Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The council approved a $65,000 contract with ABC Security Service for library security, with Councilmember Butt casting the only no vote. The contract will provide unarmed security guards for the main library building to ensure patron and staff safety.

A proposal to seek construction bids for the 2007-08 street repaving projects was rejected by the council. The authorization would have allowed staff to request contractor proposals for the city's annual road maintenance program.

The council approved license plate reading cameras for the police department and authorized staff to issue a request for proposals to purchase the equipment. These automated systems scan and record license plates to help officers locate stolen vehicles and investigate crimes.

The council approved 5 routine items on consent, including a $157,500 contract to renovate play equipment at Shields-Reid Park and the purchase of 24 new police cars. Other approved contracts included $25,000 for Boom Boom, Inc. to provide fireworks at Marina Bay Park and up to $50,000 for Mejorando Group to train city employees on customer service.

Two property-related measures passed despite split votes, with Councilmember Bates voting no on both. The council approved levying special assessments against properties with unpaid citation fines and charging property owners for city cleanup and boarding costs when they ignore violation notices.