Waterberry awards LAZ Parking contract to modernize meters and introduce QR payments

The Waterberry Board of Aldermen approved a contract April 6 with LAZ Parking Limited LLC to operate and modernize the city's parking program, including replacement kiosks, QR- and app-based payment options and reporting dashboards for police and finance.

Staff and LAZ representatives said the contract is designed to address frequent kiosk failures, speed payment processing, and capture previously uncollected revenue while keeping in-person dispute processes and parking-attendant jobs intact. LAZ told the board the company is PCI Level 1 compliant and will remit monthly reconciled revenue to the city.

Aldermen questioned cash-payment access for seniors and others who do not use smartphone payment methods; LAZ and staff said two new kiosks will accept cash and cards and that kiosks will remain available in high-traffic locations while app and QR payment options are introduced. Board members also pressed for clarity about vendor selection and asked to see competing proposals; staff said a stakeholders' committee reviewed responses and recommended LAZ.

The board approved the contract and added a non-substantive amendment: the mayor's office will notify the Board of Aldermen before exercising any option-year renewals (the amendment does not change mayoral authority to renew). City staff said the contract is a two-year initial term with up to four one-year options and that year-one pricing includes waived setup fees.

What happens next: LAZ will begin kiosk replacements and roll out the QR/app payment capability; staff said the city will receive monthly revenue reconciliations and maintain intake points for disputes and in-person assistance.