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SALEM PARKING BOARD
PARKING TASK FORCE
MINUTES
AUGUST 17, 2011
A meeting of the Salem Parking Board’s Parking Task Force was held on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 4:30 pm. at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA.
Parking Group |
Representative |
Present for this meeting |
Parking Board |
Michael Caggiano, Chair |
Yes |
Parking Board |
Sam Spatafore |
No |
Parking Board |
John Walsh |
Yes |
Parking Board |
Timothy Doggett |
No |
Parking Board |
Ben Bouchard, Salem Chamber of Commerce |
Yes |
Parking Department |
James Hacker, Director |
Yes |
Liaison to Council |
Arthur Sargent, City Councillor |
Yes |
City Administration/Employees |
Jason Silva, Mayor’s Office |
Yes |
Tourism/Visitors |
Kate Fox, Destination Salem |
Yes |
Shoppers/customers |
Jennifer Bell, Salem Main Streets |
Yes |
Downtown Business |
David Butler, Trolley Depot |
No |
South Harbor Garage parkers |
Maureen Foust, resident of Derby Lofts |
Yes |
Museum Place parkers |
Cheryl Michaels, resident of The Essex |
Yes |
Non-downtown resident using garage |
Patricia Zaido, Salem Partnership |
Yes |
Downtown resident (non-garage parker) |
Pam Broderick |
Yes |
- Discussion on the formulation of recommendations on the items below, beginning with the first topic (a). Topics not covered in this meeting will be carried over to the next Task Force meeting.
- Snow emergencies
- Zoning required resident passes
- Dedicated or guaranteed parking
- October parking/Haunted Happenings
- Tour busses
- Resident sticker program
- Visitor parking
- Construction workers parking
Mr. Caggiano explained the goals of the Task Force, noting that has been some confusion. He explained that the Task Force is made up of people who represent different aspects of the parking public and who make suggestions as to how to better address issues, to be fair and equitable to all. The Task Force will report back to the Parking Board and the Parking Board will then digest all the information and suggestions in order to make their recommendations to the City Council in September per the City Council Order.
Snow Emergencies
The Task Force revisited the previous discussion concerning Snow Emergency procedures. After debate, the Parking Director was directed to submit a written proposal of new policies and procedures for the next Task Force meeting.
Tour busses
Ms. Fox requested a continuance to review existing bus parking and drop off zones. As the busy season rapidly approaches, the Task Force needs to include input from the bus companies. The Task Force agreed it would not be prudent to make changes so close to Haunted Happenings.
Dedicated or guaranteed parking
Mr. Hacker stated that he spoke with Tom Daniel of the Department of Planning and Community Development and clarified that this topic was brought up by condominium complexes that are required to purchase garage passes and are not guaranteed a spot. Mr. Hacker stated that he believed that, in the original agreements, no reserved spaces were allowed at the Museum Place Garage. If spaces were to be guaranteed, he asked what criteria should be used to allow the public to be admitted or denied parking privileges during periods of heavy use in the garage. The original agreements state first-come, first-serve. The discussion was tabled to the next meeting.
October Parking/Haunted Happenings
All agreed that October is exciting and frustrating. Mr. Hacker explained the history of October parking and the current policy and procedures. All agreed that October seems to be okay, but the six or seven snow days were causing the most frustration. The discussion was tabled to the next meeting.
Construction Workers Parking
Mr. Hacker explained that construction workers may obtain a permit for $15 to park their vehicle on the street while their vehicle is actually being used in the construction process, but the permit cannot be used for simple parking. He further explained that he would like to see a permit be dispensed at his discretion for extenuating circumstances, such as hospice workers, visiting nurses, etc., to which the Task Force agreed. The discussion was tabled to the next meeting.
2. Future meetings
The next meeting will be August 31, 2011 at 4:30 pm.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
James Hacker
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