William Paul Hunt and ADE-WIFCO Steel Products Inc. ("ADE"), and Others Similarly Situated v. City of Diboll, Texas, John McClain, in His Official Capacity as Mayor of the City of Diboll, Steve Baker, in His Official Capacity as Chief of Police of the City of Diboll, Gerry Boren, in His Official Capacity as City Manager of City of Diboll
ACCEPTED
12-17-00001-CV
TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS
TYLER, TEXAS
11/27/2017 4:16 PM
Pam Estes
CLERK
NO. 12-17-00001-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FILED IN
12th COURT OF APPEALS
TYLER, TEXAS
FOR THE TWELFTH COURT OF 11/27/2017 4:16:03 PM
PAM ESTES
Clerk
APPEALS DISTRICT
AT TYLER, TEXAS
__________________________________________________________________
WILLIAM PAUL HUNT AND ADE-WIFCO STEEL PRODUCTS INC., and
Others Similarly Situated, APPELLANTS
V.
CITY OF DIBOLL, TEXAS, ET. AL. APPELLEES
__________________________________________________________________
On Appeal from the 217TH Judicial District Court
Angelina County, Texas, Cause No. CV-00370-16-06
__________________________________________________________________
APPELLANTS WILLIAM PAUL HUNT, ET. AL.
MOTION FOR REHEARING
__________________________________________________________________
Respectfully submitted,
Russell J. Bowman
Texas State Bar No. 02751550
russelljbowman@sbcglobal.net
Scott A. Stewart
Texas State Bar No. 19218300
800 West Airport Freeway, Suite 860
Irving, Texas 75062
(214) 922-0220
(214) 922-0225 (FAX)
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEES
ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
FIRST ERROR - COURT’S FINDING NO ULTRA VIRES ACTS PLED. . . . . . 5
A. Ultra Vires Claims Pled by Hunt Et. Al.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
B. Hunt Et. Al.’s Pleading Sufficient Alleges Ultra Vires Claims. . . . . . 8
C. Rules Re: Construction of a Pleading Shows
Ultra Vires Claims Were Sufficiently Pled.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SECOND ERROR - COURT’S ERROR FOR REMEDIES
AVAILABLE FOR ULTRA VIRES ACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
A. Ultra Vires Claim is in Effect Suit Against the
Government Entity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
B. Heinrich Did Bot Create or Expand Immunity
For Ultra Vires Claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
THIRD ERROR - FAILURE TO ALLOW OPPORTUNITY
TO REPLEAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
FOURTH ERROR - NO JURISDICTION TO DECLARE
ORDINANCE 06-07 UNCONSTITUTIONAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
APPENDIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 2
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
CASES:
Brennan v. City of Willow Park,
376 S.W.3d 910, 922-23 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 2012, rev. denied). . . . . . . . . . . 14
Camacho v. Samaniego,
954 S.W.2d 811, 822 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1997, pet. denied). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
City of Denton v. Van Page,
701 S.W.2d 831, 834 (Tex. 1986). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
City of El Paso v. Heinrich,
284 S.W.3d 366, 371 (Tex. 2009). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15
Daniels v. Allen,
811 S.W.2d 278, 280 (Tex.App.-Tyler 1991, no writ).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hall v. McRaven,
508 S.W.2d 232, 238 (Tex. 2017). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 10
Houston Belt & Terminal Ry. Co. v. City of Houston,
487 S.W.3d 154, 158 (Tex. 2016).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 10, 12, 13
Kubosh v. Harris County,
416 S.W.3d 483, 487 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2013, rev. denied). . . . . . . . 14
McDaniel v. Town of Double Oak,
2012 WL 662367, at *8 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 2012). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Passel v. Fort Worth Indep. Sch. Dist.,
440 S.W.2d 61, 63 (Tex. 1969). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
State v. Morales,
869 S.W.2d 941, 947-48 (Tex. 1994). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 18
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 3
Texas A & M Univ. Sys. v. Koseoglu,
233 S.W.3d 835, 839 (Tex. 2007). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 16, 17
Texas Dep’t of Parks & Wildlife v. Miranda,
133 S.W.3d 217, 226 (Tex. 2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CODES:
Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code §§ 101.001-101.009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Texas Government Code § 311.016(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 707. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7
Texas Transportation Code § 707.003(c) .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Texas Transportation Code § 707.003(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 8
Texas Transportation Code § 707.003(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 7, 8-10
CONSTITUTION:
Article I, Section 10, Texas Constitution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ORDINANCES:
Diboll Ordinance 06-07.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 17-21
RULES:
TRAP 9.4(i)(1).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
TRAP 9.4(i)(2)(D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
TRAP 49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 4
Appellants, William Paul Hunt (Hunt), ADE-WIFCO Steel Products Inc.
(“ADE”) and others similarly situated, file this Motion for Rehearing pursuant to
TRAP 49, and show the following in support of same. In filing this motion, Hunt,
ADE, and others similarly situated, do not waive any previous arguments made to this
Court.
FIRST ERROR -
COURT’S FINDING NO ULTRA VIRES ACTS PLED
This Court holds on page 20 of its opinion that no ultra vires act is alleged by
Hunt, et. al. that the Diboll city officials acted without legal authority. That holding
is incorrect. The ultra vires acts engaged by the Diboll city officials is the imposition
of red light camera penalties in violation of Transportation Code Section 707.003(f).
This Court, in its opinion, only references to the ultra vires discussion in Appellants'
brief, but does not analyze the actual pleadings of Appellants, which clearly show
ultra vires claims have been properly pled.
A. Ultra Vires Claims Pled by Hunt Et. Al.
In this case, the pleadings setting forth the factual allegations supporting an
action against the individual defendants in their official capacity, including setting
forth an ultra vires claim, are found in paragraphs 11, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48, 49, 50,
and 52 of Plaintiffs' Fourth Amended Petition, the pleading relevant to this matter.
(CR3, pp. 179, 192-196, 200-202).
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 5
In paragraph 11, in relation to Ordinance 06-07 (the Ordinance), Appellants
allege that the individual Defendants acting in their official capacities have
implemented, authorized the installation of a red light camera enforcement system
and assessed civil penalties without complying with the requirements of Section
707.003 of the Texas Transportation Code and that the collection of the penalties are
"invalid, unlawful, illegal, void, of no effect and/or unauthorized." (CR3, p. 179).
Appellants further allege "Accordingly, Defendants Baker, McClain and/or Boren,
acting in their official capacities, either singularly or in combination, have been
enforcing a red light ordinance in the City of Diboll which conflicts with Chapter
707, and are therefore in violation of the law, acting ultra vires and/or without
authority, so that the red light penalties assessed by the City of Diboll asserting a
violation of Sections 9-39(6) and/or (7) are unenforceable. (CR3, pp. 179-180).
In Paragraph 50, Appellants alleged:
"Their official acts were committed in violation of
Chapter 707, since they were acting beyond the
statutory authority granted by Chapter 707 in
installing, implementing and enforcing the City of
Diboll's red light camera enforcement system. These
official acts of theirs, if acting pursuant to Ordinance
No. 01-14, were in violation of law...
CR3, pp. 200-201.
Hunt, et. al. specifically alleged Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 6
in their official capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or in combination,
authorized and permitted the installation and operation of red light camera systems
in the City of Diboll in violation of Texas law, including Chapter 707 of the Texas
Transportation Code (“Chapter 707”), and in their official capacities caused the
issuance and collection of red light camera penalties which were invalid, unlawful,
illegal, and/or unauthorized, because of the failure of Defendants City of Diboll, or
Defendants Baker, McClain and/or Boren, acting in their official capacities, either
singularly or in combination, to comply with the requirements of Chapter 707 by:
failing to conduct the traffic engineering study or studies required by Section
707.003(c) of the Texas Transportation Code, failing to appoint a citizens advisory
committee required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), failing to report the
results of the traffic engineering study required by Section 707.003(c) to a citizens
advisory committee as required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), and/or
by providing for a red light camera penalty in an amount greater than that allowed by
Transportation Code Section 707.007. CR3, p. 179.
Hunt et. al. further alleged Diboll failed to conduct the traffic engineering study
required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(c), the effect of which under
Transportation Code Section 707.003(f), prohibits Diboll and/or Defendants Baker,
McClain and Boren, acting in their official capacities with Diboll, either singularly
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 7
or in combination, from imposing any red light camera penalty against Plaintiffs.
CR3, pp. 193-194. Hunt et. al. further alleged Diboll failed to appoint a citizens
advisory committee required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), and failed
to report the results of the traffic engineering study required by Transportation Code
707.003(c) to the citizens advisory committee as required by Transportation Code
Section 707.003(e), requirements which were mandatory, so that Diboll and/or
Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their official capacities with Diboll,
either singularly or in combination, were precluded from assessing any of the red
light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit. CR3, pp. 194-195.
B. Hunt Et. Al.’s Pleading Sufficiently Alleges Ultra Vires Claims
As this Court noted in Hall v. McRaven, 508 S.W.3d 232, 238 (Tex. 2017), in
Houston Belt & Terminal Ry. Co. v. City of Houston, 487 S.W.3d 154, 158 (Tex.
2016) this Court clarified what it means for a government official to act “without
legal authority”. A government official acts “without legal authority”, and thus ultra
vires, if the official exceeds the bounds of his/her granted authority, or if his/her acts
conflict with the law itself. Hall, 508 S.W.3d at 238.
Transportation Code Section 707.003(f) cannot be any clearer. It leaves
nothing to the exercise of discretion or judgment. Under Section 707.003(f), a city
“may not” impose a civil penalty on a vehicle owner if the city has failed to conduct
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 8
the traffic engineering study required by Section 707.003(c). The term “may not”
imposes a prohibition and is synonymous with “shall not”. V.T.C.A., Government
Code § 311.016(5). It is clearly alleged Diboll did not perform the required traffic
engineering study. CR3, pp. 179 & 193-195. This Court must accept such
allegations as true. Texas Dep’t of Parks & Wildlife v. Miranda, 133 S.W.3d 217,
226 (Tex. 2004). A clear ultra vires act has been pled by Hunt et. al. That being
Defendants, Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their official capacities with Diboll,
either singularly or in combination, assessed red light camera penalties when they
were prohibited under Transportation Code Section 707.003(f) from doing so because
of the failure to conduct the engineering study required by Transportation Code
Section 707.003(c).
Hunt et. al.’s allegations that Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren acting in
their official capacities, assessed penalties when no valid ordinance authorizing same
and in violation of Section 707.003(c),(e) and(f) which then prohibited them from
assessing any penalties clearly alleges the officials exceeded the bounds of their
granted authority, or their acts conflict with the law itself, thus it was alleged the acts
were ultra vires.
C. Rules Re: Construction of a Pleading Shows
Ultra Vires Claims Were Adequately Pled
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 9
As this Court noted in Daniels v. Allen, 811 S.W.2d 278, 280 (Tex.App.-Tyler
1991, no writ), the key to determining whether a cause of action has been pled is
whether there are sufficient allegations to give fair notice of the claim, not whether
certain words are used in certain portions of the petition. Here, it is specifically
alleged Diboll failed to conduct the engineering study required by Section 707.003(c),
which prohibited Defendants under Section 707.003(f) from imposing any red light
camera penalty. CR3, pp. 179 & 193-195. Additionally, this Court has found that
Ordinance 01-14 did not provide any legal authority to assess the penalties since it
was not in effect at any time material to this cause, and therefore any alleged penalties
assessed by the officials pursuant to 01-14 were clearly assessed without authority.
By imposing red light camera penalties when expressly prohibited under
Transportation Code Section 707.003(f) from doing so, the Diboll city officials were
acting in direct conflict with Transportation Code Section 707.003(f). This is clearly
pled by Hunt et. al., and clearly constitutes an ultra vires act under Hall and Houston
Belt. This Court’s holding otherwise, in direct contradiction of Hall and Houston
Belt, is error.
Construing Appellants’ pleading liberally in the Appellants’ favor and looking
to the pleaders intent, it is apparent that the intent was to state ultra vires claims
against Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, that there are sufficient factual
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 10
allegations to fairly place all parties on notice that Appellants are bringing an ultra
vires claim and that the Court’s holding otherwise is error, which should be corrected
by the Court issuing a new opinion on rehearing and finding that ultra vires acts were
properly pled in this matter against Defendants, Baker, McClain and Boren, in their
official capacities with Diboll.
SECOND ERROR - COURT’S ERROR FOR REMEDIES
AVAILABLE FOR ULTRA VIRES ACT
On page 21 of its opinion, this Court holds the only remedy available for an
ultra vires act claim is prospective relief. That is incorrect.
A. Ultra Vires Claim is in Effect Suit Against the Government Entity
The ultra vires exception to sovereign/governmental/official immunity involves
the situation where the State or political subdivision, through its officials, is acting
without authority or in violation of the law. Under this exception, ultra vires claims
must be brought against the state or government actor in his or her official capacity.
Heinrich, 284 S.W.3d at 372-373 (Tex. 2009).
It is fundamental that a suit against a governmental official is merely another
way of pleading an action against the entity of which the official is an agent. Tex. A
& M Univ. Sys. v. Koseoglu, 233 S.W.3d 835, 844 (Tex. 2007). A suit against an
official in his official capacity is in all respects other than name, a suit against the
entity. Koseoglu, 233 S.W.3d at 844. In an ultra vires claim, although the judgment
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 11
that may be rendered against the government official is in his or her official capacity,
such a judgment is ultimately against the entity (in this case the City of Diboll) for
whom the official works, as liability against the city in an ultra vires claim is obtained
by suing the city official in his or her official capacity. Heinrich, at 373 & 377 fn. 10.
B. Heinrich Did Not Create or Expand Immunity for Ultra Vires Claims
Ultra vires claims do not invoke governmental immunity. See Houston Belt &
Terminal Railway Co. v. City of Houston, 487 S.W.3d 154, 158 fn. 1 (Tex. 2016),
where the Court held:
We have often referred to the ultra vires doctrine as an
exception to governmental and sovereign immunity, and
we continue to do so today. However, some clarification
is warranted. Our usage should not be read to imply that
governmental immunity applies and that ultra vires is then
an exception to that application; rather when a
government officer is sued for allegedly ultra vires acts,
governmental immunity does not apply from the
outset....
