Council approves $355,850 from parking receipts to replace downtown garage parking system

The City Council voted 8-1 on June 18 to appropriate $355,850 from parking receipts reserved for appropriation to replace the parking system in the EJ Gehr III downtown garage.

Central Services staff told council the garage system was installed in 2014 and the vendor recommends replacement every eight to 10 years. Credit-card readers have become obsolete and parts are no longer available; only two of the garage's four card readers were reported to be functioning. A failed bill acceptor could leave the garage without a working payment mechanism.

The replacement project was accelerated from a fiscal year 2028 capital plan item due to the equipment failures. Central Services contracted with a design firm to develop specifications and cost estimates; the appropriation includes a 10% contingency. Staff noted as an operational benefit that the new system will be compatible with ParkMobile, the city's mobile parking payment vendor.

Councilor Rothenberg cast the lone no vote; the motion otherwise passed with eight yes votes. Central Services said the project will be procured promptly; parking receipts reserved for appropriation will cover the cost.