PUBLIC SAFETY
The City Council on Tuesday renewed a red-light-camera program, and authorized officials to expand the network to up to 10 other intersections.
Under the agreement, Redflex Traffic Systems Inc. will continue to operate the red-light cameras for another five years while police officials evaluate whether to install the monitoring equipment — which photographs motorists violating traffic laws at four intersections in the city — to other problem areas.
Red-light cameras monitor intersections at Pacific Avenue and Colorado Street, Glendale Avenue and Broadway, Los Feliz Boulevard and San Fernando Road, and Mountain Street and Verdugo Road.
The city’s contract with the company expired in March, but the City Council extended the agreement for six months to assess the program and possibly negotiate a longer-term agreement.
Under the new contract, the company will provide red-light camera enforcement services for five years and seven months, with an option to extend the contract for an additional five years.
The city will pay less for existing cameras under the new contract. The cameras were cut from $6,420 to $5,500 per month for a savings of $55,200 per year, according to a city staff report.
POLITICS
Two incumbents and a challenger beat out four other candidates Saturday to win three-year terms on the Crescenta Valley Town Council.
Incumbent Robbyn Battles, who had a second alternate position on the council, won a regular spot. Incumbent Dennis van Bremen, who held the treasurer position, will keep his seat on the council. Challenger Todd Thornbury, a local business owner, will be the council’s new member.
Battles came in first with 214 votes, Van Bremen was second with 158 votes, and Thornbury was third with 136 votes.
The council, which comprises nine regular members and three alternates, acts as a community liaison with Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, who represents the area.
CITY HALL
The Council on Tuesday opened bidding for more than $1 million in public infrastructure improvements and beautification efforts as a part of the larger $5-million East Garfield Neighborhood Revitalization Project, which features an alley widening, new affordable housing development and new mini-park.