Houston Belt, 487 S.W.3d at 158 fn. 1. (Emphasis added).
The Court further noted in Houston Belt that Heinrich did not expand
governmental immunity, noting:
Indeed, in the seven years since Heinrich, we have spoken
a number of times on the intersection of the ultra vires
exception and governmental immunity. In doing so, we
have confirmed that Heinrich did not expand
governmental immunity’s reach or diminish the ultra
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 12
vires exception....
Houston Belt, 487 S.W.3d at 162. (Emphasis added).
Thus, any ultra vires act claim against a city official in his or her official
capacity for reimbursement, like what is being asserted in this case for reimbursement
and a takings claim, are not barred by immunity, since those claims (as correctly
recognized by this Court) are ones that are not barred by immunity against the
government unit.
In writing on the issue of prospective versus retrospective relief , the Heinrich
Court in Heinrich stated the rule against retrospective relief "is not absolute".
Heinrich 284 S.W.3d at 376. The Court in Heinrich then noted that a takings claims
based on ultra vires acts are not barred by immunity. Heinrich, 284 S.W.3d at 376.
This alone shows this Court’s holding that ultra vires claims only allow for
prospective relief is not the case.
Are the claims asserted by Plaintiffs barred by immunity? The answer is clearly
no. As this Court noted on pages 17-19 of its opinion, the reimbursement and takings
claims being brought in this matter are not barred by immunity. Such claims having
been brought against the Diboll city officials as ultra vires acts are likewise not
barred by immunity.
Thus, where a claim for reimbursement is being made because of government
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 13
officials assessing an unlawful fee or penalty in violation of a statute, such a claim
is brought against the appropriate government official in his or her official capacity,
and is not barred by immunity. This is illustrated by Camacho v. Samaniego, 954
S.W.2d 811, 820-821 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1997, rev. denied), where the Court held that
where the sheriff was assessing a fee in violation of statute, the claim for the refund
of such unlawful fee was against the sheriff in his official capacity.
All Heinrich did was maintain the law that claims for monetary relief which are
barred by immunity continue to be barred by immunity, whether such are brought
against the governmental unit itself, or against the governmental official by an ultra
vires act. A claim for reimbursement of money unlawfully collected by the
governmental unit is not a claim for property belonging to the government, so
immunity does not apply. The cause of action for reimbursement has been recognized
multiple times since Heinrich. See Brennan v. City of Willow Park, 376 S.W.3rd
910 (Tex. App. – Fort Worth 2012, pet. denied); McDaniel v. Town of Double Oak,
No. 02-10-00452-CV, 2012 WL 662367, at *8 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Mar. 1, 2012,
pet. denied) (mem. op.); Kubosh v. Harris County, 416 S.W.3d 483 (Tx.App.-
Houston [1st Dist.] 2013, pet. denied).
Appellants submit that the rule following Heinrich is best stated as follows:
Ultra vires actions are not barred by immunity, The relief available in an ultra vires
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 14
action is limited to prospective relief, unless the claim for retrospective relief,
including the payment of money, is itself not barred by immunity. Therefore, such
a reimbursement claim, or a takings claim, brought as an ultra vires claim against the
city official in his or her official capacity like what is being brought in this case, is
not a claim for retrospective monetary relief prohibited by Heinrich.
In summary, if the claim for reimbursement is not barred by immunity, it is not
barred by immunity if such has to be brought against the city official in his official
capacity. This is clearly the case as to the ultra vires claims alleged by Hunt et. al.,
so that such claims are not barred by immunity. This Court needs to issue a corrected
opinion on rehearing holding Hunt et. al. have properly alleged ultra vires claims
against the Diboll city officials in their official capacity for common law
reimbursement and a takings claim, and that such claims are not barred by immunity.
THIRD ERROR - FAILURE TO ALLOW
OPPORTUNITY TO REPLEAD
Without waiving the point that Appellants adequately plead an ultra vires
action, Appellants would also show the court erred in failing to provide Appellants
an opportunity to replead and cure any perceived deficiency in their ultra vires
pleading
The Texas Supreme Court holds that a plaintiff generally deserves a reasonable
opportunity to amend pleadings to cure a defect in jurisdiction. Texas A & M Univ.
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 15
Sys. v. Koseoglu, 233 S.W.3d 835, 839 (Tex. 2007). A plaintiff may stand on his
pleadings in the face of a plea to the jurisdiction unless and until a court determines
that the plea is meritorious. Koseoglu, 233 S.W.3d at 839.
In this regard Hunt et. al. would show the Haddix and Tara Partners cases
relied upon by the Court on page 21 of its opinion are materially different than this
case, such that the general rule to provide an opportunity to amend, as recognized in
by the Court in its opinion, should be afforded Appellants.
Of particular distinction, in Haddix and Tara Partners, a challenge to the
sufficiency of the pleading was actually raised in the trial court and the party did not
make any effort to amend before the Court's ruling. In the present case, Appellants
filed their Fourth Amended Petition on December 2, 2016 setting forth the ultra vires
claims identified above, shortly before the hearing on the plea to the jurisdiction,
which was held on December 6, 2016. CR3 p. 176. No challenge or complaint was
made by Defendants as to the sufficiency of the Appellants' ultra vires pleading in the
trial court or in this court. There was not any indication in the ruling of the trial court
that its decision was based in any part on an alleged deficiency in the pleading of
Appellants as to its allegations of ultra vires.
The only challenge raised with respect to Hunt et. al.’s ultra vires claims was
that they were limited to prospective injunctive relief, and they were moot. CR4, p.
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 16
101. In their brief, Defendants merely asserted the ultra vires claims can only be
brought against the government official (which is what was done here) and the only
relief for an ultra vires claim was prospective injunctive relief. Diboll’s Brief, pp. 24-
25. The issue of whether ultra vires claims were sufficiently pled was not raised by
anyone until this Court did so in its opinion. By then, Hunt et. al. could not amend
their pleadings, because the lawsuit had been dismissed.
Under the principles stated in Koseoglu, Appellants were entitled to stand on
the sufficiency of their pleading until a challenge to them was raised and a ruling was
made that they were insufficient. The Court’s ruling that Hunt et. al. waived any right
to amend their pleading is incorrect. Upon rehearing, in the event the Court still finds
Appellants’ pleading as to ultra vires acts insufficient, the Court should correct this
error and remand the case to allow Hunt et. al. the opportunity to amend their
pleadings.
FOURTH ERROR - NO JURISDICTION TO DECLARE
ORDINANCE 06-07 UNCONSTITUTIONAL
On pages 7-8 of its opinion, this Court holds that Hunt et. al. cannot challenge
the constitutionality of Diboll Ordinance 06-07 under the test set forth in State v.
Morales, 869 S.W.2d 941, 947-48 (Tex. 1994). Hunt et. al. meet the test set forth in
Morales for a civil court to declare constitutionally invalid and enjoin enforcement
of Ordinance 06-07.
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 17
As this Court notes on page 6 of its opinion, under Morales, a civil court has
jurisdiction to declare a criminal statute constitutionally invalid and enjoin
enforcement of the statute when there is evidence the statute at issue is being
unconstitutionally applied by a rule, policy or other noncriminal means subject to a
civil court’s equity powers and irreparable injury to property rights is threatened.
Both of these tests are met here.
All of the red light camera tickets involved in this lawsuit, including those
issued to Plaintiffs Hunt and ADE, assert a violation of Ordinance No. 06-07 and
Section 9-39, allegedly occurring prior to November 10, 2016. (CR3, pp. 182 & 215
& CR5, pp. 51-54 ). As this Court notes on page 6 of its opinion, there is no dispute
that Ordinance 06-07 is a criminal ordinance.
The evidence in the record shows Diboll enforces Ordinance No. 06-07 in a
noncriminal manner. Diboll merely provides for a hearing before a hearing officer
(CR4, pp. 136 & 149 & CR5, pp. 51-54), where the vehicle owner gets no right to a
jury trial, no presumption of innocence, no requirement that Diboll prove guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt, or any other protection guaranteed under Article I,
Section 10 of the Texas Constitution for one charged with a crime. Diboll does not
initiate a criminal prosecution where a vehicle owner like Hunt can challenge the
constitutionality of 06-07. Therefore, vehicle owners like Hunt have no forum to
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 18
challenge 06-07.
Further, the noncriminal means by which Diboll enforces Ordinance No. 06-07
not just threatens, but results in irreparable injury to property. As this Court notes on
page 3 of its opinion, Diboll placed a hold on the registration of Hunt’s vehicle. This
effectively prohibits Hunt from using the vehicle, since it has no valid registration,
and exposes Hunt to tickets and fines if he uses the vehicle with an expired
registration. Hunt faces irreparable injury for the loss of use of his vehicle if not
allowed this form to challenge Diboll’s action in illegally withholding the registration
on Hunt’s vehicle.
As this Court notes on page 6 of its opinion, the requirement of irreparable
injury is related to the adequacy of the remedy at law. Passel v. Fort Worth Indep.
Sch. Dist., 440 S.W.2d 61, 63 (Tex. 1969). Here, Hunt has no adequate remedy at law
for the loss of use of his vehicle. This is because Hunt could not sue Diboll for
damages for the loss of use of his vehicle, since Diboll would have immunity against
a suit for such damages. A political subdivision like Diboll is immune from suits for
damages except in the limited instances of injury arising out of the use of publicly
owned vehicles, premises defects, and conditions or use of property. City of Denton
v. Van Page, 701 S.W.2d 831, 834 (Tex. 1986); TEX. CIV. PRAC. AND REM.
CODE, Sections 101.001 - 101.009. Thus, Hunt has no remedy at law against Diboll
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 19
or its city officials for the loss of use of his vehicle.
The only court in which Hunt can seek relief concerning the unlawful
registration hold placed on his vehicle is through a civil court. This is because Diboll
Ordinance No. 06-07 does not allow Diboll to have the registration on Hunt’s vehicle
to be withheld. Ordinance 06-07 only provides for a fine of $100. Therefore, Hunt
is facing injury (the withholding of the registration on his vehicle and loss of use
resulting from same) that is separate from the enforcement of the criminal ordinance
itself. The only court in which Hunt can obtain an injunction prohibiting Defendants
from placing a hold on the registration on Hunt’s vehicle is a court of equity, i.e., the
district court in which Hunt filed this lawsuit. Therefore, a civil court would have
jurisdiction to declare Ordinance 06-07 constitutionally invalid, and enjoin its
enforcement.
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
For all of the above reasons, Appellants request this motion be granted, and the
Court issue a new opinion: (1) withdrawing those portions of its rulings regarding
that Appellants have not adequately pled ultra vires claims and finds such claims
have been properly pled; (2) alternatively, withdrawing their ruling regarding that
Appellants waived the right to amend their pleadings and allow Appellants the
opportunity to amend their pleadings regarding the ultra vires claims asserted by
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 20
them; (3) withdrawing their ruling that ultra vires relief is limited to prospective
injunctive relief only, and holding that retrospective relief for ultra vires acts in the
form of constitutional takings claims and/or reimbursement claims for unlawful fines
and penalties are permitted; (4) withdrawing their holding the trial court lacks
jurisdiction to declare Ordinance 06-07 unconstitutional and holding the trial court
does have jurisdiction to declare Ordinance 06-07 unconstitutional and issue
injunctive relief precluding enforcement of same; and (5) in all other respects
maintaining the opinion issued by the Court.
Respectfully submitted,
/S/Russell J. Bowman
Russell J. Bowman
Texas State Bar No. 02751550
russelljbowman@sbcglobal.net
Scott A. Stewart
Texas State Bar No. 19218300
800 West Airport Freeway, Suite 860
Irving, Texas 75062
(214) 922-0220
(214) 922-0225 (FAX)
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEES
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
This is to certify, in compliance with Rule 9.4(i)(2)(D) of the Texas Rules of
Appellate Procedure, that Appellees’ Amended Motion for Rehearing, not counting
those items excluded under TRAP 9.4(i)(1), consists of a total of 3,873 words. This
count was determined based on the word count of the computer program,
WordPerfect X5, used to prepare Appellees’ Amended Motion for Rehearing.
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 21
/S/Russell J. Bowman
Russell J. Bowman
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document was sent
to all counsel of record indicated below, on this 27th day of November, 2017, as
indicated below:
Ms. Erika L. Neill VIA E-MAIL: eneill@acn.com
ALDERMAN CAIN & NEILL PLLC
122 East Lufkin Avenue
Lufkin, Texas 75901-2805
Mr. Thomas J. Williams VIA E-MAIL: thomas.williams@haynesboone.com
Haynes and Boone, LLP
301 Commerce Street, Suite 2600
Fort Worth, Texas 76102-4140
/S/Russell J. Bowman
Russell J. Bowman
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 22
APPENDIX
1. Plaintiffs’ Fourth Amended Petition (CR3, pp. 176-236)
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 23
TAB NO. 1
APPELLANTS’ MOTION FOR REHEARING - Page 24
CAUSE NO. CV-00370-16-06
WILLIAM PAUL HUNT, and § IN THE DISTRICT COURT
OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED, §
Plaintiffs, §
§
v. § OF ANGELINA COUNTY, TEXAS
§
CITY OF DIBOLL, JOHN MCCLAIN, in his §
Official Capacity as Mayor of the City of §
Diboll, STEVE BAKER, in his Official §
Capacity as Chief of Police of the City of §
Diboll, GERRY BOREN, in his Official §
Capacity as City Manager of the City of §
Diboll, AMERICAN TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS, §
INC., AND AMERICAN TRAFFIC §
SOLUTIONS, LLC, §
Defendants. § 217TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
PLAINTIFF’S FOURTH AMENDED PETITION
Plaintiffs, William Paul Hunt and ADE-WIFCO Steel Products Inc. (“ADE”), on behalf of
themselves and all others similarly situated (all collectively hereinafter referred to as “Plaintiffs”
where appropriate), file this Fourth Amended Petition, bringing this class action against all of the
Defendants named in this suit, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief against Defendants,
reimbursement from Defendants City of Diboll, or alternatively, John McClain, in his official
capacity as Mayor of the City of Diboll, Steve Baker, in his official capacity as Chief of Police of
the City of Diboll, and Gerry Boren, in his official capacity as City Manager of the City of Diboll,
of the unconstitutional, illegal and/or unlawful red light camera penalties assessed against Plaintiffs
involved in this lawsuit, and as to Defendants American Traffic Solutions, Inc. and American Traffic
Solutions, LLC (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ATS”), damages. In support of this Petition,
Plaintiffs would show the following:
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 1
DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN
1.
