Title
Validated (Free) Parking and Bus Fare for Attending City Commission Meetings (B)
Explanation
At their December 5, 2013 meeting the City Commission referred a discussion of validated (free) parking and bus fares for citizens who attend the City Commission meetings to the Audit, Finance and Legislative Committee.
On November 18, 2014, the Audit and Finance Committee received a presentation from Parking Operations staff regarding several potential alternatives that may be considered by the City Commission to allow free parking during City Commission meetings. After discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend to the City Commission a simple process which would provide temporary parking permits, upon request, to citizens who attend regular City Commission meetings.
Citizens desiring such permits may request these permits from the Clerk of the Commission beginning with the January 15th City Commission meeting. Permits will be recognized by Parking Operations staff on NE 1st Street, NE 2nd Avenue and City Lot 5 (City Hall) and must be displayed on the left front of the vehicle dash. The permits would only be good for the date issued.
Fiscal Note
The potential revenue loss from these meters is $389.25 per City Commission meeting ($9,342/year); assuming an arrival time of 12:30 and parking until 5:00 pm at 50 cents per hour. There will also be a loss in revenue associated with citations normally issued for violation of the free time-limited parking spaces; however it is difficult to estimate this amount.
Recommendation
The Audit and Finance Committee recommends the City Commission approve the suggested methodology of having the Clerk of the Commission provide temporary parking permits, upon request, to citizens who attend regular City Commission meetings beginning January 15, 2015.