ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to Approve a Professional Services AGREEMENT with PASSPORT PARKING, INC. to Provide a MOBILE PAYMENT PROGRAM for Parking.
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Peoria owns and operates many pay-for-parking spaces in the downtown area. This includes over 3,000 spaces within the 4 public parking decks and many surface lots, as well as over 600 metered on-street parking spaces. For many years, the City has managed the on-street parking spaces with parking meters, and sold monthly permits and hourly parking within the parking structures.
Recently, the City has been exploring new technology to provide patrons with a wider array of payment options, as well as a better way to track parking facility productivity and usage. The City has been experimenting with multi-space parking meters, which have an online tracking function to allow patrons the ability to pay with credit cards. That option is expensive, with many user complaints. Now with the availability of newer, cloud-based technology, the City explored newer options.
In March 2015 the Public Works Department issued a Request for Qualifications to solicit vendors for a mobile pay system (pay-by-cell phone) for the paid parking spaces in the City of Peoria. On March 27, 2015 Public Works received 2 proposals from parking vendors. A review committee comprised of employees from several departments: Chris Setti, Assistant City Manager, Michael Rogers Public Works Director, Scott Reeise Deputy Director/City Engineer, Nick Stoffer Traffic Engineer and Michael Scott Parking Enforcement Supervisor reviewed the proposals and selected Passport Parking, Inc. Staff negotiated a contract with Passport to implement a 90-day trial of the mobile pay system. Upon a successful completion of the trial, the system will be expanded to the rest of the paid on-street parking. The system is flexible and it is intended that the City's off-street parking facilities also be included in the mobile pay system at some time in the near future.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The professional services will be paid from the CIP Parking Meter Technology Project CB1420. The initial cost of the contract will be cost neutral to the City. The City will be required to purchase technology such as Android Phones and Bluetooth printers for the enforcement aspect of the system. City Staff will install any signs required for the system. If the City chooses to implement a branded solution to the mobile pay system with City of Peoria specific branding, there will be a $1500 cost for this service.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: The mobile pay system will open up greater flexibility for paying for parking. Coins will still be allowed in parking meters. No concerns are anticipated.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City will enter into an agreement with the vender to implement a 90-day trial of the mobile pay system. Upon a successful completion of the trial, the system will be expanded to the rest of the paid on-street parking. The system is flexible and it is intended that the City's off-street parking facilities also be included in the mobile pay system at some time in the near future.
IMPACT IF DENIED: Staff will look at other ways to provide these services.
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Passport Parking, Inc. has current EEO number 03323-160630.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
3. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Keep taxes and fees competitive.
3. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works