City Council

City Council Meeting November 12, 2024 Responses to City Council Agenda Questions 5:30pm Special Meeting • As discussed in my 1:1, even if the data supports a rate increase, I cannot support one until we get through a significant period where the kiosks are functioning at expected uptime rates. o Staff is in agreement and will recommend additional data collection before any changes are made. • Regarding alleged lack of concern by staff to fix the kiosk issues: We have been well aware of the enormous effort put into attempting to fix the issue as it has been a standing topic in every meeting I’ve had with the city manager since April. The many months before a solution was found, for supposedly proven technology that was and is under warranty, was the source of most of the frustration from both council and the public regarding fixing the kiosks. o Understood. It is worth mentioning that the only reason we were able to get all of the labor and replacement equipment from T2 was due to the warranty. • Still hoping there’s a chance at offering an auto-renewal option for monthly business permits. o Under the current system there is not. This system does not store any personal or payment data, which is part of what makes it more affordable than alternatives. That said, Staff is looking into alternatives already. • The financial implications of adding short term options in the lots are well documented in the report. Can adding a limited number of 24-minute paid green zones spaces be considered? Specifically, paint/sign a few spaces as green, add a 24-minute option, and indicate in the app and on the kiosk that the 24-minute option is only valid if you’re parked in a green space? o Of course, this can be considered, but Staff will need time to assess the impacts of doing so. It will be difficult, and potentially very confusing for consumers, to add a rate that is only for certain spaces, and to allow only cash payment for that rate. • Absolutely in favor of exploring a better mobile pay option. When we discuss our current offering, we keep using the term “app” when in fact it’s a mobile-enabled website, which by its very nature makes it more difficult to access, requiring a QR code or text to a code to initiate the process rather than simply opening an app. o Staff is actively looking into alternatives that can provide a better user experience. Responses to City Council Agenda Packet Questions November 12, 2024 Page 2 • How can we recover all or part of the enormous costs we have expended over six months in dealing with the technical issues, at least the percentage of the issues where the root cause was a firmware issue out of our control in a system that’s under warranty? o Staff is not aware of a contractual avenue to recover the cost of staff time. The equipment has all been covered under warranty, as has the staff time from T2. This can be researched in more detail by the City Attorney. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Item 6h. Even though this $15K contract is well below the threshold requiring council authority and the amount is budgeted, it’s preferable to have the dollar amount associated with the agreement listed in the consent item title and staff report. o Noted. 2