Three News Releases/Baytown City Hall

Funding Secured to Make Hwy. 146 Flyover a Reality

 Motorists driving between Hwy. 146 and I-10 will find travel a little easier in the near future, thanks to the combined efforts of the City of Baytown, Congressmen Ted Poe, Ron Paul and Gene Green, State Representative Wayne Smith and the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). What was once thought to be a project in the distant future has become reality as funding for the flyover project, which will connect SH 146 southbound directly to Spur 330 westbound, was recently obtained through a combination of City bond funds, federal transportation appropriations and federal stimulus funds. The addition of this flyover will significantly improve the mobility and flow of traffic from SH146 to Spur 330, completing a primary regional hurricane evacuation route. Representative Wayne Smith was instrumental in assembling these funds and said “It is always beneficial to a community when the elected officials work together toward a common goal. It is my pleasure to support the Mayor and the citizens of Baytown to achieve these results.”

City Councilman Brandon Capetillo, who represents Baytown on the H-GAC, applauded the cooperation between the local entities that made the funding possible. “This would not have been possible without the efforts of all of the parties involved,” said Capetillo. “It is a tribute to our area that we are able to work together to the benefit of the region.”

With funding secured, TxDOT opened construction bids this week, taking advantage of favorable construction rates as the estimate to complete the flyover, once set in excess of $10 million, is now set at less than $6 million. Construction typically begins approximately 90 days after the bids are awarded, so work could begin on the new flyover as early as May; with completion expected May 2011.

“This is wonderful news for the citizens of Baytown,” said Mayor Stephen DonCarlos. “The timing on this project is certainly beneficial to our community, as is the opportunity to complete an important transportation milestone at a much lower price than originally anticipated. It is a win-win situation for our community. I would like to express my personal appreciation to all those who worked with me tirelessly to get this project funded, particularly our Congressmen, Wayne Smith, Councilman Capetillo, Garry Brumback and our City staff. This truly was a team effort.”

 Baytown City Council Filing – Weekly Recap

 Candidate filing for the May 8, 2010, General Election is now underway. February 6 was the official first day to file, however, since this date fell on a Saturday, the actual first day to turn in an application was Monday (Feb. 8). Council Member positions that will be determined in the May Election are for Districts No. 1, 2, and 3.

 The City received two applications on Monday. Mr. Luis Flores has submitted his application stating his intent to run for Council District No. 1; and Ms. Carmen Torres has submitted an application for District No. 2.

 Incumbent Brandon Capetillo (District 3) submitted his application today (Friday, February 12).

The last day to file is March 8 for the election to be held on May 8, 2010.

Candidate packets, including an application form, a copy of the City of Baytown Charter, instructions for filing and campaign procedures, as well as an election calendar, can be obtained during normal business hours through the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall (2401 Market Street.) or online at www.baytown.org.

 For more information contact the City Clerk at 281-420-6504.

 Municipal Court to Offer Amnesty Days Prior to Warrant Roundup

 The City of Baytown Marshal’s office, along with the Baytown Police Department, will begin an aggressive warrant round-up during the month of March, 2010.  Prior to the warrant round-up the Baytown Municipal Court will also offer two “Amnesty Days” on Friday, February 26 and Friday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On the “Amnesty Days,” defendants may appear in court to discuss their case with the Judge during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. without the fear of being arrested by the Marshal’s Office. The court will accept cash, money order or credit card payments at the window.  The court will waive a Failure to Appear charge (subject to review and at the discretion of the Prosecuting Attorney) for those defendants appearing in court and paying the remainder of their fines in full on these days only.

 Once the warrant round up program begins, the Baytown Marshal’s Office advises that:

 “Defendants appearing at the Baytown Municipal Court for whom a warrant has been issued shall be arrested unless a bond (cash, surety, or attorney) is posted, the outstanding fine is paid in full, or the case is otherwise disposed.”

 Anyone with an outstanding warrant issued by the Baytown Municipal Court should be aware of the following rules and regulations concerning arrest procedures for outstanding warrants for the Baytown Municipal Court:

 Individuals with regular warrants (warrants issued for non-appearance) will be required to post bond in order to secure another court date and/or their release from jail, while those in capias pro fine (warrants issued for non-payment) must pay the total amount of any outstanding fines or serve their time in the Baytown Municipal Jail at a rate of $100.00 per 24 hour period.

 Defendants are encouraged to contact the Marshal’s Office to discuss their warrant status and options.

 For more information regarding outstanding warrants, payments and/or amounts due, contact the Baytown Municipal Court, at 281-427-9511.