(5/2) At its May 2 meeting, the Emmitsburg Town Council tabled updates to modernize town parking fees.

A town parking policy was presented that updated parking fees, fines, and permits that have not been reviewed since 2018, Gulden said. The policy also contains a proposed five-year parking plan with significant cost to the town totaling more than $153,000.

Staff recommended replacing current parking meters with digital meters at an estimated cost of $66,000. Town Staff noted they are no longer able to repair the current outdated mechanical meters, thus recommending the upgrade. The digital meters also hold the advantage of being able to take digital payments.

The proposed ordinance would modernize the town’s vehicle and traffic code to allow parking fees and fines to be paid on-line by credit card. Staff indicated that the town can work with a vendor to accept electronic meter payments, which will cost nothing to the town and allow payments through mobile devices.

Additionally, the ordinance proposes extending ‘meter hours’ from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The parking enforcement hours will then be staggered. The cost of ‘feeding’ a meter would also increase from the current rate of 10 cents for 24 minutes and 25 cents per hour.

Staff also recommended putting 32 digital parking meters in the community pool parking lot, which currently offers free parking to swimmers or individuals enjoying the adjoining park.

Under the proposed policy, parking permit fees would increase yearly, for four years starting in July, to help fund various parking upgrades throughout town. The current rate for a parking pass is five dollars a day, $60 for three months, and $115 for six months. Parking passes allow holders to park at any meter without the inconvenience of putting coins in the meter, and even with an expected gradual increase as well, parking passes are still the cheapest option, Gulden said.

In May, the town staff started using a new handheld device to enforce parking regulations on permit holders. The device takes a picture of the permitted vehicle with a time stamp, alleviating the need to chalk tires, and can alert the staff when to check back to see if the vehicle is still there, at which time a parking violation can be issued.

Town staff suggested purchasing two ‘parking boots’ and accessories at an estimated cost of $2,000. The ‘parking boots’ would be used on repeat offenders with outstanding tickets. Utilization of ‘parking boots‘ as opposed to towing, offers significant cost savings, staff told the Council, as towing offending vehicles can cost more than $200 while boot removal is a $50 fine paid.

The town is potentially looking to sell 303 West Lincoln Avenue with the proceeds to be used toward a municipal parking lot at a cost of $40,000 to be constructed around 2025 to 2026. Research is underway to purchase additional property for parking.

Due to the nature of the changes and the amount of information presented, town staff anticipated the council would table the policy while awaiting more information. "Nothing is set in stone," Town Manager Cathy Willets said. More information is expected to be presented at the council’s July meeting.