Proposed Changes in Parking: Kiosks
Note: This page was created in an effort to centralize information regarding the Mayor's 2017 parking plans. For further information or to ask additional questions, please e-mail [email protected] or call 845-334-3902.
History
In summer 2016, the City of Kingston launched an effort to engage the public in the development of the 2017 budget. A budget forum was held and an online budget survey was distributed. A common theme among many of the participants in this process was that taxpayers were unable to carry more than they already do and that a significant change was needed. In order to respond to these concerns and to enable the City to sustain its essential services without an additional burden placed on all taxpayers, the 2017 budget includes a number of examples in which users are charged fees for individualized services, including parking. Mayor Noble introduced his vision of shifting towards user-based fees during his Budget Message in October 2016. The Finance Committee of the Common Council endorsed the proposed budget with very few changes and the full Common Council approved the amended budget in December 2016.
As part of this user-based fee system, the Mayor proposed installing kiosks in municipal parking lots throughout the City. A majority of the revenue was committed to go towards the extensive maintenance and repair of these municipal lots. While a $40 monthly permit fee was originally proposed, the Mayor responded to concerns among residents and employees who often park in the lots and amended this proposal to offer a $10 permit for frequent users for the remainder of 2017. The modest $10 fee is required to purchase the permit placards and for processing fees. The Mayor then announced his intention to establish a parking work group that would be tasked with making recommendations for long term solutions to the City's parking issues.
At the January 2017 Common Council meeting, the Council made the necessary code changes and modified the fee schedule to include the $10 permit and $0.75 per hour fee. The vote for the bond to purchase the kiosks did not garner the six votes necessary to be approved at that meeting. The Mayor then attended the January Finance Committee to restate the goals of the parking proposal and to respond to any questions or concerns from Council members. The Finance Committee then endorsed a resolution for the required bonding, with the full Council expected to vote at the February 7th Common Council meeting.
About the Timetable for the Kiosks
The purchase of the kiosks are part of the well-vetted adopted 2017 budget. The administration is seeking the tools necessary to implement that budget and meet the demands and expectations for revenue projections and the provision of services. If the bond ordinance is passed, the City will then enter into contract with ACCESS TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION, INC. The kiosks will arrive 6-8 weeks after they are ordered. During this wait time, the City must prepare for implementation by training staff on the back-end of the parking system, facilitate the integration of the parking software with the City's financial management systems, create necessary signage, finalize kiosk locations, and launch the permit process for frequent users. Since the vast majority of revenue will be collected from hourly fees, it is prudent to purchase and install the kiosks in a timely manner.
Reference Documents:
Original Request for Proposals from City of Kingston
Submission by ATI/Parkeon
Summary of Costs for Kiosks
DRAFT Locations of Kiosks
Parking Lot Costs
About the Parking Work Group
The Parking Work Group will be tasked with discussing the short term and long term options for improving the availability of parking, evaluating the use and efficiency of current parking infrastructure, researching and reviewing options to improve and maintain off-street lots and other parking infrastructure without adding a burden to taxpayers, and offering recommendations to be considered by the Mayor and Common Council with respect to proposed changes to the City’s parking management system. Applications to serve on the Parking Work Group can be found here and will be accepted until February 10th. Once the Parking Work Group is established, the Mayor will work with the members to develop clear goals and a timetable to achieve these goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Parking Kiosks
Q: Will users be required to pay for parking in the lots during snow emergencies?
A: No. Parking fees in the lots will be waived for the duration of the snow emergency. The display on the kiosks will inform users that payment is not required and when parking fees will resume.
Q: How much will parking cost in the lots? Are there any discounts?
A: Parking will be available for $0.75 per hour. A $10 permit will be made available for frequent users of off-street parking for the remainder of 2017. Permits ensure a discounted rate, but do not guarantee parking availability.
Q: When will these changes in parking fees go into effect? Will the public know ahead of time?
A: The anticipated start date for use of the kiosks in the lots is spring 2017. The City will launch the new program with on-site assistance at the lots for the first few days, as well as a comprehensive public informational campaign.
Q: How will parking rules be enforced in the lots?
A: While a number of options are available for enforcement in the lots (pay by space, pay and display or pay by plate), the City intends to implement “pay by plate.” This means that users will be instructed to input their license plate numbers into the kiosk.
Q: When will parking rules be enforced in the lots?
A: As with on-street parking, off-street parking fees can be enforced Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm.
Q: What are the payment options?
A: The kiosks will accept coins, credit cards and mobile app payments through Parkeon’s Whoosh! app.
Q: How will monthly parking permits be purchased?
A: We anticipate permits will be available for purchase online using a credit card or by mail via check.
Q: Does the City of Kingston have a parking ticket appeals process?
A: Yes. Parking tickets may be appealed online here or by completing an appeal request in the City Comptroller's Office.
Related Articles on Parking and 2017 Budget:
Daily Freeman (08/10/16) "Kingston Budget Forum on August 18th seeks to get public involved in process"
Mid-Hudson News (08/19/16) "Kingston kick starts 2017 budget process with budget forum"
Mid-Hudson News (09/16/16) "Kingston budget survey comes to a close"
Daily Freeman (10/17/16) "Tax rates down slightly in Kingston Mayor Steve Noble's 2017 Budget Proposal"
Times Herald Record (10/17/16) "Mayor outlines $41.45M Kingston budget plan"
Kingston Times (10/18/16) "Kingston proposes end to free parking"
TWC News (10/18/16) "Kingston Mayor talks tax levy, city position eliminations, parking in budget proposal"
Daily Freeman (11/21/16) "Kingston council committee endorses most increased fees proposed by Mayor Noble"
Kingston Times (11/23/16) "Kingston parking plan will include discounts for frequent users, rates to be announced later"
Kingston Times (12/8/16) "Kingston OK's parking rate hikes"
Daily Freeman (12/14/16) "Kingston lawmakers to consider purchase of municipal parking lot payment kiosks"
Kingston Times (01/12/16) "Kingston Mayor announces super-cheap permits for frequent lot users"