Plaintiffs designate this case as a Level 3 Discovery Control Plan, such that discovery is to
be conducted under Level 3 Discovery Control Plan of Rule 190.4 of the Texas Rules of Civil
Procedure.
2.
Plaintiffs plead TRCP 47(c)(5), as the amount in controversy in this matter, including
attorney’s fees, but exclusive of interest and costs, is over $1,000,000.
PARTIES
3.
Plaintiff, William Paul Hunt, is a citizen of the State of Texas, residing in Cass County,
Texas.
4.
Plaintiff ADE is a corporation formed and organized under the laws of the State of Kansas.
5.
Defendant City of Diboll is a Texas citizen, being a Texas municipality located in Angelina
County, Texas and incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas, who has appeared in this
lawsuit, and who may be served with this pleading by service on its attorney of record, Mr. Robert
Alderman, Jr., Alderman Cain & Neill, PLLC, 122 East Lufkin Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901-2805.
6.
Defendant John McClain, in his official capacity as Mayor of the City of Diboll, is a citizen
of the State of Texas, residing in Diboll, Angelina County, Texas, who has appeared in this lawsuit,
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 2
and who may be served with this pleading by service on its attorney of record, Mr. Robert Alderman,
Jr., Alderman Cain & Neill, PLLC, 122 East Lufkin Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901-2805.
7.
Defendant Steve Baker, in his official capacity as Chief of Police of the Diboll Police
Department, is a citizen of the State of Texas residing in Diboll, Angelina County, Texas, who has
appeared in this lawsuit, and who may be served with this pleading by service on its attorney of
record, Mr. Robert Alderman, Jr., Alderman Cain & Neill, PLLC, 122 East Lufkin Avenue, Lufkin,
Texas 75901-2805.
8.
Defendant Gerry Boren in his official capacity as City Manager of the City of Diboll, is a
citizen of the State of Texas residing in Diboll, Angelina County, Texas, who has appeared in this
lawsuit, and who may be served with this pleading by service on its attorney of record, Mr. Robert
Alderman, Jr., Alderman Cain & Neill, PLLC, 122 East Lufkin Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901-2805.
9.
Defendant, American Traffic Solutions, Inc. is a foreign corporation doing business in the
State of Texas, who has appeared in this lawsuit, and who may be served with this pleading by
service on its attorney of record, Mr. Thomas J. Williams, Haynes and Boone, LLP, 301 Commerce
Street, Suite 2600, Fort Worth, Texas 76102-4140.
10.
Defendant, American Traffic Solutions, LLC is a foreign corporation doing business in the
State of Texas, who has appeared in this lawsuit, and who may be served with this pleading by
service on its attorney of record, Mr. Thomas J. Williams, Haynes and Boone, LLP, 301 Commerce
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 3
Street, Suite 2600, Fort Worth, Texas 76102-4140.
NATURE OF SUIT
11.
This is an action under the Uniform Declaratory Judgment Act (Chapter 37.001 et. seq. of
the Civil Practice and Remedies Code) to declare Diboll Ordinance Sections 9-39(6) and (7) of
Chapter 9 of the Diboll Code of Ordinances (hereinafter “the Ordinance”), unconstitutional under
the Texas Constitution, and therefore void and of no effect. In the alternative, this action further
seeks declaratory judgment that Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their official
capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or in combination, have authorized and permitted
the installation and operation of red light camera systems in the City of Diboll in violation of Texas
law, including Chapter 707 of the Texas Transportation Code (“Chapter 707”), and in their official
capacities, have caused the issuance of Notices of Infraction of the Ordinance, and the collection of
penalties therefrom which are invalid, unlawful, illegal, void, of no effect and/or unauthorized,
because of the failure of Defendants City of Diboll, or Defendants Baker, McClain and/or Boren,
acting in their official capacities, either singularly or in combination, to comply with the
requirements of Chapter 707 by: failing to conduct the traffic engineering study or studies required
by Section 707.003(c) of the Texas Transportation Code, failing to appoint a citizens advisory
committee Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), failing to report the results of the traffic
engineering study required by Section 707.003(c) to a citizens advisory committee as required by
Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), and/or by providing for a red light camera penalty in an
amount greater than that allowed by Transportation Code Section 707.007. Accordingly, Defendants
Baker, McClain, and/or Boren, acting in their official capacities, either singularly or in combination,
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 4
have been enforcing a red light camera ordinance in the City of Diboll which conflicts with Chapter
707, and are therefore acting in violation of the law, acting ultra vires, and/or without authority, so
that any red light camera penalties assessed by the City asserting a violation of Sections 9-39(6)
and/or (7) are void and unenforceable.
12.
This suit also seeks an injunction against all Defendants to enjoin them from operating any
red light camera systems and from attempting to enforce any alleged red light camera violations
pursuant to the Ordinance, because of the unconstitutionality of the Ordinance, or alternatively, in
the unlikely event that Chapter 707 and the Ordinance are found constitutional, to have Defendants
enjoined from operating and enforcing any red light camera penalties pursuant to the Ordinance
unless and until they have complied with the requirements and all prerequisites necessary under
Chapter 707 to allow the assessment and collection of a red light camera penalty, including
conducting all traffic engineering studies required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(c), and
appointing a citizen advisory committee as required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), and
reporting the results of the traffic engineering study or studies to the citizens advisory committee as
required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e).
13.
Additionally, Plaintiffs, who have paid any such unlawful red light camera penalties/fines
assessed by the City of Diboll and/or Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their official
capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or in combination, pursuant to the City of
Diboll’s illegal red light camera enforcement system, assert a common law claim for reimbursement
against those Defendants, for all of the unlawful red light camera fines illegally assessed and
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 5
appropriated by those Defendants that are involved in this lawsuit. Alternatively, Plaintiffs, who
have paid any such unlawful red light camera penalties/fines assessed by the City of Diboll and/or
Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their official capacities with the City of Diboll,
either singularly or in combination, pursuant to the City of Diboll’s illegal red light camera
enforcement system, seek against those Defendants, as the remedy afforded Plaintiffs under Article
I, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution, the refund of all of the red light camera penalties/fines
illegally assessed and appropriated by these Defendants that are involved in this lawsuit.
14.
Finally, Plaintiffs bring various claims for damages against the ATS Defendants, as will be
further set forth below.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
15.
Plaintiff Hunt has been charged in Notice of Infraction No. 2201500071271 (a copy of which
is attached as Exhibit “A”) by the Defendant City of Diboll with a violation the Ordinance. The
Ordinance is part of Ordinance No. 06-07 enacted by Defendant City of Diboll on December 11,
2006. The Ordinance is entitled “Traffic infractions detected through the use of an automated traffic
safety camera” and is part of Chapter 9 (which is entitled “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”)
of the Diboll Code of Ordinances. The fact that Diboll ordinance Section 9-39(6) providing for red
light camera violations is part of Chapter 9 of the Diboll Code of Ordinances is important, because
Diboll Ordinance Section 9-3(a) makes it a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden by
Chapter 9 or to fail to perform any act required in Chapter 9. Section 9-39(7) imposes a fine of
$100.00 on the owner of a motor vehicle, regardless of whether the owner was driving the vehicle
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 6
or even in the car at the time, when the owner’s vehicle is photographed by a traffic camera running
a red light.
16.
On or about August 24, 2015, Plaintiff Hunt was sent Notice of Infraction No.
2202500071271 by Defendant ATS, who was acting pursuant to its contract with the City of Diboll,
alleging a violation of the Ordinance, and affirmatively stating that the amount due was $75.00. A
true and correct copy of this notice is attached as Exhibit “A" to this Third Amended Petition.
17.
On or about August 24, 2015, Plaintiff ADE was sent Notice of Infraction No.
2202500071271 by Defendant ATS, who was acting pursuant to its contract with the City of Diboll,
alleging a violation of the Ordinance, and affirmatively stating that the amount due was $75.00. A
true and correct copy of the Notice is attached as Exhibit “B” to this Petition.
18.
Every member of the class to be certified in this matter received the same type of Notice of
Infraction as Plaintiffs Hunt and ADE. Specifically, each notice asserted a violation of the
Ordinance, and, without a hearing or judicial process of any kind, assessed a penalty of $75.00
against the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the Notice of Infraction.
19.
The Notice of Infraction sent to Plaintiffs Hunt and ADE contain a representation by the
Diboll Police Department that the alleged offense is punishable by a civil penalty of $75.00. Each
notice represents that “Pursuant to City of Diboll Automated Red Light Enforcement Ordinance, the
owner of a motor vehicle is liable for payment of a civil penalty of $75.00.” Each notice continues
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 7
and in bold type threatens, “Failure to pay the civil penalty or contest liability by the Due Date
is an admission of liability in the full amount of the civil penalty assessed on this notice of
infraction and constitutes waiver of the right to appeal under City’s Ordinance.” Each notice
also threatens that the failure to pay or contest liability within the time allowed “may result in the
County Tax Assessor-Collector refusing to register the vehicle alleged to have been in violation
of this ordinance”, which language is likewise in bold print. All of these representations are false,
as none of these items are provided for or allowed in the Ordinance.
20.
Each notice also represents that the vehicle owner may request an administrative hearing to
contest the claimed civil penalty and that the recorded image is evidence in a proceeding for the
imposition of a civil penalty. These representations are false, as none of these items are provided
for or allowed in the Ordinance.
21.
Finally, each notice advises that the vehicle owner may submit an Affidavit of Non-Liability
under one of the affirmative defenses outlined in the City of Diboll ordinance. Each notice states
the Declaration of Non-Liability form can be obtained from the website at www.ViolationInfo.com.
This website is owned and operated by Defendant ATS. A true and correct copy of the form and
instructions for the alleged Declaration of Non-Liability from the website are attached as Exhibit “C”
to this Third Amended Petition. These items are false representations, as the Declaration of Non-
Liability completely fails to disclose that the Ordinance provides that it is a defense if the vehicle
owner provides a mere written statement under oath that he/she did not have care, custody or control
of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 8
22.
On or about September 23, 2015, Plaintiff Hunt sent a letter by mail to the City of Diboll,
advising he did not consent to any non-judicial decision wherein he was to be assessed any fine.
This letter was timely, and a proper response to the red light camera ticket, as the only procedure
allowed by the Ordinance to respond to such a red light camera ticket is 9-39(6)(b), which provides
that the person receiving the red light camera ticket can respond by mail, but said provision provides
no time limit for when such response must be mailed. Plaintiff Hunt demanded proper notice from
Diboll. Plaintiff Hunt demanded a jury trial. Plaintiff Hunt demanded his right to be presumed
innocent, to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and that the government be required to meet its
burden of proof, all of which are required by Article I, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution, and
would be required under the Ordinance, since the Diboll Code of Ordinances, specifically Section
9-3(a), makes the violation of Diboll Ordinance Section 9-39 a crime, a misdemeanor.
23.
The City of Diboll responded to Plaintiff Hunt by letter on September 30, 2015, stating that
Plaintiff Hunt’s response was too late, which was false, since the Ordinance contains no time limit
for responding the notice. Diboll’s September 30, 2015 letter further stated that the violation against
Plaintiff Hunt was still pending in his name, and again falsely represented that Hunt could request
an administrative hearing, when the Ordinance does not allow or provide for such. Thereafter, on
January 26, 2016, the City of Diboll, by and through an attorney, represented and made a written
demand that Plaintiff Hunt pay a “civil penalty” that had been imposed by the City of Diboll in the
amount of $125.00. A true and correct copy of this demand letter is attached as Exhibit “D”.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 9
24.
Plaintiff ADE, who could not face the risk of damage to its business by having the
registration on of its vehicle withheld, paid Notice of Infraction No. 221600092896 under duress,
fraud (based on the false representations outlined in Paragraphs 19-21 above), and/or without
knowledge that the City of Diboll had failed to conduct the necessary traffic engineering study
required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(c).
CREATION OF RED LIGHT CAMERA LAWS
25.
On February 8, 2002, the Texas Attorney General, in Opinion No. JC-0460, determined that
under existing state law at the time, cities could not use automated enforcement equipment (red light
cameras) to impose a civil penalty for the running of a red light. The Attorney General noted Texas
cities were prohibited from doing this, because making the running of a red light a civil penalty
would conflict with state law that makes the running of a red light a crime (a misdemeanor) under
Transportation Code §§ 542.301, 542.401, & 544.007(d).
26.
The Texas Attorney General specifically recognized in Opinion No. JC-0460 that
Transportation Code title 7, subtitle C, the “Rules of the Road” regulating traffic in the State of
Texas placed limitations on a city’s power to enact laws with respect to roadways under the city’s
jurisdiction. One such limitation is Transportation Code § 542.302, which provides the owner of
a vehicle commits a traffic offense (which again under the Transportation Code is a crime,
Transportation Code §§ 542.302, 542.401, and 544.007(d)) if the owner requires or knowingly
permits the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle in a manner which violates the law.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 10
27.
Following the Texas Attorney General’s Opinion No. JC-0460, the Texas Legislature
amended Section 542.202 of the Transportation Code. The amended Section 542.202 provided a
city was not prevented from regulating roads and traffic in accordance with state law. Section
542.202 as amended still did not authorize cities to make the running of a red light a civil penalty,
since state law still made the running of a red light a crime, as Transportation Code §§ 542.301,
542.401, & 544.007(d) remained unchanged. Therefore, Section 542.202 of the Transportation Code
would not give cities in Texas authority to make the running of a red light a civil penalty. Further,
if cities in Texas attempted to make the running of a red light a civil penalty, this would violate
Transportation Code § 542.302, which as noted above, provides the owner of a vehicle commits a
traffic offense if the owner requires or knowingly permits the operator of the vehicle to operate the
vehicle in a manner which violates the law. Thus, Section 542.202 of the Transportation Code
would not provide authority for cities in Texas to adopt ordinance(s) making the running of a red
light a civil penalty,
28.
Subsequently, the Texas Legislature, by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., ch. 1149, effective September
1, 2007, enacted Chapter 707 of the Transportation Code (consisting of Sections 707.001 through
707.019), which authorized local municipalities to establish, by ordinance, a photographic traffic
signal enforcement system authorizing the local authority to impose on the registered owner of a
vehicle a penalty of $75.00, plus a late payment penalty of $25.00 in the event the penalty is not paid
timely, for the registered owner’s vehicle being photographed running a red light, conduct which is
still a crime in Texas, being a violation of Section 544.007(d) of the Texas Transportation Code.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 11
29.
Several cities in the State of Texas enacted red light camera ordinances pursuant to Chapter
707 to provide for a civil penalty to the registered owner of a vehicle, regardless of whether the
owner is operating the car at the time, if the owner’s car is photographed running a red light. The
City of Diboll, as described above, did not enact such an ordinance. Instead, Diboll enacted the
Ordinance, which authorizes red light camera tickets, but which still makes such a crime, a
misdemeanor, under Diboll ordinance Section 9-3(a). The fact that a violation of the Ordinance is
a crime makes the Ordinance unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution, for the reasons set forth
below.
DIBOLL ORDINANCE UNCONSTITUTIONAL UNDER TEXAS CONSTITUTION
30.
The fact that a violation of the Ordinance is a crime is important, because one accused of a
crime by a Texas City, like the City of Diboll, is guaranteed certain rights by the Texas Constitution
when accused of a crime. Specifically, Article 1, Section 10 gives one accused of a crime by the
State or its local subdivisions, which would include the City of Diboll, several rights, including the
right to trial by an impartial jury, the right against self incrimination, the right to confront (i.e., cross-
examine) the witnesses against him, the right to compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his
or her favor.
31.
Further, the presumption of innocence, although not articulated in the Texas Constitution,
is a basic component under the Texas judicial system of justice. Kimble v. State. 537 S.W.2d 254,
254-55 (Tex.Cr.App. 1976); Randle v. State, 826 S.W.2d 943, 944 fn. 3 (Tex.Cr.App. 1992) (noting
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 12
the presumption of innocence is a basic component of the right to a fair trial); and Ex Parte Guerra,
383 S.W.3d 229, 232 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 2012) (noting that presumption of innocence is a right
protected by Article I, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution). Being a crime, the Ordinance would
violate Texas law, as under the Ordinance (specifically Section 9-39(6)(e)), the owner is presumed
to be the driver of the vehicle, such that the Ordinance deprives the owner of a vehicle like Plaintiffs
Hunt, ADE and others similarly situated of the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Article
I, Section 19 of the Texas Constitution, and the right to have the government, here the City of Diboll,
prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, as required by Article I Section 19 of the Texas
Constitution, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Texas Penal Code, when one like
Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE or others similarly situated are accused of a crime like the Ordinance.
Therefore, the Ordinance, on its face and as applied to persons like Plaintiffs, deprives them of the
rights guaranteed under Article I, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution, and deprives them of the
right to substantive due process under Article I, Section 19 of the Texas Constitution.
32.
The Diboll Ordinance completely denies these rights to the owner of a motor vehicle like
Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE and others similarly situated charged with a violation of the Ordinance. This
is because as to red light camera tickets, the City of Diboll does not allow for any hearing or judicial
review whatsoever, so that the Ordinance, on its face, or as applied to Plaintiffs, would violate the
right to procedural due process guaranteed under Article I, Section 19 of the Texas Constitution.
This is despite the fact that under Diboll ordinance Section 10-3, the Diboll municipal court is given
jurisdiction in all criminal cases arising under ordinances of the City of Diboll. Under Diboll
ordinance Section 9-39(6)(b), a person receiving a red light camera ticket cannot fight same in Diboll
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 13
municipal court. Rather, all the Ordinance provides is that the person receiving the red light camera
ticket can respond to such by mail. Nowhere in the Ordinance is the person receiving the red light
camera ticket given the right to a jury trial, the right to compulsory process, or the right of
confrontation. Any person accused of a red light camera violation under the Ordinance, like
Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE, and others similarly situated, are deprived, in violation of Article I, Section
19 of the Texas Constitution, Section 2.01 of the Texas Penal Code and article 38.03 of the Texas
Code of Criminal Procedure, of the presumption of innocence and the right to have the City of Diboll
required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
33.
Further, under the Ordinance, the only way a vehicle owner can rebut the presumption created
by the Ordinance is to waive their constitutional right not to testify. This unconstitutionally shifts
the burden of proof with regard to a criminal offense to the defendant/accused, which further violates
Article I, Sections 10, 13 and 19 of the Texas Constitution. Such mandatory presumption created by
the Ordinance in a criminal case is a violation of due process guaranteed by the laws and constitution
of the State of Texas (Article I, Sections 10 and 19). As such, the Ordinance is void and of no effect.
The presumption violates these due process rights by allowing a misdemeanor conviction on proof
less than beyond a reasonable doubt as required by the Texas Constitution and Texas law. This also
violates the presumption of innocence one has under the Texas Constitution and Texas law. The
Ordinance is facially unconstitutional, and unconstitutional as applied to Plaintiffs.
34.
In short, for all of the reasons noted above, the Ordinance, either on its face or as applied to
Plaintiffs, is unconstitutional under Article I, Sections 10, 13 and 19 of the Texas Constitution.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 14
Texas law is clear as to the effect of a law being unconstitutional. An unconstitutional law is void
from its inception, and cannot provide a basis for any right or relief. Jefferson v. State, 751 S.W.2d
502, 502-503 (Tex.Cr.App. 1988); Colden v. Alexander, 141 Tex. 134, 171 S.W.2d 328, 335 (1943);
Miller v. Davis, 136 Tex. 299, 150 S.W.2d 973, 978 (1941). An unconstitutional statute amounts
to nothing, accomplishes nothing, and is no law. In re Johnson, 554 S.W.2d 775, 787 (Tex.App.-
Corpus Christi 1977), writ ref. n.r.e., 569 S.W.2d 882 (Tex.1978). A void law is no law and confers
no rights, bestows no power on anyone, and justifies no act performed under it. Newsom v. Starkey,
572 S.W.2d 29, 30 (Tex.Civ.App.-Dallas 1978, no writ), citing Sharber v. Florence, 131 Tex. 341,
115 S.W.2d 604 (1938). See also Lowry v. State, 671 S.W.2d 601, 604 fn. 1 (Tex.App.-Dallas
1984), aff’d in part, rev’d in part, 692 S.W.2d 86 (an unconstitutional statute is void from its
inception); Fite v. King, 718 S.W.2d 345, 347 (Tex.App.-Dallas 1986, writ ref’d n.r.e.)
(unconstitutional act confers no right, imposes no duty, and affords no protection). Plaintiffs are
therefore entitled to declaratory judgment that they have no liability for the red light camera penalty
assessed against them by Defendants City of Diboll, or alternatively, Defendants McClain, Baker,
and Boren, in their official capacities with the City of Diboll either singularly or jointly and
severally, under the Ordinance.
35.
Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution provides that no ordinance passed by a
municipality shall contain any provision inconsistent with the state constitution, or with the general
laws enacted by state legislature. A municipal ordinance in conflict with the Texas Constitution or
a state statute is thus unconstitutional, and, therefore, void. City of Wichita Falls v. Abell, 566
S.W.2d 336, 339 (Tex.Civ.App.-Fort Worth 1978, writ ref’d n.r.e.).
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 15
36.
Transportation Code Title 7, subtitle C, sets out the “Rules of the Road” regulating traffic
in the State of Texas. The Transportation Code places limitations on a city like Defendant City of
Diboll’s power to enact laws with respect to roadways under the city’s jurisdiction. Under Section
542.201 of the Transportation Code, a “local authority” (which under Section 541.002(3) of the
Transportation Code includes a county or municipality) may not enact or enforce an ordinance or rule
that conflicts with subtitle C of Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code, unless expressly authorized
to do so. The Ordinance conflicts with subtitle C of Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code, so that
it would be unconstitutional under Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution.
37.
One of the provisions contained in subtitle C of Title 7 of the Transportation Code is
Transportation Code § 542.302. This statute provides the owner of a vehicle commits a traffic
offense if the owner requires or knowingly permits the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle
in a manner which violates the law. The Ordinance conflicts with this statute, because it makes the
owner of the vehicle liable for a red light violation, regardless of whether Defendant City of Diboll
presents any proof that the vehicle owner required or knowingly permitted the vehicle to be operated
in a manner which violates the law. The Ordinance therefore conflicts with Transportation Code §
542.302, so that the Ordinance violates Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution, making the
Ordinance unconstitutional, and therefore void and of no effect.
38.
The Ordinance likewise conflicts with Section 2.01 of the Texas Penal Code and article 38.03
of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, as the Ordinance denies the vehicle owner the
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 16
presumption of innocence to which the person is entitled, and the Ordinance relieves the City of
Diboll of the requirement imposed on it to prove all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable
doubt. For these additional reasons, the Ordinance would be unconstitutional under Article XI,
Section 5 of the Texas Constitution, and therefore void and of no effect.
39.
In the further alternative, Plaintiffs show the Ordinance conflicts with Chapter 707, so that
the Ordinance would be unconstitutional under Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution. The
Ordinance conflicts with Chapter 707 for the following reasons: (1) the Ordinance provides for a
penalty of $100, which is greater than the $75 allowed by Transportation Code Section 707.007(1);
(2) the Ordinance fails to comply with Transportation Code Section 707.009, which requires the
ordinance state the person against whom the ticket is being sought is entitled to a hearing, provide
the period in which the hearing must be held, provide for the appointment of a hearing officer, and
designate the department, agency, or office of the City of Diboll responsible for the enforcement and
administration of the ordinance, or provide that the entity with which Diboll contracts with is
responsible for the enforcement and administration of the ordinance; (3) the Ordinance fails to
provide for an administrative adjudication hearing and the other requirements of Transportation
Code Section 707.014; and (4) the Ordinance fails to provide for an appeal by trial de novo in
accordance with Transportation Code Section 707.016.
40.
Pleading further in the alternative, Plaintiffs would show that Defendant City of Diboll,
and/or its city officials sued herein, knew of the problem created by the Ordinance, that being that
violation of the Ordinance would be a crime, but anyone charged with such would not receive the
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 17
constitutional protections allowed under the Texas Constitution, including Article I, Sections 10, 15
and 19. The City of Diboll, and/or its city officials sued herein, through the Diboll City Council,
passed Ordinance No. 01-14 on January 13, 2014. This ordinance tracks the provisions of Chapter
707 of the Texas Transportation Code. The problem with this ordinance is that the City of Diboll
did not publish the ordinance, as required by Section 3.15(d) of the Diboll City Charter and/or
Section 52.013 of the Texas Local Government Code, until November 10, 2016. The failure to
publish Ordinance No. 01-14 makes that ordinance void and of no effect as to all of the red light
camera penalties involved in this lawsuit. Therefore, Ordinance No. 01-14 would not provide any
basis for the assessment and/or collection by Defendants of any of the red light camera penalties
involved in this lawsuit. Since Defendant City of Diboll and its city officials sued in this matter
contend all of the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit were assessed under Ordinance
No. 01-14, this would make all such penalties assessed by the City of Diboll and/or paid to the City
of Diboll that are involved in this lawsuit null and void. As such, Defendant City of Diboll, or
alternatively Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, in their official capacities with the City of
Diboll, either singularly or in combination, are liable for reimbursement of all of the unlawful red
light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit which were paid to the City of Diboll. Further, that
for all of these same reasons, any red light camera penalties assessed by the City of Diboll involved
in this lawsuit which were not paid would be void and unenforceable.
41.
Pleading in the further alternative, and in the unlikely event that the Ordinance, or Ordinance
No. 01-14 are somehow found constitutional or lawful, no red light camera penalty could be assessed
against Plaintiffs, so Plaintiffs would still be entitled to declaratory judgment that they are not liable
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 18
for the civil penalty assessed against them by Defendant, City of Diboll, and/or Defendants Baker,
McClain and Boren, acting in their official capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or in
combination. This is because the City of Diboll failed to conduct the traffic engineering study
required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(c). The effect of the failure to conduct the traffic
engineering study required by Section 707.003(c) is that such precludes Defendants City of Diboll
and/or Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their official capacities with the City of
Diboll, either singularly or in combination, from assessing any red light camera penalty against
Plaintiffs. Specifically, under Transportation Code Section 707.003(f), Defendant City of Diboll
cannot impose a civil penalty under Chapter 707 due to its failure to conduct the traffic engineering
study required by Section 707.003(c). Thus, either way, Plaintiffs prevail in this matter. Either the
Ordinance is unconstitutional, or Ordinance No. 01-14 is void for lack of same being published prior
to the red light camera penalties being issued that are involved in this lawsuit, so that Plaintiffs
cannot be assessed a red light camera penalty, or even if the Ordinance or Ordinance No. 01-14 is/are
somehow found constitutional or lawful, Plaintiffs still cannot be assessed a penalty, because
Defendant City of Diboll failed to conduct the traffic engineering study required by Transportation
Code Section 707.003(c).
42.
Further in the alternative, and in the unlikely event that the Ordinance or Ordinance No. 01-
14 is/are somehow found constitutional or lawful, Plaintiffs are still entitled to declaratory judgment
that they are not liable for the red light camera penalty assessed against them by Defendants City of
Diboll and/or Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their official capacities with the City
of Diboll, either singularly or in combination. This is because the City of Diboll failed to appoint
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 19
a citizens advisory committee required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), and failed to
report the results of the traffic engineering study required by Transportation Code 707.003(c) to the
citizens advisory committee as required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e). As the red light
camera penalty allowed by Chapter 707 of the Transportation Code is created by statute, and not by
common law, all of the provisions of the statute (Chapter 707) are mandatory as to the City of Diboll,
and would require strict compliance by the City of Diboll for Diboll to have the right to assess a civil
penalty against Plaintiffs. Diboll failed to comply with the requirements of Chapter 707 by: failing
to conduct the traffic engineering study required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(c), failing
to appoint a citizens advisory committee as required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(e),
and/or failing to report the results of the traffic engineering study required by Transportation Code
707.003(c) to the citizens advisory committee as required by Transportation Code Section
707.003(e). Any of these failures by the City of Diboll to comply with these requirements of Chapter
707 of the Transportation Code precludes Defendant City of Diboll from assessing any red light
camera penalty against Plaintiffs. Thus, either way, Plaintiffs prevail in this matter. As to the red
light camera tickets involved in this lawsuit, either the Ordinance is unconstitutional, or Ordinance
No. 01-14 is void for lack of publication, so that Plaintiffs cannot be assessed any red light camera
penalty, or even if the Ordinance and/or Ordinance No. 01-14 is/are somehow constitutional or
lawful, Plaintiffs still cannot be assessed any red light camera penalty, because Defendant City of
Diboll failed to conduct the required traffic engineering study, failed to appoint a citizens advisory
committee, and/or failed to report the results of the traffic engineering study required by
Transportation 707.003(c) to the citizens advisory committee as required by Transportation Code
Section 707.003(e) for the committee’s advise on the installation and operation of any red light
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 20
camera system.
