TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract with Parkeon, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $350,000 to purchase up to 41 multi-space parking meters without advertising for bids; and increase appropriations in the Tidelands Fund (TF 411) and the Department of Public Works (PW) by $190,000 for the immediate purchase of 20 multi-space parking meters for installation at The Pike. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
On April 17, 2006, the City of Long Beach launched a gO-day trial of five new Parkeon payand-display parking pay stations that replaced 22 single-space parking meters in The Pike area downtown. These solar-powered electronic kiosks accept Mastercard or VISA debit/credit cards and coins to pay for parking.
This demonstration project was developed to address the challenge of patrons wishing to park on-street in The Pike area where the meter rate is set at $2 per hour. With individual meters, parking for the two-hour maximum time limit requires that 16 quarters be deposited into each parking meter. The Parkeon multi-space parking meters provide more flexible payment options, accepting credit and debit cards, as well as coins, which provides greater convenience for motorists.
Parkeon meters were selected for the demonstration after a city review team met with four providers of multi-space parking meters. Because this is a fairly new technology, each company was invited to bring in a working meter to demonstrate the operation of their parking pay stations, and discuss their company's experience with the operation of their systems in other locations. After considering the pros, cons and options that were presented, staff selected the Parkeon pay-and-display machines for the demonstration project, both for operational flexibility and the company's overall experience with similar operations.
Many benefits have been realized from the operation of these Parkeon multi-space meters, including better management of our parking operations. Down time has been reduced because staff is notified through wireless communication of any problems or malfunctions.
The use of solar power also allows for an environmentally-friendly solution that enables real-time credit and debit card payments.
Revenues with the Parkeon stations increased by 19% as compared to the same period in 2005 when single spaced meters operated in the same location. Almost 60% of the total revenue was paid by credit card.
The Parkeon machines also provide greater benefits for merchants and motorists. The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) downtown guides assisted the City in conducting a survey of users for one week following the demonstration project. Of the 142 respondents, the majority liked the machines (59%) and supported expanding the demonstration program (65%). A survey of the merchants was conducted on the City's behalf by The Pike management, and the results showed that the merchants, too, were in support of expanding the trial throughout The Pike.
A resolution to purchase the additional meters from Parkeon is included for your approval.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Lori A. Conway on May 24,2007, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 25, 2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on June 5, 2007 so that the meters can be installed.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the immediate purchase of up to 20 multi-space parking meters in the amount of $190,000 is unbudgeted; therefore, an appropriation increase is requested in the Tidelands Fund (TF 411) in the Department of Public Works (PW).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH PARKEON, INC. WITHOUT ADVERTISING FOR BIDS, TO PURCHASE UP TO 41 MULTI-SPACE PARKING METERS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $350,000
Respectfully Submitted,
CHRISTINE F. ANDERSEN
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |