(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 23, 2014)
Ferndale City Council is expected to approve a three-year contract with Republic Parking System to manage the city’s new multi-space parking meters. Over the past year Ferndale launched a Park Plus system to replace quarter-operated machines. This enabled them to increase parking rates and make them variable based on location. It’s also increased revenue into the parking fund, which city leaders hope will enable them to erect a parking structure. The new system has also reduced theft. However, the system has also had problems and complaints, including long wait times at machines and general confusion as people figure out the new system. In response the City has increased lighting, added more machines, and done a video to teach people how to use the system.
According to the proposal to be presented at Monday’s City Council meeting:
During the February 10th City Council meeting, the City Manager’s Office introduced a recommendation to approve of an agreement for parking management services between the City of Ferndale and Republic Parking System.
If approved by City Council, the terms of the management agreement between the City of Ferndale and Republic Parking System will commence on March 1, 2014 and shall continue for a period of three (3) consecutive years ending February 28, 2017. At the conclusion of this contract, the contract will renew for two (2), one (1) year renewals.
The agreement may be terminated by the City of Ferndale at any time during the life of the contract with written notification to Republic Parking System with sixty (60) days’ notice.
Republic Parking System will charge a management fee of $1,250/month for the management of the City of Ferndale’s parking facilities. This fee covers investment advisory services, strategic planning, data management and analysis, as well as basic administrative services such as report preparation and presentation. There will also be Dispatch and IT extension services for $1,267/month. Plus there is a potential performance bonus of up to $5,000.
The city estimates that the parking system will bring in $890,000 this year, up from $760,000, making it an increase of $130,000, according to the Daily Tribune.
The cost for year one of the management service is expected to be $136,550, not including the bonus. The cost is expected to go up slightly in years two and three due to performance-based raises for the customer service Ambassadors.
All parking equipment will have a phone number listed on them that will be answered in the Command Center operated by 24/6 by Republic Parking System in Ann Arbor Michigan. Plus there will be an on-site Operations Manager and two hourly customer service Ambassadors, thoroughly trained in all aspects of customer’s service and versed in the service and repair of all revenue control equipment.
Program Costs: Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |||
Management Fee ($1250/month) | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | ||
Performance Bonus | $5,000 | $5,000 | |||
Liability Insurance | $15,600 | $15,600 | $15,600 | ||
Dispatch/Tech | $15,204 | $15,204 | $15,204 | ||
Parking Manager | $37,000 | $37,555 | $38,118.33 | ||
Ambassador #1 | $24,000 | $24,360 | $24,725.40 | ||
Ambassador #2 | $14,346 | $14,561.19 | $14,779.61 | ||
Workers Comp/Health Insurance | $15,400 | $15,400 | $15,400 | ||
Totals: | $136,550 | $142,680 | $143,827 | ||
For previous stories on parking, see:
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/11/25/ferndale-launches-quick-zone-free-parking-option/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/03/18/city-releases-video-to-help-people-learn-the-new-parking-system/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/03/11/free-parking-extended-and-rates-reverted-for-further-study/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/03/08/dda-recommends-rollback-in-parking-rates-hours/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/02/26/hammering-out-the-parking-problem-free-parking-extended-more-meters-ordered/
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/02/09/dda-addresses-parking-problems/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/02/22/parking-holiday-to-continue-through-monday/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/02/13/public-concern-over-parking-rates-and-machines-grows/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/01/11/downtown-parking-system-plans-proceed/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2012/04/24/parking-permit-pilot-program-public-meeting-wednesday/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2011/11/16/pay-by-phone-parking-system-launches-thursday/