PARKING BOARD
MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2014
A meeting of the Salem Parking Board was held on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 4:30 pm. at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Michael Caggiano, Mr. Doggett, and Mr. Oosthoek. Also present was Assistant Parking Director Alan Sullaway.
Mr. Doggett made a motion to approve the minutes of March 3, 2014. Mr. Oosthoek seconded the motion; all were in favor and the motion so carried.
- REPORT ON REVENUES FOR PRIOR MONTH(S)
Mr. Sullaway provided the revenue reports through March, 2014. He stated that there were some problems with elevators and drain pipes at the Museum Place Garage and noted that with real heavy rains, there are ongoing drainage problems. Witch Tees and the antique shop got water damage. A vendor was called in to put in a few new drains.
Mr. Oosthoek stated that Witch Tees had to remove its bottom three feet of wall, some pipe and all the carpets and that some inventory was ruined. Pipes were all clogged up inside the building. He stated that the RFP is as urgent as can be. He provided a photo of one of the pipes.
Mr. Sullaway stated that insurance will cover some of the damage. The City has been putting bids out to do the entire garage, but has been unable to get successful bids. He stated that several vendors backed out after having a site visit, which may have to do with the available budget.
Mr. Oosthoek suggested sending a letter to Sarah Stanton, the Finance Director, and reporting on the pipe status and asking the status of the RFP.
Mr. Sullaway stated that Mr. Hacker has been keeping Ms. Stanton up to date.
There was no new business.
Mr. Sullaway stated that the Zipcar contracts are being executed.
- OLD BUSINESS: ONGOING REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE PARKING PLAN
Mr. Oosthoek stated that tomorrow he is a speaker at S’Parking New Ideas at MAPC and will talk about Salem’s comprehensive parking plan. He will be there with Lynn Duncan to talk about how the plan is working. He stated that, despite no one is managing the plan, it appears to be working.
Mr. Caggiano stated that one of the issues the plan was trying to fix was the stigma that there is no available parking. He agreed that advertising and communication would help.
Mr. Oosthoek stated that he feels that there should be a parking and traffic commission and it is the logical place to manage the plan. He stated that, otherwise, there would need to be a change in the parking board’s bylaws for this board to do it. He stated that the initial working group could be a permanent group.
Mr. Doggett stated that the group’s direction was in taking control of the street parking, for which the City Council was not in favor.
Mr. Caggiano stated that the plan recommended an annual or biennial monitoring regimen. He stated that the Board could make a motion to make that recommendation. He stated that he thought the plan is working.
Mr. Oosthoek stated that the garages and lots are cheaper than on-street parking, which is key.
Mr. Doggett stated that it is working because you can find a parking space.
Mr. Caggiano stated the he still sees people putting quarters in the meter at 6:30pm, even though they are clearly marked for 6:00pm.
Mr. Caggiano asked Mr. Sullaway to provide information on the number of passes sold in last month and to add it to the monthly revenue report.
Mr. Sullaway stated that he thought it may be 80-90%, but that he will check.
Mr. Oosthoek stated that he felt that the secondary area was done away with too soon, and believed it may have been a marketing issue.
Mr. Caggiano stated that there will be no meeting in May. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2014.
There being no further business, Mr. Oosthoek 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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