PARKING BOARD
MINUTES
MARCH 1, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER 4:30 p.m. by Mr. Spatafore
ROLL CALL Mr. Spatafore, Mr. Bouchard, Mr. Caggiano, Mr. Doggett and Mr. Walsh and Parking Director James Hacker.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Doggett made a motion to approve the minutes of February 1, 2010. Mr. Caggiano seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
3. REPORT OF BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Bouchard stated that restaurants and retailers have met about a proposed valet parking plan and were provided a proposal by Boston Valet which offered three options:
- Customers pay cost
- Restaurants and customers pay cost
- Restaurants pay cost
The estimated cost is $12.00 plus tip per car. Those participating are leaning toward Option 2 and having promotions to have retailers help with the cost. There will be another meeting scheduled. The initial proposal is for one station at Washington/Essex and another in the Pickering Wharf area for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Mr. Hacker stated that, once decided, they will come to the Parking Board for dedicated spaces and relief from parking costs.
4. INFORMATION & CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Hacker distributed the spreadsheets for revenues through January for the parking garage and office and stated that the revenues are up 28% from last year which is likely due to there being so few snow days this year, and the economic downturn last year. He distributed spreadsheets for the lots and meters, and stated they are up 50%, which is likely due to the increased meter rates this year and the economic downturn last year. He distributed the parking fine revenues and noted that there is not a lot of control over these numbers.
Mr. Hacker stated that he received a $254 check from the Jazz Association for the blocked spaces at the festival at Salem Willows in August. The check will be deposited in the Salem Willows Meters fund.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Hacker stated that there was some water intrusion during the recent storm on one of the new pay be space machines. The computer shorted out and the parts have been ordered.
Mr. Hacker stated that they will need to replace the lights on the roof of Museum Place Garage when the weather breaks. He added that they lost 1 banner and broke 1 stanchion, which will also be replaced at the same time as the lights, when the rent a scissor truck.
Mr. Hacker stated that the Mayor has asked for two proposed budgets for FY11 – one level funded and one with a 10% decrease. He stated that he will be providing a third budget with recommended changers in parking hours to 7 days per week and with longer days open.
Mr. Hacker stated that there will be one more public meeting for the parking study and noted that the consultant seems receptive to the comments received.
Mr. Bouchard stated that the consultant is looking at all feedback collected and will be giving a presentation on their recommendations, which will not be a public forum like the other meetings.
Sandy Hamilton, a permanent part-time employee of the Parking Department, was present to observe the meeting.
The next meeting will be April 5, 2010.
8. 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. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
Secretary
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