2012-05 AMENDING CITY CODE - CHAPTER 34 - TRAFFIC AND PARKING

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Nor- The fines for other sections of Chapter 34 will remain unchanged from those in the current version of Chapter 34. For ease of reference,the fines for various sections are summarized in a table located in Section 73-A. 11. Parking Enforcement. Parking violations will continue to be enforced with Parking Enforcement Officers. To help assure accuracy and impartiality in enforcement, a computer based license plate recognition system is proposed. The system will digitally read and record license plate numbers along with date, time and location information. The system will also take a digital photograph of the vehicles to record the vehicles location and position within the parking space. 12. Hours of Enforcement. Hours of enforcement are proposed start at 8:00 AM and end at 4:OOPM. Many downtown employees who start work at 8:00 AM will be tempted to use free parking for a portion of their work day. If the start of enforcement is delayed to 9:00 AM, it is likely that many or most parking spaces will be occupied with employees leaving few spaces available for customers or visitors. CITY CODE CHAPTER 34 AMENDMENTS: In order to implement the parking management changes it is necessary to amend many sections of City Code Chapter 34, "Traffic." The existing Chapter 34 is quite lengthy and has been amended numerous times over the years and contains some duplication. Since there are many changes needed in Chapter 34, it was decided to perform a complete update of the Chapter. A summary of the changes is attached to this memorandum. POTENTIAL OBJECTION: Changing Downtown parking regulations will likely result in complaints from individuals until the new regulations become well known. Implementing a graduated parking find structure is expected to generate complaints from individuals who have a history of frequent parking violations. INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: Input was sought and received from Downtown business and property owners. The draft ordinance was reviewed by staff of the Decatur Police Department, Development Services Department, Legal Department and Public Works Department. STAFF REFERENCE: Richard Marley, Public Works Director will be in attendance at the City Council Meeting to answer questions from City Council on this item. BUDGEUTIME IMPLICATIONS: The implementation of free parking in Downtown Decatur will reduce revenue from on-street parking and parking lots by$140,000 to $150,000 per year. Revenue from parking garages may have a neutral impact because possible losses in revenue from parking meters in Garage C is expected to be offset by increases in monthly parking leases. Revenue from overtime parking fees is expected to increase initially, but not remain at the increased level as parking violators change their behavior due to the graduated fine schedule. Over the next 2 to 3 years, overtime parking fees is thought to return to current levels.