Agenda Notes:
Agenda Item #16C: Vehicle Tag Readers
Resource:
Capt Johnnie Jennings, 704-353-1110 or jjennings@cmpd.org
Council's June 9 agenda includes an item for the purchase of tag readers for the Police Department. The tag readers are cameras mounted on police cars that capture license plate information and a description of the vehicle. The software associated with the cameras takes photos from three different angles. The software links to databases such as NCIC (National Crime Information Center) that enables officers to check the plate information then determines if a vehicle has been reported stolen or has been linked to any criminal activity. The data is stored on a server and can be referenced by officers as an investigative tool. The tag readers can be used effectively on both moving vehicles and vehicles parked in fixed locations.
The Police Department has purchased two tag readers that are being deployed in a pilot project to test their effectiveness. One reader is being used by the Street Crime Division; the other by the Eastway Division. If the pilot program is successful, the Police Chief will determine whether to purchase additional tag readers and where to deploy them. Although no decisions have been made on additional purchases, CMPD wanted to take the opportunity to lock in the current unit price of $22,350 for a three-year term. The agenda item requests award of the low bid on the tag readers to Appian Technology, Inc.
Information Items:
Funding for Charlotte Regional Partnership Film Commission
Resource:
Tom Flynn, 704-432-1396 or tflynn@ci.charlotte.nc.us
At the last Budget Workshop, Council asked staff to work with the Charlotte Regional Partnership on better performance measures to accompany their request for $25,000 for the Film Commission. We were unable to do this in time for Council to consider this $25,000 request with the rest of the budget on June 9th. We will have an agenda item on this issue for Council's consideration on June 23rd.
FTA Recognizes CATS and LYNX Blue Line with S.T.A.R. Award
Resource:
John Muth, 704-336-3373 or jmuth@ci.charlotte.nc.us
On May 29th, the Federal Transit Administration Region 4 recognized CATS with the 1st annual Preeminent STAR (Southeastern Transit Achievements and Recognition) Award. The Preeminent STAR Award is for "Outstanding Innovation" and development of best practices within public transportation. The award selection was based on outstanding contribution that can be shown to have an exceptional impact upon the public transportation community. The best practice or innovation should have significant, measureable results and demonstrated benefits. Other criteria considered included Partnering/Strategic Alliances and Public Acceptance/Support.
The FTA cited the regional Centers and Corridors growth strategy and the tremendous success of the LYNX Blue Line evidenced by the higher than expected ridership and the amount of development and redevelopment occurring along the corridor.
