Fredonia holds public hearing on proposed parking fine increases as residents report meter failures

The Village of Fredonia held a public hearing March 3, 2025, at Village Hall, 911 Church Street, on a proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2025 amending section 208-36 of the Village Code (reports of violations, citations), village officials said.

Residents who addressed trustees at the hearing urged the village to prioritize meter maintenance and limited, carefully calibrated increases in fines. Jim Lenny, who said he served on the village board when mechanical meters were replaced, told trustees parking revenues once approached $72,000 and have since declined, and he urged better maintenance rather than an expensive transition to kiosk meters. “The law increase in fines, I'm okay with. It's just the management of that department that needs to be addressed,” Lenny said.

Why it matters: The law would change fines and fees tied to parking citations and could affect how the village enforces short-term on-street parking. Public commenters said malfunctioning meters, frozen batteries in cold weather and inconsistent time credit have led to customer complaints and court letters on behalf of residents and businesses.

Residents gave specific examples of meter problems. Jerry Matheson said three meters recently failed to accept quarters or returned less time than indicated; another commenter said batteries had frozen this winter and suggested more frequent battery replacement or manufacturer remedies. Speakers also weighed technology options: some urged retaining working coin meters for visitors and keeping a mix of meters and an app, while others said apps are an inconvenience for some out-of-town visitors.

Officials responded that kiosk equipment had been researched and found “very, very expensive,” and that the village is examining a pay-by-app system that would reduce the number of physical meters but keep a subset of meters for visitors who do not use smartphone apps. Commenters recommended routine maintenance, quicker meter replacement schedules, and clearer on-meter instructions for any app system.

Formal step taken: Trustee Wandel moved to end the public hearing on Local Law No. 3 of 2025; the vote was recorded as Trustee Wandel — Aye; Trustee Syracuse — Aye; Trustee Brockler — Aye; Trustee Esperson — Aye. The motion to close the hearing carried.

What’s next: The public hearing record is closed; the board did not vote on adoption of the local law at the close of the hearing. Any future vote to adopt or amend Local Law No. 3 of 2025 would be taken at a subsequent meeting and recorded in meeting minutes.