CAUSE OF ACTION - REIMBURSEMENT/REFUND OF FUNDS PAID
43.
For all of the reasons set forth above, the red light camera penalties paid by Plaintiffs to
Defendant City of Diboll was under a law (the Ordinance) which is unconstitutional or alternatively,
under a law, Ordinance No. 01-14, which is void for lack of being published. Under Texas law, a
law which is unconstitutional is void from its inception, and cannot provide a basis for any right or
relief. An unconstitutional law amounts to nothing, accomplishes nothing, and is no law. A void
law is no law and confers no rights, bestows no power on anyone, and justifies no act performed
under it. With the red light camera penalties being received by the City of Diboll pursuant to the
Ordinance which is unconstitutional and therefore unlawful, or Ordinance No. 01-14 as Defendants
claim, which ordinance is void for lack of publication, Plaintiffs would have the right to be refunded
or reimbursed by Defendant City of Diboll, or Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting in their
official capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or in combination, for the unlawful red
light camera penalties paid by Plaintiffs and received by the City of Diboll. This is because Texas
law is clear that a person who pays a government fee, tax or penalty under duress or implied duress,
has a valid claim for repayment. Dallas County Community School Dist. v. Bolton, 185 S.W.3d 868,
877 (Tex. 2005); Lowenberg v. City of Dallas, 261 S.W.3d 54, 59 (Tex. 2008) (affirming judgment
for a plaintiff class against city for refund of unlawful fees assessed by city); State v. Akin Prods.
Co., 155 Tex. 348, 286 S.W.2d 110, 111-112 (1956) (holding plaintiff entitled to refund of unlawful
taxes paid); Crow v. City of Corpus Christi, 146 Tex. 558, 563, 209 S.W.2d 922, 925 (1948)
(rendering judgment that plaintiff recover against city unlawful taxes and charges paid to the city per
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 21
the city’s ordinance); Gatesco, Inc. v. City of Rosenberg, 312 S.W.3d 140, 144 (Tex.App.-Houston
[14th Dist.] 2010, no pet.) (holding that governmental immunity does not defeat a claim for
declaratory or injunctive relief seeking the refund of illegally collected taxes or fees if the plaintiff
alleges that the payments were made as a result of fraud, mutual mistake of fact, or duress, whether
express or implied) (quoting); Saturn Capital Corp. v. City of Houston, 246 S.W.3d 242, 245
(Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2007, pet. denied) (explaining that “Texas has long recognized ... that
sovereign immunity does not prevent a party who paid illegal government taxes and fees under
duress from filing a lawsuit to seek their repayment”); Appraisal Review Bd. of El Paso County
Central Appraisal Dist. v. Fisher, 88 S.W.3d 807, 811-13 (Tex.App.-El Paso 2002, pet. denied)
(holding that “courts have historically asserted jurisdiction over suits where a taxpayer alleges
violations of his/her constitutional rights”).
See also Tara Partners, Ltd. v. City of S. Houston, 282 S.W.3d 564, 576-577 (Tex.App.-
Houston [14th Dist.] 2009, pet. denied) (recognizing claim against city for reimbursement of fees is
not barred by sovereign immunity, but holding the plaintiffs in that case did not adequately plead the
facts necessary to invoke jurisdiction under this doctrine).
44.
The red light camera penalties paid to the City of Diboll for which reimbursement is sought
in this lawsuit were paid under duress, due to fraud, and/or without full knowledge of the facts, so
that the payments were not voluntary. The duress requirement is established by the notice which the
City of Diboll sends out to vehicle owners. It states that if the fine is not paid, such may result,
without the City of Diboll having to obtain any ruling from a court, in the vehicle owner losing the
right to renew the registration of his or her vehicle, thereby effectively confiscating the vehicle, since
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 22
one driving a vehicle without a valid registration would be exposed to constant tickets, causing the
payment of substantial fines, and possible confiscation of the vehicle. Further, as demonstrated by
Plaintiff Hunt, one faces a possible lawsuit by the City of Diboll, as illustrated by the fact that the
City of Diboll hired attorneys, who sent a demand letter to Plaintiff Hunt demanding payment of the
red light camera penalty assessed by the City of Diboll. The fraud under which payment of the red
light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit were induced is more fully described below in the
fraud and misrepresentation causes of action asserted against ATS set forth below, all of which
allegations are incorporated herein as part of this paragraph. Finally, no disclosure was ever made
to Plaintiffs by any of the Defendants that the City of Diboll had: failed to conduct the engineering
study or studies required by Section 707.003(c), failed to appoint the citizens advisory committee
required by Section 707.003(e), and/or failed to report the results of the traffic engineering study
required by Transportation 707.003(c) to the citizens advisory committee as required by
Transportation Code Section 707.003(e), so that the payment of the red light camera penalties
involved in this lawsuit were paid without full knowledge of all of the facts.
45.
The common law reimbursement claim of Plaintiffs is not barred by sovereign or
governmental immunity. This is because where a claim for declaratory or injunctive relief is brought
seeking the refund of illegally collected payments by the government, such as is being brought in this
case, sovereign or governmental immunity does not apply if the plaintiff alleges that the payments
were made as a result of fraud, mistake of fact, or duress, whether express or implied. See Dallas
County Cmty. College Dist. v. Bolton, 185 S.W.3d 868, 876-79 (Tex. 2005) (holding that a taxpayer
cannot bring a suit for the return of illegally collected taxes if the payments were made voluntarily);
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 23
see also Camacho v. Samaniego, 954 S.W.2d 811, 822 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1997, pet. denied). The
reason such a suit is not barred by immunity is such revenue collected from a tax, fee or penalty
determined to be illegal or unlawful is not treated as property of the State or municipality to which
the principles of sovereign or governmental immunity apply, so that an illegally collected fee should
be refunded if paid as a result of fraud, mistake of fact, or duress, like what exists in this case. Austin
Nat’l Bank of Austin v. Sheppard, 123 Tex. 272, 71 S.W.2d 242, 246 (1934). No legislative consent
to sue is needed under these circumstances.
46.
Further illustrating that Plaintiffs have direct claims against Defendant City of Diboll for
reimbursement of the illegally assessed red light camera penalties is Lowenberg v. City of Dallas,
261 S.W.3d 54, 59 (Tex. 2008). There, the trial court in that case awarded judgment to a plaintiff
class against the City of Dallas ordering the refund of an unlawful registration fee assessed by the
City. The trial court judgment in that case for the plaintiff class totaled $1,847,454.36, which
included refunds of the fees totaling $1,009,751.25, attorney’s fees of $289,894.00 and prejudgement
interest. The trial court judgment was appealed to the Dallas Court of Appeals, who reversed the
trial court’s judgment on the basis that all the claims were barred by limitations. On appeal to the
Texas Supreme Court, the Court reversed the Court of Appeals and rendered judgment in accordance
with the judgment of the trial court. Thus, in Lowenberg, the Texas Supreme Court specifically held,
and entered judgment, that a municipality is directly liable, and has no immunity, when a claim is
brought against it for reimbursement of a fee or penalty which is unlawful or illegal. Lowenberg
clearly demonstrates that Plaintiffs have a direct claim for reimbursement against Defendant City of
Diboll for the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 24
NO AUTHORITY FOR DIBOLL TO COLLECT
ANY RED LIGHT CAMERA PENALTY
47.
Alternatively, even if the Ordinance and/or Ordinance No. 01-14 is/are somehow found
constitutional or valid, Plaintiffs are still entitled to be reimbursed for the red light camera penalties
paid that are involved in this lawsuit, because of the failure of the City of Diboll to comply with the
conditions that must be met before Diboll could install a red light camera enforcement system, and
assess and collect red light camera penalties.
48.
Chapter 707, specifically Section 707.003(c), requires that before a municipality can install
any red light camera system at an intersection, the city is required to conduct a traffic engineering
study of the intersection to determine whether, in addition to, or as an alternative to the red light
camera system, a design change to the approach or a change in the signalization of the intersection
is likely to reduce the number of red light violations at the intersection. Under Transportation Code
Section 707.003(f), a municipality cannot impose any penalty for a red light camera violation, if the
city fails to perform the traffic engineering study required by Section 707.003(c).
49.
Plaintiffs would show that the City of Diboll, for all of the red light camera tickets involved
in this lawsuit, failed to conduct the traffic engineering study required by Chapter 707003(c) for each
intersection at which the City of Diboll operated red light camera systems. As such, the City of
Diboll could not assess any penalty for any violation of the Ordinance, or Ordinance No. 01-14.
50.
Plaintiffs would further show that the individual Defendants, Baker, McClain and Boren,
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 25
and who are charged with the knowledge of the requirements of Chapter 707, acting in their official
capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or in combination, proceeded to authorize,
implement and collect penalties for violation of the Ordinance, or alternatively Ordinance No. 01-14
as Defendants claim, when such penalties could not be assessed by law because of Diboll’s failure
to conduct the traffic engineering study required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(c), as well
as the failure to appoint a citizens advisory committee as required by Transportation Code Section
707.003(e), and/or the failure to report the results of the traffic engineering study required by
Transportation 707.003(c) to the citizens advisory committee as required by Transportation Code
Section 707.003(e).
51.
Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, in their official capacities as the officials with the
City of Diboll who, either singularly or in combination, implemented, enforced, and directed the
assessment and collection under the Ordinance, or alternatively Ordinance No. 01-14 as Defendants
claim, of the illegal red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit. Their official acts were
committed in violation of Chapter 707, since they were acting beyond the statutory authority granted
by Chapter 707 in installing, implementing and enforcing the City of Diboll’s red light camera
enforcement system without having complied with the requirements of Chapter 707 to allow the
assessment of any red light camera penalty. These official acts of theirs, even if they were acting
pursuant to Ordinance No. 01-14 as Defendants claim, were in violation of law, since Ordinance No.
01-14 was not published as required by law until November 10, 2016. As such, in the unlikely event
the Ordinance or Ordinance No. 01-14 is/are somehow found constitutional or lawful, Defendants
Baker, McClain and/or Boren, in their official capacities, either singularly or in combination, would
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 26
still be liable to reimburse Plaintiffs for the unlawful red light camera penalties involved in this
lawsuit, since the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit were issued, assessed and
collected by them, either singularly or in combination, in violation of Transportation Code Section
707.003(c), (e) and/or (f), and/or in violation of the publication required for Ordinance No. 01-14
to be enforceable. Such claims would not be barred by governmental or official immunity, since
these acts by Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren in their official capacities, either singularly or
combination, would be ultra vires acts not barred by immunity.
52.
As demonstrated above, Plaintiffs paid the illegal red light camera penalties to the City of
Diboll under duress, fraud, and/or without knowledge of all material facts. That being the case,
Plaintiffs are entitled to be refunded and/or reimbursed for the unlawful red light camera penalties
paid by them that are involved in this lawsuit. As alleged in Paragraphs 43-46 and 51 above, such
claim for refund/reimbursement is not barred by sovereign, governmental or official immunity.
Further, by assessing and collecting red light camera penalties in violation of Section 707.003(c),
(e), and/or (f) of the Transportation Code, and/or in violation of the publication required to make
Ordinance No. 01-14 valid, Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren acting in their official capacities
with the City of Diboll, were not lawfully authorized to assess any red light camera penalty. As such,
claims against Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren in their official capacities with the City of
Diboll would not be barred by sovereign, governmental or official immunity. This is because acts
against city officials in their official capacities based on acts which are not lawfully authorized are
ultra vires acts which are not are barred by sovereign, governmental or official immunity.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 27
53.
Therefore, Plaintiffs are entitled to a refund from either Defendant City of Diboll, or
Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren in their official capacities with the City of Diboll, either
singularly or jointly and severally, for the unlawful red light camera penalties paid to the City of
Diboll that are involved in this lawsuit. Plaintiffs would show that if Defendants Baker, McClain
and Boren are held liable in their official capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or
jointly and severally, for reimbursement of the unlawful red light camera penalties involved in this
lawsuit, under Texas law, such is in essence a judgment against the City of Diboll, since liability for
ultra vires acts is imposed on a city by a judgment against the city official(s) in his or her official
capacity.
TAKINGS CLAIM
54.
Another basis that would entitle Plaintiffs to be reimbursed from Defendants is Article I,
Section 17 of the Texas Constitution. Here, Plaintiffs’ property (the red light camera penalty paid
by Plaintiffs), being $75, $100, or $125, depending on when the penalty is paid, was unlawfully
taken, for all of the reasons set forth above, since Plaintiffs’ property was taken for public use by
virtue of a law (the Ordinance) which is unconstitutional and therefore unlawful, or alternatively,
because red light camera penalties were assessed without the required traffic engineering study
having been performed, or the necessary citizens advisory committee being appointed, or
alternatively, if such penalties were assessed pursuant to Ordinance No. 01-14 as Defendants claim,
because Ordinance No. 01-14 was void for lack of publication. The City of Diboll took the monies
unlawfully received from the payments for violation of the Ordinance, or alternatively Ordinance No.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 28
01-14 as Defendants contend, for public use. In the case of municipalities like Defendant City of
Diboll, the public use of the monies is for traffic safety programs, including pedestrian safety
programs, public safety programs, intersection improvements, and traffic enforcement.
