THE
Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the
Morgantown Parking Authority was held at
PRESENT: Chairman
Ernest Fortuna, Vice-Chairman
Papandreas and Tom Arnold.
ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: None.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ernest
Fortuna at
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Upon a motion by Mr. McEwuen seconded by Mr. Papandreas and approved by unanimous vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of August 10, 2005 were approved as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Illegal Parking in the Wharf District:
Members of
Maintenance Projects in Public Safety Garage and Pleasant Street Deck:
Mr. Arnold is pleased with the work that Concrete
Preservations did in the
University Avenue Garage Stair Replacement:
The next major project for the Parking Authority will be
to repair the stairs in the
This project is not out to bid yet because there is a problem with the CAD machine that does the drawings. It has been budgeted at $45,000 with $3,400 of that going towards a glass enclosure on the top deck. The enclosure will help in the winter with snow removal and will allow people to be visible in the garage. This may deter individuals from urinating in the garage.
Mr. Papandreas asked about the maintenance garage for Lot K. Mr. Arnold said it has been put on hold to see how this year’s budget does. Last year was a good fiscal year however this year is not starting out as well. This year the stairwell work is top priority.
MPA Logo Change:
Mr. Arnold said he will be ordering new uniforms for the
Parking Authority employees and if there’s any changes to the logo he would
like to make them before ordering the uniforms.
He has spoken with several individuals who prefer to keep the name
“Morgantown Parking Authority”. Mr.
Papandreas suggested working with
Mr. McEwuen said the only reason for the logo change would be to change the Parking Authority’s image. This would be purely a marketing move and should be initiated quickly. He would like to establish the Parking Authority as the friendliest parking facility in town. Even though this will not change the Parking Authority’s income it should change the perception of the Parking Authority.
NEW BUSINESS:
Contingent Employee Shift Changes:
At a recent Parking Authority staff meeting it was requested by the staff to consider changing employees work schedules. This request came about because of the recent increase in gas prices. The shift change will be for the maintenance department, enforcement officers and office employees.
The employees
will work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. The enforcement officers will work
Mr. Byrne reminded Mr. Arnold that changes in personnel schedule is an administrative issue therefore; not necessarily an agenda item. Mr. Fortuna said he was very glad that Mr. Arnold put this on the agenda informing the members of his intentions.
Mr. Arnold
spoke with the Finance Director and other City offices regarding this
change. They don’t see any problems with
the extended staff hours except they don’t want the office hours changed from
Bid Approval for Collection Vehicle:
It has been five years since the Parking Authority purchased the “Gator” for $10,500 and it now has over 6,000 miles on it. Mr. Arnold believes this type of vehicle is inappropriate for the everyday stop and go of the collection officers. He would like to motorize the enforcement officers and get the maintenance employees out of the big pickup trucks. He has looked at several types of vehicles and has chosen the two-wheel drive Polaris. This vehicle is comparable to the needs of the Parking Authority and comes with turn signals, flashers, a hard cab with canvas doors, and is heated.
The two vehicles will be used for the enforcement and maintenance officers. One vehicle will replace the gator for money collection and the other will be for enforcement to carry immobilizing boots. The two vehicles should help on their productivity.
After a brief discussion it was moved by Mr. Byrne and seconded by Mr. Papandreas to accept the bid from Sports Rider for two Polaris motorized vehicles at a price of $10,625 each for a total of $20,850. Mr. Arnold will make an amendment to the budget.
High Street Parking Program:
Merchants on the 400 block of High Street requests a change in the short-term parking on High Street. They would like to deter students from parking there while they attend classes. Mr. Arnold said that would be discrimination and has requested that the merchants attend a Parking Authority meeting to discuss alternatives. Mr. Arnold said there is also a parking problem on the 300 block of High Street. Various vehicles and delivery drivers park on the right side where there are no meters. He would like to install parking meters there. Mr. Papandreas said the delivery drivers are creating a problem by parking too close to the corner of High and Fayette Streets.
OTHER MATTERS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Parking Authority upon a motion by Mr. Byrne, seconded by Mr. McEwuen and approved by unanimous vote went into Executive Session at 4:35 P.M., pursuant to 6-9A-4 of the Open Government Proceedings Act specifically subsection 9 to consider matters involving the purchase, sale, or lease of property, the investment of Public Funds or other matters involving commercial competition, which if made public might adversely affect the financial or other interest of the City or this Parking Authority.
_____________________________ ______________________________
DATE Ernest Fortuna, Chairman
Prepared by: _____________________________________
Dianna L. Kovalcheck