PARKING BOARD
MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER 4:30 p.m. by Mr. Spatafore
2. ROLL CALL Mr. Spatafore, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Caggiano and Parking Director James Hacker.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Caggiano made a motion to approve the minutes of December 1, 2008. Mr. Doggett seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
4. REPORT OF BOARD MEMBERS
There were no reports from Board members.
5. INFORMATION & CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Doggett made a motion that, with the exception of emergencies, all matters brought to the Board requiring a vote be communicated a minimum of seven days prior to the meeting on which they will be voted or the Board may suspend the requirement if it is determined that sufficient need exists for immediate consideration.
Mr. Caggiano stated that his understanding of the motion is that Board members must be notified a minimum of seven days prior to a meeting of any issues coming before the Board for a vote. He seconded the motion.
Mr. Doggett stated that the purpose is for all Board members to be able to give due consideration to an item they will be voting on, and not be reacting to the emotion of the issue. He stated that, if he had a chance to vote over again, he would not vote for the parking rate increase at the City’s lot by the MBTA. He stated that he felt the MBTA increased their rate to support their bloated budget.
Mr. Caggiano noted that the Parking Board is not the final say and that the Board just makes recommendations.
The motion was voted upon, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Hacker stated that he received a copy of a letter from the Mayor to Suzanne Hensley in acknowledgement of her service and wishing her well. He stated that there is no word on Ms. Hensley replacement.
Mr. Hacker stated that the City Council is reorganizing this evening. He added that he will inquire as to the status of the Board’s recommendations.
Mr. Hacker stated that the Museum Place Mall ownership was given the right years ago to construct and maintain a storage area for compressors, etc., within the parking garage. He stated that lately there have been problems with youth getting into the storage area.
Mr. Hacker stated that they lost a roof light pole on the Museum Place garage during a wind storm. Electricity has been shut off to the pole and he is trying to find someone to weld the pole back. He stated that a second pole was leaning, but has been fixed.
Mr. Caggiano asked if a parking meter is plowed in with snow, should a person assume that they do not have to pay.
Mr. Hacker replied in the negative and noted that it is up to the discretion of the meter readers if a person can reasonably get to the meter to pay.
Mr. Hacker provided the revenue figures for the parking garages, parking lots, meters and office from July FY04 through November FY09. He noted that the garage and office revenues were down 32.7% and the lots/meters were up .2%. He attributed to figures to the loss of the Registry of Deeds, the economy and the fact that some revenues were recorded under October. He added that the meters usually fill up before the garages.
Mr. Hacker noted that almost 50 meters were lost in 2008 due to removal from traffic changes or due to repair needs.
Mr. Caggiano asked what happened to the person who wanted to open the scooter business.
Mr. Hacker replied that he has not heard from the person since the Board met with him.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
7. NEW BUSINESS/VISITORS
Mr. Walsh stated that he understands that the Museum Place Mall has done away with security and asked if it effects the city garage.
Mr. Hacker stated that the mall owners eliminated mall security and maintenance, but that it was never of benefit to the city. He noted that the doors electronically shut at 9:00pm and that city staff shuts down the elevator at 9:00pm.
8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2009.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Caggiano made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Doggett seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
Secretary
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