PARKING BOARD
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2013
A meeting of the Salem Parking Board was held on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 4:30 pm. at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Michael Caggiano, Tim Doggett and Michael Marsille. Also present was Parking Director James Hacker.
Mr. Doggett made a motion to approve the minutes of September 9, 2013. Mr. Marsille seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
- REPORT ON REVENUES FOR PRIOR MONTH(S)
Mr. Hacker stated that he did not have the official figures for October. He stated that expenses were approximately $8900. He stated the revenues were over $300,000 and that meter revenue was up.
- ONGOING REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN
Mr. Caggiano stated that at the last meeting the board discussed reviewing the Comprehensive Parking Plan. He noted that Mr. Oosthoek was not present and suggested that discussion be held off till next meeting.
Mr. Hacker stated that they are having issues with the smart meters. The batteries are supposed to have a three year life, but they are draining too fast and they are replacing one to twelve batteries a day. He noted that they are under warrantee.
Mr. Hacker aksed the board to consider swapping the nine smart parking meters that are in front of the Museum Place Mall with the regular meeters at the Riley Plaza East lot. He stated that he would like to do it simultaneously when the correct the battery issue.
Mr. Hacker stated that he received bids for repairing the Museum Place Garage. Bids came in at a higher cost than anticipated and that they are going to be rejected. It is likely that they will separate some of the specialities and rebid.
Mr. Hacker stated that the Museum Place elevator is almost completely rebuilt.
Mr. Hacker stated that for the elevator in South Harbor garage, the voltage problem is being resolved. National Grid will be putting in a new transformer in that area next summer.
Mr. Hacker stated that for the Thanksgiving holiday, there is free parking, as well as on Friday, November 29th. He stated that a deal has been worked with American Express and Salem Patch in which they will pay for 200 meters ($1300) on Saturday, November 30th, bag the meters and advertise that customers can park free. The $1300 is cost is based on 80% occupancy. He noted that not all meters in the downtown will be free and suggested offering free parking for all meters and the garages on the Saturday, as well as extending it to the garages on Sunday (meters are already free on Sunday). He stated that it will then provide for free parking on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (November 30th through December 1st.
Mc. Caggiano asked if Mr. Hacker was suggesting including the garages. Mr. Hacker stated that it would be nice to consider. He stated that he would work with Mr. Oosthoek to get the word out through the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Doggest stated that, in effect, the $1300 is to put bonnets on the meters.
Mr. Doggest made a motion to exchange the nine smart meters from in front of Museum Place Mall with the regular meters at Riley Plaza East lot (in front of Starbucks). Mr. Marsille seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Caggiano stated that there is currently free parking at the meters and garages on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Mr. Marsille suggested putting something in the Salem News.
Mr. Hacker stated that it is likely that the Chamber of Commerce and Salem Patch will send out press releases.
Mr. Marsille made a motion to extend free parking to Saturday, November 30, 2013 for meters and garages and to extend free parking to Sunday, December 1, 2013 for garages (meters already free). Mr. Doggett seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Marsille stated that he found it frustrasting this fall, when he tried to patronize Starburcks, that he could never find a place to park. He suggested putting in 15 minute meters in that area.
Mr. Hacker stated that the meter time is dictated by ordinance. He stated that when the Comprehensive Parking Plan was completed, almost every meter was scheduled to be a 4 hour meter. Since then, the City Council has changed only two areas to less time.
Mr. Caggiano stated that the Comprehensive Plan had recommendations for timing and cost, based on the goal to maintain a 15 percent vacancy.
Mr. Hacker stated tha the consultant found that people were most confused when there were different parking zones, and so the plan tried to eliminate that.
Mr. Caggiano stated that the City Council has the ability to make changes. This board will discuss how the plan is working, how to measure how its working and potential recommendations. He asked Mr. Hacker to provide the number of monthly passes sold and the number of spots available for those passes in Riley Plaza for the next meeting.
Mr. Hacker stated that the only month that sold out was October.
Mr. Marsille asked if there was a plan to meter the Salem Willows parking on hill.
Mr. Hacker stated that it is Park Department land.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 2, 2013.
There being no further business, Mr. Doggett made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marsille seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
Secretary
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