02/14/2019 - updated 03/16/2019

Fort Williams Park pay/display parking proposal, supporting ordinance set for March 18 workshop

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Update - at the March 18 workshop the council will also discuss a proposal to allow some town employees to serve on citizen boards and committees

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The Town Council will hold a workshop at 6 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2019 on a proposed pay/display parking program for Fort Williams Park and associated amendments to the town's traffic ordinance.

Councilors scheduled the workshop at their meeting Feb. 11, after receiving a proposal for the parking program from Unified Parking Partners of Portland. At the same meeting, the council scheduled a public hearing for April 8 on proposed amendments to the traffic ordinance that will support pay/display parking in the park.

Four vendors attended a pre-bid meeting in response to a request-for-proposals issued in December, said Town Manager Matthew Sturgis. The proposal from Unified Parking was the only one submitted at for the Jan. 3 bid opening.

As directed by the request-for-proposals, the bid offers an option for the town to purchase pay/display units; and for a complete package that includes management and enforcement.

Some councilors were concerned that only one bid was submitted, but Sturgis said even national vendors were solicited to no avail. He said United's proposal met all of the requirements of the RFP, and that the workshop will be a good chance for councilors to understand all aspects, including anticipated revenues and customer service.

Supporting ordinance

The bigger challenge to implementing pay/display parking, Sturgis said, is setting the legal foundation for the program through the town's traffic ordinance.

The council's ordinance subcommittee has reviewed and has recommended amendments, which will also be discussed by the full council March 18. A public hearing was set for April 8 so that, if approved, the amendments could become effective 30 days later, although the parking program may not be ready by then.

"We want to make sure we do this right and not do it fast," said Council Chair Jamie Garvin.

Garvin said he is looking to come out of the workshop with consensus on a recommended parking program and an ordinance that supports it. "To bring that forward on the next agenda and then ultimately set a public hearing for discussion on that," Garvin said.

Here are some highlights of the parking-fee proposal as of Nov. 14: [ download manager's synopsis]

• Fees collected May 1-Nov. 1 only
• Ten meters would be installed in five premium areas of the park, covering 270 parking spaces
• Areas for free parking to the rear of the park (Playground, Children's Garden, Officers Row areas)
• Non-residents would pay:
  • $2 with a minimum of 2 hours ($4 minimum per visit).
  • $10 full day
  • $15 seasonal pass
• Cape Elizabeth residents would park for free with a pass available at the police department