We received numerous calls regarding the increase in parking violation fees from $5 to $10. The DTC followed up with City staff to learn more about the increase. This is what we learned:
1) Too many Downtown employees plug the meters all day. Parking meters are intended for customer usage and turnover. Long-term employee usage impedes that objective and hurts neighboring businesses' bottom lines. The higher price needed to be enough to be a deterrent and ensure that a maximum number of vehicles have the opportunity to use these spaces.
2) The fines have been $5 since the parking system was put in place.
St. Cloud is the lowest compared to other cities - Duluth $15, Rochester $40, Excelsior $15.
3) The increase had nothing to do with the new ramp; it was paid for with State Bonding funds.
4) All revenues stay within the parking system enterprise fund.
Possible solutions:The DTC has made an official request to do a cost/benefit analysis of the current fee structure. Would lowering the cost of ramps and increasing the costs for on-street parking help? What are the barriers to using parking ramps (never get a ticket), and how can we help to change behaviors? Already in place:There are already options for part-time employees in Paramount Ramp where you pay for usage rather than for the quarter. The Pre-Programmed Ramp Access Card makes it more affordable and frees up space at the meters. Link The City currently offers a parking validation program. Customers can get their ramp ticket stamped by your business, and the City will bill you on a monthly or quarterly basis. If you are interested in establishing a parking validation account, call 320.255.7212.
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