Alternatively, the property of Plaintiffs was wrongfully taken from them for public use, since the
City of Diboll, and Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren in their official capacities with the City
of Diboll, were not lawfully authorized to assess any red light camera penalty because of the failure
to conduct the required traffic engineering study, failure to appoint the required citizens advisory
committee, and/or failure to report the results of the traffic engineering study to the citizens advisory
committee, or alternatively, if the penalties were assessed pursuant to Ordinance No. 01-14, because
of the failure to have that ordinance published as required by law, and because such funds were
unlawfully taken for the same public use described above.
55.
In short, Plaintiffs’ property has clearly been unlawfully taken from them for public use in
violation of Article I, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution, so that Plaintiffs would be entitled, under
that provision of the Constitution, to be reimbursed by Defendant City of Diboll, either by judgment
directly against the City of Diboll, or by judgment against Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren
in their official capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or jointly and severally, for the
monies from the red light camera penalties unlawfully taken from Plaintiffs that are involved in this
lawsuit. This claim would not be barred by sovereign or governmental immunity. See for example,
W.D. Haden Co. v. Dodgen, 158 Tex. 74, 308 S.W.2d 838, 841 (1958) (suits for property alleged to
be unlawfully or wrongfully withheld from the rightful owner by the state are not suits against the
sovereign itself and may be maintained without permission of the sovereign); Gen. Servs. Comm’n
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 29
v. Little-Tex Insulation Co., 39 S.W.3d 591, 598 (Tex. 2001) (noting that governmental immunity
does not shield the State from an action for compensation under the takings clause of the Texas
Constitution); and City of Round Rock v. Whiteaker, 241 S.W.3d 609, 634-35 (Tex.App.-Austin
2007, pet. denied) (suits to recover money or other property wrongfully taken or withheld by state
officials from their rightful owners do not implicate sovereign immunity because being wrongfully
taken, the property never belongs to the state).
56.
Likewise, the claim of Plaintiffs to be reimbursed for the unlawful penalty extracted from
them would not be subject to the defense of failure to exhaust administrative remedies, as Texas law
is clear that where a party is challenging a statute or ordinance on constitutional grounds or actions
exceeding statutory authority, actions without authority, or actions in violation of a statute, one is
not required to exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial review. Further, there is no
administrative remedy contained in the Ordinance whatsoever, much less one that would allow the
claims being asserted in this lawsuit to be decided or ruled upon by any “administration adjudication
hearing” or municipal court. Further, there is nothing in the Ordinance that gives any administrative
hearing officer or municipal court primary or exclusive jurisdiction over any of the claims made in
this lawsuit. Further, any so called administrative remedies contained in Ordinance No. 01-14 did
not have to be complied with, because as concerns the penalties involved in this lawsuit, Ordinance
No. 01-14 was void for lack of publication. As such, this Court clearly has jurisdiction to hear all
of the claims being asserted in this lawsuit, and there is no administrative remedy that Plaintiffs must
exhaust or had to exhaust before filing this lawsuit.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 30
INJUNCTION
57.
Plaintiffs seek an injunction against Defendants prohibiting them from using and enforcing
any red light camera enforcement system under the Ordinance or Ordinance No. 01-14. In this
regard, Plaintiffs would show that upon a finding that Defendants are operating a red light camera
enforcement system which is unlawful, either because the Ordinance is unconstitutional, Ordinance
No. 01-14 is void for lack of publication, or because Defendants are operating Diboll’s red light
camera system in violation of Transportation Code Sections 707.003(c), (e) and/or (f), injunctive
relief should be issued precluding Defendants from enforcing the Ordinance or Ordinance No. 01-14
and assessing any penalties pursuant to same.
CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST ATS - DTPA CLAIM
58.
Plaintiffs would show that the City of Diboll contracted with ATS to assist it in administering
and/or enforcing the Ordinance, or alternatively Ordinance No. 01-14 as Defendants claim. Plaintiffs
would show that in acting to administer and/or enforce the Ordinance, or alternatively Ordinance No.
01-14 as Defendants claim, ATS acts as an “investigations company” as that term is defined in
Sections 1702.002(10) and 1702.104 of the Texas Occupations Code, which laws are part of Chapter
1702.001 et. seq. of the Texas Occupations Code, known as the “Private Security Act”. ATS is
acting as an “investigations company” for purposes of Section 1702.004 of the Texas Occupations
Code, as ATS engages in the business of securing, or accepting employment to secure, evidence
(being the red light camera photographic and video evidence) for use before a court, board, officer,
or investigating committee (here being at the very least officer or officers with the Diboll Police
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 31
Department, the Diboll municipal court, which under Diboll ordinance Section 10-3 has jurisdiction
in all criminal cases arising under Diboll ordinances, of which the Ordinance is one such criminal
ordinance, or for use before the so called hearing officer of the administrative hearing provided in
the Notice of Violation ATS sends out). This is important, because under the Private Security Act,
specifically Occupations Code Section 1702.101, one acting as an “investigations company” cannot
act as an investigations company, offer to perform the services of an investigations company, or
engage in business activity for which a license is required under Chapter 1702 of the Occupations
Code. ATS does not have, nor ever has had, the license required by Chapter 1702 of the
Occupations Code, so that the actions taken by ATS in securing evidence (photographs and video)
and getting out notices of red light camera violations under the Ordinance which have been paid by
Plaintiffs, are in violation of the Private Security Act. This is significant, as Occupations Code §
1702.388 makes one acting in violation of the Private Security Act, here Occupations Code Section
1702.101, guilty of a crime (a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious of misdemeanor offenses) for
each such violation. Under Section 12.51 of the Texas Penal Code, this would subject ATS to a fine
of $10,000 for each offense. ATS has easily committed over 100,000 such violations in enforcing
the Ordinance.
59.
Further, each such violation by ATS constitutes a false, misleading, or deceptive act or
practice within the meaning of Section 17.46 of the Business & Commerce Code, for which a private
remedy is expressly made available under Occupations Code § 1702.3835. This statute, Occupations
Code § 1702.3835, would create the basis to give Plaintiffs the right to bring a claim against ATS
under Section 17.46 and/or 17.50(h) of the Business & Commerce Code. Specifically, Section
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 32
17.50(h) of the Business and Commerce Code provides a claimant the right to bring a cause of action
under the DTPA if the claimant is granted the right to do so by another law. Such other law allowing
this in this case is Occupations Code § 1702.3835, so that Plaintiffs are clearly entitled to bring a
DTPA cause of action against ATS. Further, Plaintiffs would qualify as a consumer for purposes
of the DTPA, since they were the direct target of the misleading Notices of Infraction sent out
by ATS that are involved in this lawsuit, as part of the transaction for goods and services
between ATS and Diboll, which would be sufficient to give Plaintiffs consumer status under
the DTPA. Finally, the Private Security Act creates a private remedy for Plaintiffs, so that Plaintiffs
at a minimum would be entitled to declaratory judgment that ATS’ actions are in violation of
Sections 1702.004, 1702.101 and 1702.388 of the Occupations Code, and entitle Plaintiffs to
injunctive relief enjoining ATS from engaging in any activity prohibited by the Texas Private
Security Act, until such time as ATS obtains the necessary license required that Act.
60.
Plaintiffs would show they have been damaged by ATS’ acts in not being licensed as required
by the Private Security Act, as such was a producing cause of damages to Plaintiffs, particularly
Plaintiff ADE and others of the putative class similarly situated to it, paying a red light camera
penalty to the City of Diboll that was not owed by them. Without the photographic and video
evidence unlawfully gathered and secured by ATS, no basis would exist to bring any red light camera
violation against Plaintiffs, so that the acts of ATS in violation of the Private Security Act caused
Plaintiffs to pay a red light camera penalty which was unlawful, for all of the reasons noted above.
This is particularly the case, since the only evidence forming the basis for the City of Diboll to assess
any red light camera penalty is the photographic and video evidence gathered and secured by ATS
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 33
in violation of the Private Security Act.
61.
Thus, each time a notice of a red light camera violation was assessed by the City of Diboll
asserting a violation of the Ordinance and which was paid by Plaintiffs because of the unlawful and
criminal actions of ATS described, this was a producing cause of damages to Plaintiffs of $75 for
each such payment made by Plaintiffs, or $100 or $125, depending on when such was paid, in
response to the written notices mailed by ATS. Plaintiffs seek from ATS, under Sections 17.46
and/or 17.50 of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, damages consisting of each red light camera
penalty paid by Plaintiffs to the City of Diboll for two years prior to the date this action was filed,
and up to the date the class in this lawsuit becomes certified, plus reasonable and necessary
attorney’s fees through the trial of this case and entry of judgment, and for any subsequent appeal
of same to any court of appeals or higher court.
62.
All of the actions of ATS described in all of the paragraphs set forth above, were done
“knowingly” by ATS, for purposes of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, so as to render ATS liable
for such additional damages under Section 17.50(b) of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as may
be found by the trier of fact. ATS’ actions in violation of the Private Security Act also constitute
negligence per se, authorizing Plaintiffs to the private remedy allowed by the Private Security Act.
63.
All of the representations made to Plaintiffs by ATS in the notices sent by ATS concerning
the City of Diboll stating the penalty being assessed by the City of Diboll was a civil penalty, and
that it was necessary for Plaintiffs to pay the penalty or request an administrative hearing, were
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 34
blatantly false and misleading, and were made with knowledge of their falsity. The Ordinance,
which was what ATS asserted in its notices was violated, does not make the assessment a civil
penalty. Rather, under the Diboll Code of Ordinances, the Ordinance is part of Chapter 9 of the
Diboll Code of Ordinances, for which any violation of any ordinance in that chapter is a crime, a
misdemeanor, as set forth in the Diboll ordinance Section 9-3(a). The Ordinance does not set up an
alleged administrative procedure for the alleged violation of the Ordinance. The Ordinance does not
set a $75.00 penalty as represented by ATS. Rather, the Ordinance sets a penalty of $100.00. The
Diboll Code of Ordinances makes a violation of the Ordinance a misdemeanor, not a civil matter as
is misrepresented by ATS in the Notice of Infraction which ATS sent out to Plaintiffs to enforce the
Ordinance.
64.
The representations by ATS in the notices it sent out that are involved in this lawsuit
concerning the Ordinance that the failure of Plaintiffs to pay the penalty or contest liability by the
due date is an admission of liability and constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal, and that the
failure to pay the penalty may result in a hold being placed on the registration of the owner’s vehicle
are all blatantly false. Since a violation of the Ordinance is a crime, the only way the City of Diboll,
under its Code of Ordinances, may initiate a prosecution for a red light violation is to file a complaint
in the municipal court. (Section 10-18, City of Diboll Code of Ordinances). The City of Diboll
never did this in connection with any red light camera penalties assessed by it under the Ordinance.
Therefore, the representation by ATS that the City of Diboll has assessed a red light camera penalty
is false, as no action was ever initiated against Plaintiffs in the Diboll municipal court to initiate a
prosecution for such penalty. Further, if the City of Diboll had assessed any red light camera penalty
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 35
against Plaintiffs, such would be void, for all of the reasons set forth above.
65.
Plaintiffs would show that the giving of sixty days written notice under the DTPA before
filing suit is not required in this case. This is because by having to give sixty days written notice in
advance before filing this lawsuit, such would result in limitations running as to class members
whose claims for reimbursement, misrepresentation and under the DTPA would be barred by
limitations that would be accruing during the sixty day notice period. The statute of limitations as
to such claims is two years, such that limitations on these claims would be accruing during the sixty
day notice period. As such, under Section 17.505(b) of the Business and Commerce Code, the
giving of sixty days written notice is not required.
CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST ATS - FRAUD
66.
Plaintiffs would show that ATS knew or should have known that the City of Diboll did not
pass any ordinance that complied with Chapter 707. Plaintiffs would further show that ATS knew
or should have known that the City of Diboll did not have a valid ordinance establishing a civil
penalty for the running of a red light. Plaintiffs would show that ATS knew or should have known
that the City of Diboll made a violation of the Ordinance a criminal offense, a misdemeanor.
Plaintiffs would show that ATS knew or should have known that there was not any valid City of
Diboll ordinance enacted setting up an administrative procedure for red light camera enforcement
as ATS knowingly misrepresented in the Notice of Infraction it would send out concerning the
Ordinance. Plaintiffs would show that ATS knew or should have known that the Affidavit of Non-
Liability that ATS publishes on its website and purported to relate to the City of Diboll did not
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 36
truthfully set forth the rights and defenses an accused in the City of Diboll has with respect to a
charge for a violation of the Ordinance. ATS knew or should have known that it did not obtain the
necessary license required by the State of Texas before embarking upon a business to obtain
photographic and video evidence for use in legal proceedings, thereby committing well over 100,000
crimes in the State of Texas. ATS knew or should have known that the City of Diboll did not, prior
to any of the red light camera tickets involved in this lawsuit, publish Ordinance No. 01-14 which
would be required before that ordinance could even become effective. Despite such knowledge,
ATS still implemented and/or assisted in enforcing the unlawful Ordinance or Ordinance No. 01-14
as Defendants claim, illegally collected photographic and video evidence, represented that such
evidence could be used in prosecuting an offense for running a red light in the City of Diboll, and/or
which representations were false, and illegally and unlawfully collected money for the red light
camera penalties from Plaintiffs involved in this lawsuit, when such were illegal and not owed by
Plaintiffs.
67.
ATS conspired and actively participated in representing to Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE and others
similarly situated, that the City of Diboll had established an ordinance authorizing the assessment
of a civil penalty for the running of a red light based upon a presumption that the owner was the
driver, that to contest same required the accused to request an administrative hearing, that failure to
pay the assessed penalty was an admission of liability, and intentionally omitted material defenses
provided in the Ordinance. These affirmative representations were all false, and ATS had actual
knowledge they were false. The affirmative misrepresentations set forth herein, along with the
misrepresentation of material facts by way of knowing omission from the representations made, all
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 37
were made by ATS with the intent that Plaintiffs rely on same, and in order to coerce payment of a
penalty that was not owed, was unlawful, and which representations made by ATS Plaintiffs relied
on to their detriment, by paying the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit pursuant to
the Ordinance, or Ordinance No. 01-14 as Defendants contend, when such penalties were not owed.
Such conduct by ATS constitutes common law fraud, and Plaintiffs bring this action to recover their
damages sustained as a result of the fraud perpetrated upon them by ATS. Such damages are in
excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of this Court.
68.
