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., November 18, 2014 at the Buckingham Memorial Building. PRESENT: Ms. Olive Buddington, Mr. Alan Bergren, Mr. Pete Desaulniers, Mr. Jeff Lord, Mr. William Nash (arrived late) and Mr. Sean Ryan. ABSENT: Mr. Terell Wilson ALSO ATTENDING: Mayor Deberey Hinchey, Mr. Robert Mills, NCDC Ms. Joanne Philbrick Co-Chairperson Buddington called the meeting to order at 5:00pm, noting a quorum was present. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ms. Joanne Philbrick commented on the request for free parking for NCDC. She urged the Commission members to adhere to the decision made in September 2014, allowing 2 NCDC employees to park on the top level for no charge. Ms. Buddington thanked Ms. Philbrick for coming to the meeting and voicing her opinion. MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Lord, second by Mr. Ryan, the Commission voted to accept the minutes of the September 16, 2014 meeting as submitted. The vote was 5 Yea ; 1 Abstention Mr. Bergren abstained from the vote, due to his absence from the September meeting. MINUTES NPPC MEETING 11/18/2014  1 FINANCIAL REPORTS & BILLS TO BE PAID: A motion was made by Mr. Lord, second by Mr. Bergren to accept the financial reports and accounts payable reports for: September & October 2014 The motion was voted on and passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: MAYOR HINCHEY ADDRESSES COMMISSION: Mayor Hinchey appeared before the Commission with a request. Mayor Hinchey stated that she is aware that the Commission sometimes provides temporary permits, when agencies request them, to accommodate attendees to specific events/meetings. Her request was to make those temporary permits available in an email attachment. The permits available electronically would make it easier to distribute them. When inviting or advising someone of an upcoming meeting or event, the permit could be “attached” to the original email invitation. The attendee would print it and follow the directions for its use, saving the inconvenience of physically going to the agency/department, getting the printed permit and returning to the vehicle, to place it on the dashboard. The Commission members were in agreement that it would simplify the process for everyone. Ms. Rizzuto said it was a great idea, and would be implemented immediately. Ms. Rizzuto requested that along with the permit, indication is given that the permit is valid for overtime violations. Mayor Hinchey also asked that Commission consider having maps made to indicate the public parking in our lots. Mr. Mills stated that his agency would be glad to help with that. The Commission members agreed that anything that we can do to make it easier to park downtown should be implemented. Mayor Hinchey thanked the Commission for their consideration of her requests, and in turn, Ms. Buddington thanked her for bringing them forward. MINUTES NPPC MEETING 11/18/2014  1 MR. BOB MILLS, NCDC, ADRESSES THE COMMISSION: Mr. Mills made it clear that he was not here to address the free parking issue for NCDC staff. He came before the Commission to offer his help with any issues that the Commission may have and ask for our help in working together, in improving the City. He suggested that a small committee be formed to address issues, such as signage/markings. The committee would be comprised of representatives from various departments and agencies. The committee would focus on downtown, but not be restricted to downtown. Mr. Mills stated that he would like to contact this office with any questions or requests. Ms. Rizzuto stated that most often, any question or situation can be handled through the office, but there will be some instances that the Commission needs to be involved in, and they would make the final decision. Mr. Lord asked when/if parking directions will be available for smartphones. Mr. Mills stated that the option for smartphones is being explored by several different agencies. Mr. Desaulniers volunteered to head up the committee to include, NCDC, NPPC, DPW, the Historical Society and other agencies as needed. The Commission agreed that Mr. Desaulniers would be responsible to set up and be involved in the committee. The Commission members thanked Mr. Mills for attending the meeting and sharing his ideas of how we can work together to make the City better. MEETING CALENDAR 2015: The proposed meeting schedule for 2015 was presented to the Commission members. A motion was made by Mr. Bergren to accept the meeting schedule as presented. Mr. Desaulniers seconded the motion. The Commission members voted unanimously to pass the motion. MINUTES NPPC MEETING 11/18/2014  1 HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS: Ms. Rizzuto submitted the Holiday Office Hours schedule for Commission approval. The schedule is as follows: Office closed- November 27 & 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving Office closed – December 24, 2014 through December 26, 2014 Reopen Monday December 29, 2014 Office closed – Thursday, January 1, 2015 Reopen - Friday , January 2,2015 A motion was made by Mr. Bergren to accept the holiday hours schedule. Motion was seconded by Mr. Lord. Voted on and passed unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 5:41pm. Mr. Lord made a motion to enter executive session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ryan. Voted on and passed unanimously to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters. On a motion by Mr. Lord, seconded by Mr. Bergren, it was unanimously voted to exit executive session at 6:10pm. There was no action taken or votes taken in executive session. ADJOURNMENT: Motion made to adjourn by Mr. Ryan, second by Mr. Lord. Voted on and passed unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 6:14 pm Respectfully Submitted, Judith A. Rizzuto, Administrator Norwich Public Parking Commission MINUTES NPPC MEETING 11/18/2014