Council Will Consider Fees for Paid Shopper Parking Tonight

Common Council will hear a report tonight from Parking Services Manager Rita McNany regarding the proposed paid shopper parking rates and time limits.

Unlike the proposal McNany made in July which was defeated by council, the new rates maintain the current two-hour complimentary parking structure. After that, three structure increases to $2 for three hours, $4 for four hours, $8 for five hours, $10 for six hours, $20 for seven hours and for a lost ticket. These fees and time limits will be in operation Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Based on the Desman Parking study in 2008, McNany's report estimates revenue from the change (excluding the Bank Street lot) to be $691,598.

If council chooses to move forward with this proposal, there will be a hearing on the matter Nov. 3. McNany estimates the program could be in place by May 2011.

McNany requested $700,000 in the 2010 capital improvement plan for the capital investment for the new equipment, parking lot improvements, and signage.

McNany will also recommend tonight that a current part-time collection assistant be made full time and a part-time bookkeeper to "assist in the reconciliation of revenues, monitor the daily intercom, usage report, and a validation program," the report reads. "Revenues generated from the program will support these two positions."

Ameripay

Pending a closed session discussion, council may consider authorizing an Ameripay settlement agreement. Last year, the city alerted the community that Ameripay failed to pay the Internal Revenue Service $1,359,935 in taxes on behalf of the City of Summit. The city did repay the IRS the overdue tax payments and has been pursuing legal action to recoup monies lost ever since.

Noise Ordinance

Council will also introduce an amendment to the city's noise ordinance which will add power washers to the list of prohibited items except during the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday for the public, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for commercial uses, and 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on golf courses. On Saturday, uses would be limited to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for public and commercial use and 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for golf courses. On holidays, commercial uses would be strictly prohibited. Power washing would be restricted for the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and golf courses to 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.