Plaintiffs would show that the conduct of ATS in perpetrating this fraud on such a large class
of victims, through its criminal and deceptive conduct, is such that exemplary damages are
authorized by the laws of the State of Texas (Section 41.001 et. seq. of the Civil Practice and
Remedies Code) and should be awarded against ATS. Plaintiffs seek to recover the maximum
amount of exemplary damages from ATS as is allowed by law.
DECLARATORY JUDGMENT
69.
Plaintiffs Hunt and ADE, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, are entitled
to a declaratory judgment that they, and others similarly situated, are not liable for any of the red
light camera penalties assessed or claimed by Defendant City of Diboll that are involved in this
lawsuit. This is because: (1) the Ordinance is unconstitutional for all of the reasons set forth above;
or alternatively, because: (2) the City of Diboll: (a) failed to conduct the traffic engineering study
required by Transportation Code Section 707.003(c) of any intersection approach involved in any
notice of violation issued to Plaintiff Hunt, or others similarly situated, which under Section
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 38
707.003(f) precludes Defendant City of Diboll from assessing and collecting any red light camera
penalty from Plaintiffs, (b) failed to appoint a citizens advisory committee, as required by Section
707.003(e) of the Texas Transportation Code, and/or (c) failed to report the results of the required
traffic engineering studies to the committee, as required by Section 707.003(e); and/or (3) Ordinance
No. 01-14 relied on by Defendants City of Diboll and Defendants Baker, McClain and Boren, acting
in their official capacities with the City of Diboll, either singularly or in combination, was void, and
not effective at the time of any of the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit, for lack of
publication of that ordinance as required by law.
70.
Thus, Plaintiffs are entitled to declaratory judgment that: (1) the Ordinance is
unconstitutional, so that Plaintiffs could not be assessed any red light camera penalty, or even if the
Ordinance is somehow found constitutional, Plaintiffs still could not be assessed any red light
camera penalty, because Defendant City of Diboll: failed to conduct the required traffic engineering
study, failed to appoint the required citizens advisory committee, and/or failed to report the results
of the required traffic engineering studies to such committee; and (2) that Ordinance No. 01-14 is
void for lack of publication, and such did not become effective until that ordinance was published
on November 10, 2016. Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE and others similarly situated, would seek reasonable
attorney’s fees from Defendants, and request that the Court award Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE and others
similarly situated, reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees in this action, pursuant to Section 37.009
of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, through the trial of this case and entry of judgment, and
for any subsequent appeal of same to any court of appeals or the Texas Supreme Court.
71.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 39
For all of the above reasons, Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE and others similarly situated, sue for a
declaratory judgment to declare the Ordinance, being Section 9-39(6) and 9-39(7) of the City of
Diboll Code of Ordinances void and of no effect, either because it is unconstitutional, or
alternatively, because of Diboll’s violation of Transportation Code Sections 707.003(c), (e) and/or
(f), and that Diboll Ordinance No. 01-14 be declared void, unenforceable and without effect for the
failure of same to be published as required by Section 3.15(d) of the Diboll City Charter and/or
Section 52.013 of the Texas Local Government Code, and that such ordinance did not even become
effective until it was published on November 10, 2016.
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
72.
Pursuant to Rule 42 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs Hunt and ADE bring
this action on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, as representative of the following
class: all registered owners of vehicles who have been issued a Notice of Infraction by or at the
direction of the City of Diboll for a red light camera penalty, said notice asserting on its face any
violation occurring prior to November 10, 2016 of Section 9-39 of the City of Diboll Code of
Ordinances and/or Diboll Ordinance No. 06-07, or any other ordinance of the City of Diboll, said
class to consist of the following subclasses seeking the following relief:
(1) for those class members that have not paid such red light camera penalty, declaratory
relief that such penalties are void and unenforceable;
(2) for those class members that have not paid such red light camera penalty, injunctive
relief permanently enjoining all Defendants from attempting to enforce or collect
such penalties;
(3) for those class members that have paid such red light camera penalty at any time from
June 3, 2014 to the date the class is certified, reimbursement of such penalties paid,
either from the City of Diboll, or if applicable, reimbursement, either singularly or
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 40
jointly and severally, from the following: John McClain, in his official capacity as
Mayor of the City of Diboll, Steve Baker, in his official capacity as Chief of Police
of the City of Diboll, and Gerry Boren, in his official capacity as City Manager of the
City of Diboll;
(4) for those class members that have paid such red light camera penalty at any time
between June 3, 2014 to the date the class is certified, damages, and additional
damages under the DTPA against the ATS Defendants, or damages against the ATS
Defendants under the class’ claim for misrepresentation against the ATS Defendants;
and
(5) for those class members that have paid such red light camera penalty at any time
between June 3, 2014 to the date the class is certified, damages and exemplary
damages against the ATS Defendants under the class’ fraud claim against the ATS
Defendants.
73.
Plaintiffs would show that greater than two-thirds of the members of the class described
above are citizens of the State of Texas, where this lawsuit is being filed. More than two-thirds of
the members of the class described above are Texas citizens, who are domiciled in the State of
Texas, and having vehicles in the State of Texas for which they received a notice of violation of the
Ordinance, for the alleged running of a red light within the city limits of Diboll, Texas.
74.
Plaintiffs would show, that as illustrated by Watson v. City of Allen, 2016 WL 2610169 at
*4-5 (5th Cir. 2016) (designated for publication), for purposes of the home state exception to the
Class Action Fairness Act, being Section 1332(d)(4)(B) of Title 28 of the United States Code, all of
the primary Defendants for purposes of that exception are Defendants City of Diboll, and Defendants
McClain, Baker and Boren in their official capacities with the City of Diboll, all of whom are
citizens of the State of Texas where this lawsuit is being filed. It is their conduct that forms a
significant basis for the claims asserted by the proposed plaintiff class, as without Diboll enacting
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 41
the Ordinance, none of the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit would have been
assessed and/or collected by the City of Diboll.
75.
Plaintiffs point this out because if any of the Defendants try to remove this lawsuit to federal
court, such would be baseless, so that Plaintiffs would be entitled to attorney’s fees to have this
matter remanded back to state court.
76.
Plaintiffs would further show that the principal injuries resulting from the alleged conduct
or any related conduct of Defendants were incurred in the State of Texas where this action was filed,
as the unlawful and illegal red light camera penalties unlawfully collected from the plaintiff class
were pursuant to the Ordinance, which was enacted by the City of Diboll, and which stem from
alleged red light camera violations issued by the City of Diboll for alleged violations of the
Ordinance occurring within the City of Diboll, and for the payment of penalties made to the City of
Diboll and which penalties were not owed, for all of the reasons set forth above.
77.
The persons in the class are so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. Based
on revenues collected by the City of Diboll in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2015,
the latest years available, Defendant Diboll has issued and received payment for approximately one
hundred thousand red light camera violations, which illustrates that joinder of all members of the
class is impracticable.
78.
Although the exact number of class members is unknown to Plaintiffs at this time, it is
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 42
ascertainable by appropriate discovery, including interrogatories asking the following for each red
light camera penalty paid to the City of Diboll from June 3, 2014, being two years from when this
lawsuit was filed, to when this action is certified as a class action: (a) the Notice of Violation
number concerning each penalty paid; (b) the name and address of the person to whom such notice
was directed; (c) the amount paid by each such person; and (d) the date such payment was made by
each such person. The identity and location of class members may also be identified from the
records maintained and possessed by Diboll, their representatives and/or ATS, who administers
Diboll’s red light camera program.
79.
There are common questions of law and fact affecting the class. The common issues to be
litigated include the constitutional, statutory and ultra vires issues set forth above, which are
common to every putative class member.
80.
These issues are all common, because every transaction involving any member of the class
is essentially the same. For every class member, the registered owner of a vehicle receives a notice,
like those attached as Exhibits “A” or “B”, requiring, under duress, fraud and/or without knowledge
of all material facts, payment of the penalty assessed under the Ordinance, or Ordinance No. 01-14
as Defendants claim. Therefore, the refund due to each class member is one of three alternative
sums, being either $75, $100, or $125, depending on when the penalty was paid. Thus, the issues
involved are whether the Ordinance is constitutional or not, whether Diboll failed to comply with
the conditions required by Chapter 707 to be able to assess a red light camera penalty, whether as
to the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit, Diboll Ordinance No. 01-14 is void for lack
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 43
of publication, and/or whether Defendants, McClain, Baker and/or Boren, in their official capacities,
acting singularly or in combination, acted ultra vires, without any lawful authority, for all the reasons
set forth above, in assessing red light penalties under the Ordinance, or Ordinance No. 01-14 as
Defendants claim, in violation of law, all of which issues are entirely legal. Thus, this action would
present issues of fact and law common to all members of the class.
81.
The claims of Plaintiffs are typical of the claims of the proposed class, because every
transaction involving any member of the class is essentially the same as described above. Each
member of the putative class seeks declaratory relief that the red light camera penalty assessed them
by the City of Diboll is unlawful, and for those class members that paid same, a refund of either $75,
$100, or $125, depending on the amount paid by them, or for those class members like Plaintiff
Hunt, declaratory relief that the penalty is unenforceable, and injunctive relief permanently enjoining
all Defendants from attempting to enforce or collect such red light camera penalties assessed against
them. Thus, this action would present issues of fact and law common to all members of the class.
82.
Plaintiffs Hunt and/or ADE, will fairly and adequately represent the interests of the class.
In support of this, Plaintiffs Hunt and ADE would show they: (1) are members of the proposed class;
(2) want to represent the class; (3) are willing to pay the costs of notice and litigation; (4) have no
interests adverse to other members of the class; and (5) have suffered the same harm as the class,
namely having the unconstitutional and unlawful red light camera penalty assessed against them by
the City of Diboll and/or Defendants McLain, Baker and/or Boren, acting in their official capacities
with the City of Diboll.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 44
83.
Attorneys Russell J. Bowman and Scott A. Stewart request appointment as class counsel.
In support of this, they would show: (1) these attorneys have extensive experience in litigating
complex matters such as this case, including extensive trial and appellate experience; (2) attorney
Russell J. Bowman had several clients who were part of the phen fen class action litigation, which
litigation is far more complex than what is involved in this case, since this case requires no experts,
and damages are set, based on the amount paid (either $75, $100, 0r $125) by the registered vehicle
owner; (3) attorneys Russell J. Bowman and Scott A. Stewart have spent several months researching
the issues involved in this case and already involved in several ongoing lawsuits involving the same
issues involved in this lawsuit; (4) attorneys Russell J. Bowman and Scott A. Stewart have already
prepared the written discovery needed to be able to identify all class members and subclass members,
and which after obtaining this information, attorneys Russell J. Bowman and Scott A. Stewart have
the resources in place to get the appropriate notice out to all potential members of the class to opt
in or opt out of the class; (5) attorneys Russell J. Bowman and Scott A. Stewart are currently
working cases in the 134th Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas; the 153rd Judicial District
Court of Tarrant County, Texas; the 410th Judicial District Court of Montgomery County, Texas; the
417th Judicial District Court of Collin County, Texas; the 348th Judicial District Court of Tarrant
County, and the 284th Judicial District Court of Montgomery County, all of which involve issues
similar to this case, including whether or not red light camera ordinances enacted by cities in Texas
violate the Texas Constitution and/or are not enforceable because of the city’s violation of Section
707.003(c), (e) and/or (f) of the Texas Transportation Code, so that they are both thoroughly
knowledgeable with the issues involved in this case; (6) attorneys Russell J. Bowman and Scott A.
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 45
Stewart will be able to devote all the time needed to this case; (7) attorneys Russell J. Bowman and
Scott A. Stewart each have support staff able to devote at least half their time to this case; and
(8) attorneys Russell J. Bowman and Scott A. Stewart have the data base and file management
systems and software in place to handle a case such as this.
84.
If the class is not certified, this will create the risk that none of the registered vehicle owners
will be able to obtain restitution for the penalties unlawfully extracted from them. This is because
without a class action, no individual registered vehicle owner would seek recovery of the penalty
paid, because the costs of such would far exceed the $75, $100, or $125 for which the registered
vehicle owner would be seeking reimbursement. In short, the attorney’s fees that any individual
registered vehicle owner would incur, if they sought recovery on their own, would far exceed
reimbursement of the penalty being sought, so that no registered vehicle owner would, on his or her
own, seek recovery for the unlawful penalty paid by him or her. Further, if separate suits were
prosecuted by or against individual members of the class, this would create a risk of inconsistent
adjudications with respect to individual members of the class, as the issues being raised in this action
may not be raised in such separate suits. Further, the prosecution of separate suits by or against
individual members of the class could create a risk of adjudications unfavorable to individual
members of the class.
85.
Common questions of law and fact predominate over any questions affecting only individual
members of the class. These issues are legal issues, and are common to the class. The damages of
the class members fall into one of three categories, those that paid the $75 penalty, and those that
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 46
paid either $100 or $125. In addition, the claims of every member of the class rest on the same
thing: a determination that the Ordinance and Ordinance No. 01-14 are void and unenforceable as
concerns the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit. In addition, a class action in this
case is superior to the other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of this
controversy, because individual class members lack the resources to bring the action for themselves.
86.
As authorized by Rule 42(h) and (i) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs seek
attorney’s fees as authorized by those provisions, for reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees
through trial and entry of judgment in this Court, as well as for any appeal to any court of appeals
or the Texas Supreme Court. Alternatively, Plaintiffs seek attorney’s fees under Chapter 37.001 et.
seq. of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which is known as the Uniform Declaratory
Judgments Act, including Section 37.009, through the trial of this case and entry of judgment, and
for any subsequent appeal of same to any court of appeals or the Texas Supreme Court.
JURY TRIAL
87.
