Deland Chief still tasting chops for RLC scam.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/west-volusia/2012/05/06/deland-to-consider-new-red-light-camera-contract.html

DeLand to consider new red-light camera contract
By VALERIE WHITNEY, STAFF WRITER 
  May 6, 2012 12:25 AM
 

DELAND -- The City Commission will take another look at establishing a red-light camera enforcement program when it meets next week.

Commissioners adopted an ordinance allowing red-light cameras in 2009 and signed a contract in 2011 with Sensys America to institute the program, but the project got bogged down. Earlier this year that contract was terminated after the firm failed to install the three cameras -- one at Woodland Boulevard and U.S. 92, one at Amelia Avenue and U.S. 92, and one at Woodland Boulevard and Taylor Road -- as previously agreed upon.

Among the items on the agenda for Monday night's meeting is a request from Police Chief Bill Ridgway for permission to negotiate a contract with Massachusetts-based Gatso USA Inc., which was ranked second behind Sensys America in the bidding process.

City Manager Michael Pleus said he chose to put the item back up for discussion based on previous meetings where it seemed there was a desire among the commission to follow through on the red-light program.

"It has been awhile and the state keeps threatening to take it away," Pleus said, adding a bill was introduced in the last legislative session to do away with the controversial program, though it did not become law.

City officials maintain the program is all about safety, but critics see it as another way for cities to raise revenues. Drivers are charged a hefty fee for violations, with the money divided between the company, the state and the city.

Commissioners, meanwhile, also will decide whether to reject the sole bid for construction of a new pool at the Chisholm Community Center and readvertise for the job. Three contractors expressed interest in the job but only one followed through: Village Pools of Central Florida. The company's bid of $485,025 was almost double the $250,000 budgeted for the job.

City engineer Keith Riger said timing may have been an issue for some contractors. Another problem, Riger said, could be that part of the funding is coming from a community development block grant, which requires a lot of additional paperwork. That likely scared off some bidders, he said.

"The city is still very committed to doing this project," Riger said, adding officials were hoping to have the new pool for the summer season. He is recommending rebidding the project but cutting out some of the work such as demolition of the existing pool and removal of the filtration system. These jobs would either be performed by staff or bid separately.

Other items on the commission's agenda:

-- Consider a bid from Mark Shuttleworth to buy the property at 1117 W. Howry Ave. The city acquired the property, a two-story retail/residential structure built in 1900, through a foreclosure action in November 2010. Shuttleworth wants to use the downstairs for office space or retail and put a residence on the second floor.

-- View conceptual plans for an entry to Earl Brown Park on the southeast corner of Woodland Boulevard and East Hubbard Avenue. Plans call for brick pavers, street furniture, landscaping, lighting and signage.

-- Hear the first reading of an ordinance that would establish a local vendor preference for bids.

The city commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 120 S. Florida Ave.

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