PARKING BOARD
MINUTES
APRIL 6, 2015
A meeting of the Salem Parking Board was held on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 4:30 pm. at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Michael Caggiano, Tim Doggett, Elysia Allemann and Rinus Oosthoek. Also present was Assistant Parking Director Alan Sullaway.
Mr. Caggiano welcomed the new member, Elysia Allemann.
Ms. Alleman stated that she has lived in Salem for about 2 years and works in Danvers at Copyright Clearance Center. She stated that she lives in the Salem Common area and parking is always a bit of a nightmare. She is personally interested in how to make parking friendly and easier for visitors, businesses and residents.
Mr. Doggett made a motion to approve the minutes of January 5, 2015. Mr. Oosthoek seconded the motion; all were in favor and the motion so carried.
- DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED DISCOUNTED RATES FOR PERMANENTLY DISABLED PERSONS AND VETERANS - Continuation
Mr. Caggiano noted that Ms. Stanton was going to reach out to Councillor McCarthy, and tabled discussion to the next meeting.
- DISCUSSION ON ZONE 1/RILEY PLAZA PASSES
Mr. Caggiano questioned if there have been any complaints.
Mr. Oosthoek stated that it comes down to numbers and marketing. He stated that there is a need to market the spaces that are available.
Mr. Doggett agreed that data is needed.
Mr. Sullaway stated that he only got complaints during snow removal.
- UPDATE OF PARKING WEBSITE
Ms. Guy will update the Parking Board page with the new members.
Ms. Guy noted that the new IT Director has started. The IT Department is working on overall new city website, but it will be some time. She stated that, in the meantime, to give her any changes needed.
- REPORT ON REVENUES FOR PRIOR MONTH(S)
Mr. Sullaway presented revenue reports through March, 2015.
Mr. Caggiano stated that all parking revenues were down 34% in February and 6% in March from last year. He stated that it was likely due to snow storms.
Mr. Sullaway stated that in January they sold a lot of pass cards for the garage, due to snow storms.
Mr. Doggestt asked if the Universal Steel lot had a kiosk.
Mr. Sullaway replied in the affirmative, but noted that the actual cash and coin has been very little. He stated that, during the parking ban, it was used for free parking.
Mr. Caggiano noted that Museum Place Garage gate revenue was down 9.3% total and South Harbor Garage gate revenue was up 20.3%.
Mr. Sullaway stated that they don’t sell pass cards for South Harbor Garage anymore.
Mr. Caggiano noted that parking garage office revenue was down 16.2% for March, parking lot revenue was down a total of 6.6% and meter revenue was down total of 11%.
Mr. Sullaway stated that they could not collect meters during snow storms or where snow was piled. He stated that he told meter readers to use discretion and base tickets on whether a small elderly woman could reach the meter.
There was no unfinished business.
Mr. Sullaway stated that, at the Church Street lot, cars are hitting poles, which are costly to replace. Additionally, he stated that the Mayor wanted to make it so drivers don’t have to return to their cars from the kiosks in order to post a slip. He stated that he found a company that can allow payment by car license plate instead of by space number. A parker will not have to go back to their car and the department will not have to reinstall numbered posts. He stated that it is $500 to reprogram the kiosk and probably $500 in new signage to convert over. He stated that it will save thousands of dollars.
Mr. Oosthoek stated that most other cities have pay and display.
Mr. Sullaway stated that the advantage with using number plates is in the winter time with snow on the windshield where the slip is displayed.
Mr. Oosthoek asked if other cities are using it.
Mr. Sullaway replied that there are a few. He stated that it is basically the same as what the city is doing now, but that the parker puts in their license plate instead of a space number. For the meter maid, they can print out a list of paid number plates in numerical order that they can walk around with.
Mr. Caggiano noted that there is always the possibility of getting a ticket while standing in line at the pay and display.
Mr. Sullaway stated that he is just waiting for an okay to proceed from Finance.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 4th, 2015.
There being no further business, Ms. Allemann made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Oosthoek seconded the motion; all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
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