City Moves Ahead With Parking Enforcement Plan, Hires Vendor

The following announcement was released by Mayor Michael McGlynn’s office:

Today Mayor Michael J. McGlynn signed the parking enforcement contract with Republic Parking System.

“The city’s goal is to provide the best possible parking experience for its citizens,” said Mayor McGlynn. “The City sought proposals from vendors to implement a parking program in various locations throughout the city. This program involves the installation of ‘pay by plate’ multi-space parking meters along with a comprehensive enforcement program.”

The objectives of this program are to deter illegal parking, to ensure timely turnover of parking spaces to benefit and enhance the business districts, and to create a friendly environment for consumers. It will also include consistent enforcement of the neighborhood “Permit Parking Program”.

The Mayor commends the City Council for its efforts in working with the administration. This included a joint meeting with the City Council on January 28, 2014 to review the Request for Qualification (RFQ) prior to it being advertised. The Council voted in favor to proceed (Council Paper 14-049). After advertising and interviewing the various vendors, on May 20, 2014 the Mayor proposed a contract with the preferred vendor for up to ten years. The Council voted unanimously to approve the Mayor’s recommendation (Council Paper 14-472A). Once the terms of the contract were reached, the administration again met with the City Council on September 10, 2014 to review the terms of the draft contract. At this meeting, the following issues were raised by some business owners: the possibility of fifteen minute free parking or first hour free parking, commuter permit parking on Playstead Road, and a continued business permit program.

Subsequent to this meeting, the Chamber of Commerce issued a letter in support of the program to the Mayor.

“The city is appreciative of the Chamber of Commerce for its input and leadership on this issue,” said Mayor McGlynn.

The Chamber’s letter of support stated: “The Chamber of Commerce has been working with the city since 2009 to advocate for … additional parking … parking enforcement because it will benefit the businesses within the city by preventing commuters from occupying valuable space all day.”

The Chamber also acknowledged that “there are several beneficial aspects of this plan such as the user-friendly kiosks…”

After deliberating and discussing concerns raised by the business community, the Mayor is recommending the following changes to the Plan:

– Two 30 minute free parking spaces in West Medford Business District; South Medford Business District; Hillside Business District; Haines Square, and Medford Square

– Four paid single space meter spots in each of the above listed districts in addition to the kiosks

– Recommend $250,000 of the revenue generated on a yearly basis to be dedicated to Business District Improvements

– Retain Business and commuter permits

Highlights of the Parking enforcement program include: Pay by Plate Technology; solar powered multi-space kiosks, and a rate structure of $1/hour or 25 cents per 15 minute increment. As part of the contract, the City will incur no up-front costs for equipment and will retain all rights for the enforcement areas, routes, hours subject to enforcement and parking rates. The Vendor will implement a Medford Resident/minority hiring preference program and maintain an office in Medford.

“Republic plans for implementation will include a ‘roll-out’ plan where they will meet with the businesses, educate the public and provide a period of warnings instead of citations for violations,” said Mayor McGlynn. “I consider this another example of the benefits of business and civic leaders working toward a better quality of life in our City.”