[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",7297279,"mediaKeyId","5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5","parentId",5811025,"title","Friendswood Downtown EDC adopts 2025–26 budget; election of officers postponed","audioSeconds",2350,"startMs",303910,"endMs",2654290,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5&start=303&end=2654","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5/thumbnail_303910.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/7297279/Friendswood-City/Galveston-County/Texas/Friendswood-Downtown-EDC-adopts-202526-budget-election-of-officers-postponed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7297279-24e8cf0a771ddf48ec569ef12b871470/orig.mp4?Expires=1775066378&Signature=GrhpezrfKxZm8l0nywkte0er34NVRPCYpWphaCCER7TuPmrJVlz6sIq8TCMooHA0dLIi30tjTT-iQq1WWXO74mKcZXuwv2Iysjfp3YPB69W6EHvfTlpoyJXC2zVktLTkcQTRbACVj-I0PF4w5yo-LXiylsh59TKUpEWWdl99r8L-aiYbGrZ2ys2-idje-KrBOwxTqdqKY6Zb9nlfD4d3-kI2Kf0fVSV-cWjzzSWhzz6tm-ThS2lwcf5G~lxwDq3lP1EhxLcYApgBz1VTzP2-kXByH3BLUtLYSFRQWpgo2fhei3qCsH9z5W0h6yxZmW9YUsKiuJWncvwykMzl7iF8kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Friendswood TX","date","2025-09-09T00:00:00Z","article","The Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation voted to approve a proposed 2025–26 budget at its Tuesday, September 9 meeting and postponed the annual election of officers until the next regular meeting due to several absences.

Chair Rebecca introduced the budget item and Stephen (city staff) reviewed projected revenue and fund balances. Stephen told the board the projection includes over $1 million in sales‑tax and interest receipts for the coming fiscal year; he said staff anticipates an ending fund balance of approximately $3,930,082 \"subject of course to any expenditures or anything that come up along the way.\" The board moved to approve the budget as presented; members voted in favor.

The chair also proposed postponing the board’s annual election of officers because three members were absent; a motion to delay the election to the next monthly meeting was made and seconded and carried. The minutes of the August 12 meeting were approved earlier in the session by a recorded 4–0 vote.

Staff provided two operational project updates: an illumination project and an electrical‑box public‑art program. Stephen reported Pfeiffer & Sons completed a substantial‑completion walk on the lighting work with only a small punch list remaining; as‑built drawings were supplied and staff is working to secure easements for six locations before final closeout. On the Keep Friendswood Beautiful electrical‑box art program, Stephen said all boxes have been painted, clear coated and toured by Parks and project closeout is forthcoming; staff reported neighborhood interest has followed the program.

Stephen also presented the August financial report. The transcript records a beginning balance number that appears to be mis‑transcribed (quoted as \"$2,807,807,141\"), and staff later summarized an unencumbered August ending balance of $2,783,916; the board asked clarifying questions about line items and branding/signage payments.

Next meeting: the board set its next regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday, October 14 at 4 p.m. and asked staff to prepare the police department’s camera proposal for an October follow‑up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation Meeting - September 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Friendswood Downtown EDC approved a proposed 2025–26 budget projecting more than $1 million in sales‑tax and interest revenue and a projected ending fund balance of about $3.93 million; the board postponed its annual officer election and received updates on lighting and public‑art projects.","taxTitle","Friendswood City, Galveston County, Texas","taxId",55593,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},7297278,"Friendswood board hears police plan for more downtown cameras; no vote today",1467,502690,1969860,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5&start=502&end=1969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5/thumbnail_502690.jpg","/articles/7297278/Friendswood-City/Galveston-County/Texas/Friendswood-board-hears-police-plan-for-more-downtown-cameras-no-vote-today","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7297278-bfe3f4e83629c8727afe17bcbf2144cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775066378&Signature=BZx0UMYh72HyRRe24gRWNFUGkhtiLEYcAQGd4064wrYXbQuod197JQ1CJQksFlnfHQQLYCUfCoUNzxenOGXz8qy7nbInLiL3l2WljQ469xGQkFPY7Rl3Ni0Ub6iS95sM9Flo0wOkz15fv9g65zJu3zfZ0jy7OOTu4YfP8m1qOtFiPILFR9qeARKXHyzsSBC8rH6x1vutv8yi6EC2Z40S46i2rw7BjJhnOHxno-1Oqfss6vFLXvMHz1vlUkUEFackf80YkYOgnVMY7SHQnYg6SxKsx9MV-YKa6FgfbYUateWFzFEVJcXYJjFnYU2rxN7WuJrTm21Z1izNmb8GtBFkMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation members heard a presentation from Friendswood Police on Tuesday, September 9 about expanding license‑plate‑reading (LPR) and intersection camera coverage in the downtown district. The item was informational; the board did not take a vote and staff said a formal funding request would go to City Council if the board decides to proceed.

Chief Rogers described the department’s current use of Flock LPR cameras and other surveillance equipment, saying the cameras are monitored 24/7 and can be tied into state and national alert databases. “Flock has the contract with the state of Texas to be able to do that,” Rogers said, describing how shared “hot lists” can generate alerts for Amber alerts, Silver alerts and serious wanted persons while other alerts (for example, routine sex‑offender alerts) can be disabled.

Presenters recounted multiple recent successes they attribute to the technology: stolen vehicles recovered, an armed bank robbery suspect identified and arrested within an hour, and an interstate parental‑abduction arrest following a hot‑list alert. Eric, who joined the presentation, also showed how post‑incident image searches of vehicle features helped detectives locate suspects even when plates were changed.

City staff and police offered rough cost and equipment scenarios for the downtown corridor. Presenters described standalone cellular cameras that need only power and can stream via 5G, in‑house built PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) units and the option to join Flock’s wing program to connect agency‑owned cameras. The presenters cited a range of per‑unit costs during the discussion — roughly $1,500 for a Flock install and ongoing fees in the range of about $3,000–$3,500 per year for some cameras, while certain standalone systems or turnkey intersection units were described at higher one‑time prices (examples cited: approximately $5,000 for an in‑house build and up to about $12,000 for some standalone intersection units) — and noted TxDOT permitting is likely needed for installations on FM/TxDOT right‑of‑way.

Board members asked about coverage needs and privacy controls. Police recommended a mix for downtown coverage (roughly two to four Flock cameras at ingress/egress points and five to six stationary PTZ or multi‑sensor cameras within downtown to improve interior coverage). Chief Rogers said those tools are part of broader plans that could include drone support and a real‑time crime center staffed to monitor incident feeds. “We have the lowest crime rate around here,” Rogers said, adding the department uses technology to maintain solvability for crimes the city could not otherwise trace.

Next steps: staff will work with the police department and engineering to identify potential pole locations, permitting needs and a formal budgeted proposal to return to the EDC at its October meeting. If the EDC approves a plan, the city would forward any funding request to City Council for final approval; presenters suggested a realistic full‑deployment timeline could extend into mid‑year following council approval and permitting.","Friendswood Downtown EDC members heard an informational presentation from Friendswood Police on expanding license‑plate‑reading and intersection cameras downtown, including cost and permitting considerations; staff will return with a detailed proposal in October and any purchase would require City Council approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6787852,"Friendswood Downtown EDC adopts $3.93 million 2025–26 budget and hears police plan for cameras, drones and bollards",368,368100,-1,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5&start=368&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5/thumbnail_368100.jpg","/articles/6787852/Friendswood-City/Galveston-County/Texas/Friendswood-Downtown-EDC-adopts-393-million-202526-budget-and-hears-police-plan-for-cameras-drones-and-bollards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6787852-77ee8d2782a1e17041d0b212832f90df/orig.mp4?Expires=1775066378&Signature=D-NiiPW-01W-MUmPPWEzE3omwTp0RBFez7LoByQSzFP7Mk1KZVTUiitugy1tM1eU~s1ybo8nhD3YgZaKZjbwh8jzHx8UfyiojNEEpgngZA4Cx1jrvmoKBcONaPyUyJamcee92UZAOBtoTRo8H0IBTGBl-5ziYiRshhS8M64gMlPy~7fZCOMEIW~2p3COWHSLaAqHlMHVquR8UKOE4wJS-7Z0fFl25XM36WNjmqfVxopOjlaEc~t0JUyuL3MxuqjWEJvXpsJ5ydsOCRkNHzZFBdPkGLtD7UGyiQdL2XExxdCDDl7mzsm-PvNMp2eDB-G5v4gPAuq-B0xfTYcCYxa-kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation on Sept. 9 adopted its proposed 2025–26 budget and heard a detailed informational presentation from Friendswood Police on proposed downtown public-safety technology and hardening measures.

Stephen (staff) told the board the budget projects more than $1 million in combined sales-tax and interest revenue next fiscal year and a projected ending fund balance of $3,930,082 for 2026. \"The ending fund balance for this time next year is $3,930,082,\" he said. The board moved to adopt the proposed 2025–26 budget; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Chief Rogers and Deputy Chief Reyna described options for expanding the city’s camera network, including Flock license-plate-reader (LPR) cameras, intersection PTZ cameras and standalone cellular 5G cameras. \"All it does is captures plates that are going through there,\" Chief Rogers said of the LPR system, explaining it ties into state and national databases for AMBER and Silver alerts and serious wanted-person matches. Eric, a department technology presenter, illustrated the system’s use: \"We got an alert at 4am about a stolen car coming into town,\" he said, describing a case that led to a vehicle stop and arrests.

Staff outlined costs and procurement models. Presenters said some turnkey intersection systems can cost roughly $12,000 each because of fiber and right-of-way constraints, while in-house-built camera enclosures can cost about $5,000. They discussed a Flock “wing” option that allows agencies to host video through the Flock network and estimated recurring service fees in the low thousands per camera annually. Chief Rogers added that some alerts (TCIC/NCIC, Amber and Silver alerts) remain enabled while agencies can toggle other alert types.

Board members pressed on privacy and operational details. Chief Rogers said the system can disable lower-priority alerts (for example, sex-offender alerts) to reduce nuisance notifications and that police share an investigatory “hot list” with partner agencies to push alerts across jurisdictions.

Staff said this meeting was informational; if the board wishes to proceed it will bring a formal proposal and pricing in October. Staff noted any purchases and installations on FM roads would require TxDOT permitting and that City Council must approve the release of district funds. Presenters said, on an expedited track with permits and approvals, installations could be substantially in place by July 4 of the following year.

The board did not vote on cameras, drones or bollards at the meeting. Members asked staff to return with a firm proposal, permitting plan and estimated costs for council consideration. The EDC will review the formal presentation in October, and any fund release would need City Council approval.","The Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation on Sept. 9 adopted its proposed 2025–26 budget and heard a police presentation on license-plate readers, intersection cameras, drone-enabled response and removable bollards for downtown safety.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6787846,"Friendswood EDC reviews lighting, public-art boxes and business changes; six illumination easements still pending",0,2785469,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5&start=2785&end=2785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811025-62436d82cda744e2ca46fcb2c379f9f5/thumbnail_2785469.jpg","/articles/6787846/Friendswood-City/Galveston-County/Texas/Friendswood-EDC-reviews-lighting-public-art-boxes-and-business-changes-six-illumination-easements-still-pending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6787846-9d2232f4c416716657e0cdea4be39fb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775066378&Signature=OAGy6uOjTrk5NHTDLc6Houu6vvYhLg-yUJFjmUoFqw7yLz76c~SsX5Lphf8thf6H1wRS4xse~6cDq4PrSgXBnFmwwbvukNjY6KlpiZOUHPA4FrSSaqh8l-7RV4ixhbJiVZklPPz2UpMt2g7RLX6xPvVN7GbFkQDafOpsRvLOqfC3-NEFX4iawzFX9~BDfAWXm-d9vFWB~LhQxm6LXbrcNNuPDjJTRwp46bMHNtHwwoGdU40TISM24yTpNEYLwHU2bLvqJqEinqdf9k2BNfpd3x~QmNqntCzfMANETANMvCq4lvSrPZJJTcin-KAabem8dCtW3zbTtJEjaJmnh1pPTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the same Sept. 9 meeting, Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation staff reported progress on downtown public-works and placemaking projects.

Stephen told the board that Pfeifer and Sons completed a substantial completion walk on the illumination project that morning; all installed lights are operational though a minor punch list remains. \"All the lights that are installed are operational,\" he said, but added that six locations still lack recorded easement agreements and staff is working to identify property ownership so the contractor can finish ground work.

Stephen also reported that all electrical boxes in the Keep Friendswood Beautiful artwork program have been painted and clear-coated, that parks staff completed walkthroughs and that the project closeout is forthcoming. He said the program has already spurred interest from other neighborhoods about similar murals. \"They're all gorgeous if you haven't had a chance to go look at them,\" he told the board.

In a brief economic update, staff said Gemini Urgent Care replaced the previous urgent-care tenant at FM 518 and Whispering Pines, and House of Lanterns, a spa, has occupied an existing space on Renswood. Stephen noted recent expenditures for the art boxes and lighting work are reflected in the monthly financial reports and presented the August financials: an ending fund balance for the month of just over $2.8 million with an unencumbered balance of $2,783,916.

Board members asked staff to continue pursuing the outstanding easements and to provide regular updates as the punch list items are closed. The board confirmed its next regular meeting is Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., with a police safety update expected if available.","City staff reported substantial completion of the downtown illumination project with a small punch list and six locations still awaiting easement agreements; all electrical boxes for the Keep Friendswood Beautiful mural project are finished and two existing retail spaces changed tenants.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Friendswood Downtown EDC adopts 2025–26 budget; election of officers postponed

Friendswood board hears police plan for more downtown cameras; no vote today

Friendswood Downtown EDC adopts $3.93 million 2025–26 budget and hears police plan for cameras, drones and bollards

Friendswood EDC reviews lighting, public-art boxes and business changes; six illumination easements still pending