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College Park staff ask council to authorize emergency replacement of single‑space smart meters
Summary
Parking enforcement staff told council a longtime vendor signaled closure, parts/batteries for existing single‑space meters are becoming unavailable, and staff have solicited quotes from three vendors and will return with a recommendation; staff also flagged equity concerns with mobile‑only payment.
Jim Miller, the city’s parking enforcement manager, briefed the council on Jan. 13 about an emergency replacement for College Park’s single‑space smart meters after the city’s longtime vendor, POM Incorporated, indicated it was closing or selling its business.
Miller said the existing single‑space meters are about six years old and currently functional, but replacement parts and batteries are no longer being manufactured, leaving the city with limited repair options. "We received word on September 15 from our longtime vendor, POM Incorporated, that they were gonna be either closing or selling the business," Miller said, describing a time‑sensitive procurement need.
Staff contacted three vendors for quotes: FlowBird (the city’s new pay‑station vendor), IPS Group (requested a virtual meeting), and McKay Meters. Miller said staff will recommend a vendor once quotes are in and asked council for authority to return at a future meeting with a formal recommendation and contract language.
Council members asked for a map showing the 71 existing single‑space meters; Miller said he would provide one. On revenue, Miller gave a ballpark estimate that the 71 spaces generate roughly $30,000 per year in paid transactions (credit card and coin), excluding fines and citations.
Councilors also raised alternatives, including mobile‑app‑only payment. Miller cautioned that mobile‑only systems have excluded some customer groups in other cities and said the city must weigh convenience against equity for seniors and shoppers who rely on coin or physical‑on‑street options.
What’s next: Staff will provide the map of the 71 meters, return with vendor quotes and a recommendation, and schedule a procurement item for council consideration. No contract was approved at the Jan. 13 work session.
