffic Safety Fund may be expended only for the
costs of automated signal enforcement, public traffic or pedestrian safety
programs, traffic enforcement and intersection improvements in
accordance with the Policy Guidelines for Use of Traffic Safety Fund.
SECTION 3. That this resolution shall become effective immediately from and after its
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 13th day of November, 2006.
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ATTEST:
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Patricia Hutson, City Secretary
George A. St pies, City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
City of North Richland Hills
Policy Guidelines for Use of Traffic Safety Fund
I. Introduction
These policy guidelines are in anticipation of the City receiving revenues from an
Automated Signal Enforcement (red light camera) Program. The guidelines are to
establish the usage of revenues and to define the scope of resources for which the
Traffic Safety Fund may be utilized. The Fund is established by City Ordinance and is
defined as the gross collections derived from civil violations in accordance with Article X
of Chapter 54 of the Municipal Code.
According to 54-407 of the Municipal Code, "funds from the Traffic Safety Fund may be
expended only for the costs of automated signal enforcement under this article, public
traffic or pedestrian safety programs, traffic enforcement, intersection improvements,
and other uses as determined on an annual basis by resolution of the City Council."
II. Type of Revenue
The City anticipates receiving revenues from the implementation of an Automated
Traffic Signal Enforcement Program. These revenues will come in the form of a civil
penalty assessed for a vehicle proceeding into an intersection against a red light. The
program is intended to increase the safety of the intersections by reducing the number
of related vehicle crashes. As the program matures, it is anticipated that driver behavior
will change resulting in a decline in the number of violations and, thus, the amount of
revenue received. Because of the nature of this revenue, it would seem impractical to
use these revenues for ongoing operations, and instead should lend themselves to
more project or one-time expenses.
III. Uses of Revenues
A. Operational Expenditures
· Monthly payment per approach in accordance with the contract with
equipment provider.
· Hourly wages to the Administrative Hearing Officers as appropriately billed.
· Overtime rate to police officers designated to review violations for issuance.
· Other operational expenses as identified that are directly related to the
operation of the photo enforcement program.
B. Traffic Safety Equipment and Proarams - Police Department
· Traffic safety devices including but not limited to flares, cones, barricades, or
other expendable items utilized by the pOlice department to warn, control,
divert traffic.
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· Equipment utilized in police vehicles for officer safety while conducting traffic
enforcement or traffic patrol.
· Speed detection equipment or other equipment used for the purpose of
detecting traffic violators or vehicles that may be operated by persons wanted
for traffic violations.
· Video equipment utilized during traffic enforcement.
· Safety equipment worn by police officers while directing traffic or working
traffic or motor vehicle accidents.
· Computer equipment, software or other equipment utilized in the investigation
of traffic crashes.
· Overtime reimbursement for special programs established strictly for traffic
enforcement programs, i.e. speed enforcement, seatbelt campaigns, OWl
enforcement, etc.
· Educational and promotional items for traffic safety education programs.
· Training programs related to traffic safety, traffic management, traffic
investigations, accident reconstruction, etc.
· Other equipment or expenses directly related to the promotion of traffic
safety, traffic enforcement, accident prevention, accident investigation, and
public education traffic safety programs.
C. Traffic Safety Equipment and Proarams-Transportation/Other City
Departments
· Equipment required for emergency response and emergency traffic
management, or notification of the driving public of a major traffic interruption due
to accident or other unexpected event that requires immediate attention by the
Transportation personnel.
· Construction projects required to eliminate or reduce high priority pedestrian
safety or traffic safety problems, including but not limited to pedestrian walkways,
intersection lighting, crosswalks, etc.
· Video equipment utilized for the management and safe movement of traffic.
· Computer equipment/software or other technology upgrades utilized for the
management and safe movement of traffic.
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· Training programs related to traffic safety and traffic management.
· Education materials and promotional items for traffic safety.
· Safety equipment worn by personnel performing traffic engineering or
management functions in the field. (Not construction)
· Safety equipment utilized on vehicles utilized by the Transportation/Traffic
Oepartment in the field.
· Traffic signal, signage, pavement markings or other traffic management
infrastructure upgrades or enhancements designed to improve traffic safety.
IV. Establishment of Traffic Safety Fund
These guidelines for use of revenues from an Automated Traffic Signal Enforcement
Program are intended to assist Council in the proper allocation of these funds. All
revenues obtained from this program will be accounted for in a Special Traffic Safety
Fund as they are received. Appropriations from this fund will be made consistent with
this policy as reviewed and amended on an annual basis by the City Council.
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