1990-02-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Sel ectmen's Meeting -3- February 12, 1990 PARKING METER AND PARKING LOT FEES Mr. p resented resented an upgraded schedule of fees for parking meters and p arking arkin lot p ermits, for the Board's consideration. He reported that at a g meeting of the Lexington Center Committee, the proposal had received unanimous support of these members present, which included several members of the u PP Chamber of Commerce. An additional $4,000 would be raised from permits; $1fi,590 from Mariam Street and in excess of $100,000 from meters of the fees were to be implemented emented and parking use is unchanged. The Manager noted that meter permit and lot fees have not increased since they were established in 1982. Mr. White asked for the Board's approval of the new rate structure. Richard Michelson, Chamber of Commerce member, noted that permit holders have already g pay d b to a for permits based on the new rates, before approval had been voted by the Selectmen. Mr. White said that the rates would be adjusted. to reflect the Board's decision on the matter. Discussion followed on the different types of meters i.e. short and long term, and the need for locating the shorter term meters near the stores for use by customers. it was felt that the all-day meters should be placed at the perimeters of the business district for use by employees and other Center business people. Mr. White plans to explore the issue with the Lexington Center Committee. Mr. Michelson noted the number of broken meters in the Center and urged bett maintenance. He agreed that there is a need for removing the all -day meters from the areas adjacent to stores and installing the 30-- minute meters for a faster turnover. Battin Chairman of the Lexington Center Committee, asked that such Mrs � matters as the rate hike be referred to her committ ee one month before it is to bp on* acted u on. Mr. Michelson urged that the Chamber also be notified well in advance of changes in the Center. He felt that the views expressed by the m p resent resent at the L.C.G. meeting referred to did not constitute the view of the entire Chamber* Jacqueline Bateson of the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about the reaction of townspeople to the parking - fee increases. Mr. Marshall saw the increase as a necessary first step toward improving the parking situation in the Center, noting that there is always some negative reaction to any changes. He hoped to move forward on the matter with input from the Lexington Center Committee and the Chamber of commerce. Motion was made and seconded, to approve the rate increase structures for parking meters and parking lot permits as presented by the Town Manager with further exploration and discussion of the Parking Strategy for the Center planned. Mr. Dailey questioned whether the proposed increases would discourage shoppers from coming to the Center. Mr. Michelson pointed out that there is } free parking in the business districts of other communities. Mr. Marshall stressed the need to differentiate between the different ty of parking by placing the lower priced permits at the furthest points and the short term meters behind the stores. Mr. Dailey was in favor of deferring the raising of fees until the whole p arking arkin issue can be addressed instead of dealing with the problem piecemeal. Motion having been made and seconded, 4 -1, with Mr. Dailey voting in the negative, of the fee structure for parking meters and parking lot permits, as ___- .