City Council Finance Sub Committee

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes Date: October 3, 2017 Time: 5:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA Finance SC October 3, 2017. PRESENT: Present on Roll Call were C. Elliott and C. Milinazzo, and C. Leary. Also present were Conor Baldwin (CFO), C. Mercier, Nick Navin (Parking Director), C. Samaras, C. Belanger, Manager Murphy, and Rodney Conley (Asst. CFO). MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: C. Elliott called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber noting attendance and items to be discussed. ORDER OF BUSINESS: Manager Murphy introduced his finance team and the parking director. Manager Murphy noted Parking Enterprise Fund and how it operated by user fees and not tax dollars. Manager Murphy noted that there have been no increases for over a decade and that new garages are needed as well important repairs to existing garages. Mr. Baldwin commented on the state of the parking fund and the support of user fees will not sustain fund without increase as budget forecast indicate a deficit in the future which would shift financial burden to the taxpayer. Mr. Baldwin noted the need for added revenue to cover debt service for new garage as well as repairs. Mr. Navin made the following presentation entitled “Lowell Parking Rates and Fees – An Analysis and Recommendation”. The presentation outlined the approach used and the objectives sought. There was a review of current rates and comparison of rates to other like communities. Mr. Navin noted that increases would be spread over four years and there was a review of proposed rates. Mr. Navin commented on discount programs and how they will need City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 2) to be adjusted. Mr. Navin noted fines and residential parking program would be restructured to increase revenue to meet existing and future needs. C. Elliott opened meeting to public and following individuals addressed the body: Kathleen Marcin; Jeff Edleson; Georgi May; Atty. Martha Howe; Gail Frace; Atty. Greg Curtis; Atty. Todd Beauregard; Christian; Atty. Michael Najjar; Mike Wran; Jack Moynihan; and Mindy Doppler Nelson. C. Elliott referenced and email regarding the issue discussed and made same part of the record. C. Elliott noted that proposed changes may need more work and that it was beneficial to have public input. Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary to refer matter back to administration for further review before a public hearing. Adopted per Roll Call vote 3 yeas. So voted. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov