Presenter
Presented by Mr. Cohen
Recommendation
AFFIRMATIVE RECOMMENDATION
Title
Resolution authorizing the Director of General Services to enter into the appropriate agreement(s) with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (Penn DOT) to provide for the broadcast on the city's cable channel of televised views of traffic conditions in and around the city as a public service to commuters; and, to enhance the capabilities of the city's Emergency Operations Center to monitor traffic conditions during times of various emergencies and other events.
Body
WHEREAS, the Penn DOT's Engineering District 11-0's Traffic Management Center has in place over 40 cameras displaying real time views of various roadways throughout region, allowing for the observation of current traffic conditions and to respond to incidents from the PA Turnpike in Monroeville to the Airport on State Route 60 as well as points south and north of the city; and,
WHEREAS, from 5:00 A.M. until 8:00 PM. a Penn DOT Technician/Observer monitors traffic and responds to incidents - dispatching emergency response personnel, controlling electronic message signs for warnings or alternate routing and, broadcast of information on the state's Highway Advisory Radio System; and,
WHEREAS, broadcast quality cameras give accurate views of traffic conditions associated with highway congestion. The system is part of a $20 million investment in cameras, wiring, computer hardware and software along with message signs and advisory radio system; and,
WHEREAS, providing public access to this visual information on a daily basis would be of great benefit through a broadcast link with the City of Pittsburgh's Cable Channel. Beyond routine traffic information, the city's Emergency Operation Center can better manage responding police, fire and emergency medical services. It would also provide critical information in times of snow emergencies or large-scale evacuations of the downtown business district, as was the case on September 11th, 2001.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh Enacts as Follows:
Section 1 - Intent of Council
The following resolution is intended to provide a public service to the citizens of Pittsburgh by providing real time traffic information and, furthermore, to enhance the capabilities of city-based services including, but not limited to: emergency operation center response; dispatch of emergency vehicles; traffic planning and engineering; and, Public Work's efforts in snow removal operations. The Council has determined that it is a wise policy to take advantage of existing governmental assets, such as Penn DOT's Traffic Management System, in order to maximize the benefits derived from these existing assets.
Section 2 - Authorization for Agreement with Penn DOT
The Director of General Services is hereby authorized to enter into the appropriate agreement(s) with Penn DOT to provide for the live broadcast, on the city's cable channel, of televised views of traffic conditions in transportation corridors in and round the City of Pittsburgh as a public service to commuters. This public asset would also serve to enhance the capabilities of the city's Emergency Operations Center to monitor and manage traffic conditions and, assist with the deployment of emergency service personnel and equipment.
Section 3 - Enhancement of Existing Information Asset
The Director of General Services, in conjunction with the city's traffic engineer, traffic planner and public safety personnel, is authorized to determine how to better enhance this information tool with the additional placement of cameras which would display areas within the city experiencing high volumes of commuter traffic. The Cable Bureau should act to provide broadcasts of Penn DOT's televised views:
Section 4 - Broadcast Times
The Director of General Services shall take action to make broadcasts, at a minimum, of the Penn DOT Traffic Management's televised views.
A. from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM;
B. from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM;
C. between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM for a period of 5 to 10 minutes on the half-hour;
D. at appropriate times before, during and after major sporting events, festivals, races and other events that would impact vehicular traffic in the city;
E. During any emergency event where traffic information would be of use to the public.
Should the Director find that there are advantages to extend televised coverage times as stated above the Director shall be authorized to do so provided the Council is informed of these changes.
The Director is authorized to take the appropriate action to provide a twenty-four (24) hour broadcast of Penn DOT Traffic Management's televised traffic views to the city's Emergency Operations Center is to be developed.
Section 4 - Reports To Council
The Director shall provide Council's Committee on General Services and Telecommunications with regular periodic updates detailing the progress of this initiative.