Public Parking Commission

1 CITY OF NORWICH NORWICH PUBLIC PARKING COMMISSION The following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the Public Parking Commission held at 5: 00 p.m., January 15, 2013 at the Buckingham Memorial Building. PRESENT: Ms. Olive Buddington, Mr. Alan Bergren, Mr. Tucker Braddock, Mr. Peter Desaulniers, Mr. Charles Jaskiewicz, Mr. Jeff Lord and Mr. Sean Ryan. ALSO: Mr. Jason Vincent and Mr. Steven Smigiel ABSENT: None Co-Chairperson Buddington called the meeting to order at 5:00pm, noting a quorum was present. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Smigiel addressed the Commission with a compaint about parking on upper Broadway. He stated that during recent snow removal, his vehicle and several others on Broadway had been towed for non- compliance of posted signage. He stated that parking in the area is difficult even in good weather, but the snow removal & parking ban make it nearly impossible to be in compliance. The Commission thanked him for coming and voicing his concerns. He was assured that his complaint would be forwarded to the proper departments. MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. Jaskiewicz, second by Mr. Desaulniers, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 2012 meeting. MINUTES NPPC MEETING 01/15/2013  1 FINANCIAL REPORTS & BILLS TO BE PAID: A motion was made by Mr. Braddock, second by Mr. Ryan to accept the financial reports and accounts payable reports for November and December 2012. The motion was voted on and passed unanimously. Mr. Jaskiewicz requested that any outstanding lease fees be reported on the Financial statements. Ms. Rizzuto stated that she would check with the Finance Department, but was sure the request could be implemented. NEW BUSINESS: Election of Officers: Mr. Desaulniers nominated Ms. Buddington to serve another term as Chairperson. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Bergren. Mr. Bergren made a motion to close nominations. The Commission voted unanimously to appoint Ms. Buddington the Chairperson. Ms. Buddington nominated Mr. Desaulniers as Vice-Chairperson. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Lord. Mr. Bergren made a motion to close nominations. The Commission voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Desauniers as Vice-Chairperson. Transfer of Maintenance Expense to General Fund: Mr. Bergren began the discussion by stating that the Commission has been losing revenue. The major cause for this loss are changes that we have made to the parking regulations in the downtown area. The meters have been removed, time limits have been expanded,(on street and in the Main Street garage) and we have untimed, free parking in three lots downtown. These changes have been implemented with the intent of making parking downtown easier and more convenient for visitors, employees and patrons of downtown businesses. The recommendation from the Comprtoller and the City Manager is that the City, as the property owner, be responsible for the maintenance costs of the lots and garages. A portion of the cost of maintaining the properties will be included in the Public Works budget for 2013-2014. Eventually, the entire cost will be absorbed by the City. The Parking Commission members were pleased with the proposal. MINUTES NPPC MEETING 01/15/2013  1 ANYTHING ELSE BEFORE THE COMMISSION: Mr. Vincent suggested that we revisit the terms of long term leases to see if there are any options available to renegotitate. He also suggested that when new leases are signed, perhaps it would be advantageous to waive parking requirements for the developer. Individuals would be responsible for their own parking arrangements. ADJOURNMENT: Motion made to adjourn by Mr. Lord, second by Mr. Braddock. Voted on and passed unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 pm Respectfully Submitted, Judith A. Rizzuto, Administrator Norwich Public Parking Commission MINUTES NPPC MEETING 01/15/2013