Plaintiffs Hunt and ADE, and others similarly situated, have previously requested, by
Plaintiff Hunt, a jury trial in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and have paid the
jury fee required by the Court.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, Hunt and ADE, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly
situated, pray upon final hearing the Court enter judgment on behalf of Plaintiffs, Hunt, ADE and
all others similarly situated, for the following relief:
A. That the Court certify the class as described in this petition;
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 47
B. That the Court appoint attorneys, Russell J. Bowman and Scott A. Stewart as class
counsel;
C. That as against ATS, the Court award Plaintiff ADE and those class members who
paid a red light camera penalty involved in this lawsuit, money damages, additional
damages under the DTPA, or alternatively exemplary damages, and attorney’s fees,
as may be found by the trier of fact;
D. That the Court enter declaratory judgment as to all Plaintiffs that the Ordinance is
unconstitutional for the grounds set forth above and is therefore void, or alternatively,
that Defendants City of Diboll, or Defendants McClain, Baker and/or Boren acting
in their official capacities, are acting in violation of Section 707.003 of the
Transportation Code as set forth above, so that the red light camera penalties assessed
pursuant to the Ordinance are illegal, unlawful, and/or ultra vires;
E. That the Court enter declaratory judgment as to all Plaintiffs that as concerns the red
light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit, Diboll Ordinance No. 01-14 was void
for the lack of such ordinance being published at the time of the red light camera
penalties involved in this lawsuit, so that such penalties are not owed, and that to the
extent Defendants claim the red light camera penalties involved in this lawsuit were
assessed by the City of Diboll, or alternatively, Defendants McClain, Baker, and
Boren, in their official capacities with the City of Diboll either singularly or jointly,
pursuant to Ordinance No. 01-14, that any such penalties are illegal, unlawful and/or
ultra vires, since Ordinance No. 01-14 was void and not effective due to the lack of
same being published as required by law at the time of the red light camera penalties
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 48
involved in this lawsuit;
F. That the Court order the City of Diboll, or alternatively, Defendants McClain, Baker,
and Boren, in their official capacities with the City of Diboll either singularly or
jointly and severally, to reimburse Plaintiff ADE and those class members for the red
light camera penalties collected from them by the City of Diboll that are involved in
this lawsuit;
G. That the Court award the class prejudgment and post judgment interest at the
maximum rates allowed by law, and all costs of court;
H. That the court award Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE and the class, reasonable and necessary
attorney’s fees through the trial of this matter and any appeal to any court of appeals
or any higher court, such as the Supreme Court of Texas;
I. That the Court issue a temporary and permanent injunction enjoining all Defendants
from taking any action to enforce the Ordinance;
J. That the Court issue a temporary and permanent injunction enjoining all Defendants
from enforcing Ordinance No. 01-14 for any alleged red light camera violation
occurring prior to November 10, 2016; and
K. For such other relief, at law or equity, to which Plaintiffs Hunt, ADE and the class
may be justly entitled.
Respectfully submitted,
/S/Russell J. Bowman
Russell J. Bowman
Texas State Bar No. 02751550
800 West Airport Freeway
Suite 860
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 49
Irving, Texas 75062
(214) 922-0220
(214) 922-0225 (FAX)
E-Mail: russelljbowman@sbcglobal.net
/S/Scott A. Stewart
Scott A. Stewart
Texas State Bar No. 19218300
800 West Airport Freeway
Suite 860
Irving, Texas 75062
(214) 350-5551
(866) 850-7666 (FAX)
E-Mail: sastewartlawoffice@gmail.com
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the above pleading has been sent to all counsel
of record, as indicated below, on this 4th day of December, 2016:
Mr. Robert Alderman, Jr. VIA E-MAIL: balderman@acnlaw.com
ALDERMAN CAIN & NEILL PLLC
122 East Lufkin Avenue
Lufkin, Texas 75901-2805
Mr. Thomas J. Williams VIA E-MAIL: thomas.williams@haynesboone.com
Haynes and Boone, LLP
301 Commerce Street
Suite 2600
Fort Worth, Texas 76102-4140
/S/Russell J. Bowman
Russell J. Bowman
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 50
EXHIBIT A
PLAINTIFFS’ FOURTH AMENDED PETITION - PAGE 51
City ofDiuoll
Automalod Rod Lluht ~nlorcilmsht NOTICE OF INFRACTION
' PO Box 2.2001
Tnmpo, AZ 86286-2091 NOTICE:#: 2201600071271
PIN: 2920
P~y \V.t~ yovr Vl!ll or 1.1~'te1C~rd Jl
\'1\~W.VIolatlo~Jnl.Mlllll
Amount Duo: $76.00
Oue Date: O~/W2016
JlrmmmlmJIIIIINimiJillltlllflllllll~llllllllll
WILLIAM PAUL HUNT
211 COUNTY ROAD 1246
UNDl!N, TX 75563·2763
QtVAUOII IIHl'JE IIHO~A11t.vl CCYJ,IlV
(Oa'ol
08'1111211/l 11:081\rrl liB US H'tiY 5~@ JUDO ST ltnuollnt~
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W1U.!A\I PAUJ.. lfi)IH
SfflGET ,I,JOO~SS
211 COUNTY ROJ\01245
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!.IN DEll TX 155~3·2763
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llfil TJIWJIIP n-IE.flij 001.\!Jir Tile fGLlOIW{O Oft WSr. llf~ FACfS$UPI'ORni(CJ THIS I!W£P i.Ri.! AS
~oLllli'IS: I'IIIJUTQ lo Stop at a Rod LIUhl
IU vrotAll)fl or:
ordlnlln~o 0$·\!7 Socllcm 9·~9
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f'\'f,t;M'C~ OE?JilW UH C~ll'le~ ll1A!lllol 111110 llil'•
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,-SSHM-4111. ~aJfQ~I voiJiclo rn~urM'o fjl,tos.-·:· ..-.-....·. ,_..-.,.· :•- . ... ·~·- ·. '-; ··: :.-:. ·.·•.::,; ,[.--: :- - ._:., · ,
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~ MukoyourcllJpon In U1n cncbsfld o~'f~IOpl) w:th
1110 ad~r~ss (at tM tlglll} show:ng t~ro~gh lh& I'Jnd~w. PO Box 14250~
o/ PayrnMI I~ ~dml~$!00 or ll~blfty. ClnQIIinotl, OU 4GZ7•t·21i03
,, ro ovoid lalo foa9,lfOll must rospt.~nd tolhls l.lulth lwltllwl.lnl••l•l•l rl11111111lld ltuul I••I 1I1/
tlollco [paymonl tocolvod or n non-Judicial
odmlnlstt"llvo ~~~~tin g) b~loro tho du~ d~to
llllllcbtoll ~IJ~. lhv <•'.l'ni}J of o m'tor vnh'do b H~h!R lor paymonl or a c;,;J peMl:y of SJ~.QO 11
th~ Ol'•fter's vcllcle pro~eds lnlo 80 lnlmecllon equ·ppod "llh n photographic lntonect:on ffi)rlilcrlr~~ 6Y41~m \\hen ~~~ \ril/f,c (~o·raf $19·1~1 tor thal
vclllc:o·s dit~ctl ~~~nal, cor tho llllo(UQn In "n!,h )"VUr vahlefa wa~ fr~•rel)lg, was em':lilo a
slnedt r~ll 6!9n~r. Fal!uro to ii~Y tho cMI ponatly or contost llab:llly by tho llllo Palo I$ on ~tlmls,fon o/!13blllty In the Ml nmount ol th~
tiYII ~~~~Tty as~o~sorl on thfa noHeo ot rnrr~ttlon ~nrl touslltul~s o w~tvor Ill tho tlnht to nppo~l unrlor cut, Ordfoln,a. fa'(~~e to pay
!h! ti\11 porWty or to ~~~~l~st llabfr;IJ' Y.ltWt\ tho lin~ el!ow~:l •till resu!t In 11 $Z6.00 lalo J:t1YII1C01 pcno'ly ond m~y rosult In lha County rax
AssQ5SQI•QoiJottor ro(U,hiN (c) roots tor th~ Whltlo 6lleiJod to h:IYO be on In violation olthls orrltn~n~<>.
YQU hnvn the ri!Jhl l\1 con{cst 11\o Jmpo~!Jon or thl con porlavor ol sorvlclo t/1) cllaniQ on 1.866.7q0,4f1f.
This Ylolot!on Is 11 nan•movlng lnflllDIIon and no points will ba esso:;sod,
INSTflU!!,'riONS
Olll!IIE PAYMI!IIT: TM rnloll ~lid CPSIC~t way lo p~y yol11 Nolle<) I$ to pny on~no. Go lo \Wtw.Vfof~llontnfo.~om and fog on 1\!th your Hollcu II and
PIN $M•,•.n lot~& red bo~ C!llO(I (ronl orws nolko. Click tho l'ey butlon. Thcro mny boa ~onven'cncc (Sel\ko ICC lorlhh srnllled as o~1~'CI In th& Po~co DepMrttMI J>rc.ceooM tr>r clspMfl13n of
lhc vro~nllorr. You may vJu·11 your ur1aga$ and video orliM ot vNNI,VIotollcmloro.com. you wJI ncell your Nofco 11 end PIN prkllctl on \M lrcnl or this
nDlke. II you do nol have lolernel ael!ess, you may conla(llha O:boll Polite> Ocp~ti!Mnl ol 030·320·6-:iSQ, S:0\1 N.l· ~:00 PM Mow.t~~'f1:0ay, [<) makG en
appolnlmen! lov~wyaurlnl.~gc$ ar.o V. rronl or tha UolkCI. 'liMn lh& adm'!lhltali'N
h~Mino I$ scheduled, ~·ou 1•lll bo nollliad of lho loca~lon, d31o and tlnl~ ol ywr h~nr1ng.llyou roquost 11/i~~r\n~ and 1~11 to ~ppear at t113 tim~ anti p1aN
ol to~ hcorlng, II 13 comldcJcd Pn adm~5fnn or nublfly und u w;~lwc or yout ti!JI:l to o~at tM 1n1poslt~n ol tho Civil ~OMI()', Tlte ret.)ttJen·Uablllty rwn ana doeumonlaVOil lo Cfly ol llibol, Vlo~lfon
P/OCOMfng Cllnlor, PO OOX 22091, To~.M 65285·2v9f.
II you feel Ural you received thts ~lotalfon In otcor ur..Osr
onu ol the afrtmal!vo tJell!060J ou!tnetl lo U;<~ City ol Diboll ordlnanro you ma;r $Ubffil a
Dccl~rnllon or Non·LIJbl~l)' by rnnt or you m~y ~ubm'llh$ Oa~lara\ion ol Non·LfabJiily alan MM'nhuo~\'e lleatlnQ.
lfla Oaclmtlon ol NOfloUb~Uily form e~o be oblelMd fron1 tho Y,'Qb~flo ol w.~w.VIolollonlnfo.cam. You 1\iO nMd your /follCtl fl atKJ PIN pr1nlerl ontllo
front of !Ills oolfct~.
Oo lath he co and tiiiU<'n boilom pOcll'ln 8& a /equasl tor en oo'll~nl$trPll'l~ atflu:JJcallon he;~II~g.
1 submit UJ$ faml as a 1cquost fe-r a M~1hg ~~~tdfng thl$ Nolfca of fnfi(ICt!on ond
acl of lhl$ nolle& ID I» o Y~fl!lt~lj\le{;t, I
lrno ur\derslond !h~llv.at bo noUilad of
the 4nlo, 1111\0 ~nd IOC-'tl<>n of l~ hcadfl!l. l'loa$D olon 11n!l pllnl nam11 JJstno bfiiO o1
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2C!OlrSOlHI'tL271
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Pdnloi:INam&
CITY-0124
EXHIBITB
City of Diboll
Automated Red Llgllt Enforcement NOTICE OF INFRACTION
PO Box 22091
Tempe, AZ U5265·2091 NOTICE fl: 2201600092896
lillfflllllll fflfi~HJINII'IIrJK!/IIIIIHIJilllllllll PIN: 1065
Pay with your Visa or MasterCard at
'VJ.fVI,VIola!lonlnfo.com
..
~~----·-=----~--
Amount Due: $76.00
Due Dale: 10/24/2016
01{1121 MB 0.416 T 13 OO·ATPSCR50·1
ADE·WIFCO STEEL PRODUCTS INC
8003 MEDORA RD
HUTCHINSON J{S 67602·3618
1•/ u Jlnr rlluljlrllljriiiiiJirljllrl rlri/IJII/nl• •mllrrllrr/
Oil/ABOUT 1\Tll~'E Ill lOCATIO~!
- COUNTY
(Oalo)
08/2G/2010 02:26PM SB US IIWY 69/ N TEMPLE OR@ N Angelina
HINES SY/ JUDD ST
IW.fl;
AOE-WIFCO STEEL PRODUCTS INC
Snl6H liD DRESS
BOOJ MEDORA RD
CITY _I_ STfiT£ 21PCOOE
HUTCIIINSON I{S 67502·8610
Dlll0\'111
v YEAR I!Alay the ~;lvll penalty or contest IJabJJity by ths Duo Dale Is an admission of liability In lhtJ full amount of tho
civil p()n~lty assessud on thl3 noUce of lnlracHoll nnd constllules n waiver of the rluht to appeal under CJty's Ordinance. Failure to pay
tho tiYll penafty or to conies! linbllily wi1hfn the time nllowed wifl result ln n $25.00 late payment penally 205·2091.
If you roo! that you received tills vlolatlon In orror under one of lhe affirmative defenses ou!llned In the C!ly of Diboll ordJnance you may submit a
Declaration of Non·llablllty by mall, or you may submit the Declaration of Non·lfabflity at an Admlnlslrafive Hearing,
Tho Declaralfon of Non·lfablllty form o;:an IJa obtorned frum !he website a[ ~i!Jio.!Jinfo.ooiJl. You wiJJ need your Notice# and PIN printed on lhe
rronl of this noUoo.
Detach here and re(vm bo«om portion as a request For an admlnls!rotivo adJudication h$arlng,
J submit this form as a request for a hemlng regarding lhls No11cc of lnlracUon and 2201b0009289b
acknowledgo fhnt It must be received by tho due dale or this notice !o ba a valid reque~l. f
underslancl Umt f must alfend this haarfng /n person. I also undorsland that I wilf be noUIIeon oata ~ ~ A.r(IC yaur fl~ ~(s)P!r~payrr£8'it.: M&ke ymuch,eck ormofi(J'JORi.fK·tnrfabfrJ to: Cfly 6fDibt>!l.
ihis matter your immediate attention. Yo~ may di$regard this nptic$ if yoil h?.Ve. afreao'y made full
It is very impo.'iant- that you::give
payment · · . . ·
Sincer~ly.
UoebargarGoggan,Btar&S