Committee backs $5-per-hour, seven-day beach parking recommendation for council, adds Coligny

The committee revisited the town's beach parking fee structure and weekend pricing after earlier council action set mixed hourly and flat weekend fees. Staff explained the current structure: $3 per hour Monday through Friday with a $15 daily cap, and a $20 flat daily fee for Saturday and Sunday.

Assistant (staff presenter) outlined options and operational considerations and noted the fee schedule is set by council resolution. Committee members debated goals: increasing turnover, protecting resident priority, and preserving budget projections. Some members favored retaining the $3/hour schedule with weekend flat fees; others urged moving to a consistent hourly system to support turnover and simplify operations.

Several members recommended changes to weekend pricing. One member suggested $4/hour on weekends (cap $20); another urged $5/hour with no cap to maximize turnover and revenue. Public commenters and some members warned about impacts to nearby businesses and the need for better data: the committee discussed limitations comparing current spring-season numbers to past free-year baselines.

After debate the committee voted to forward to full council a recommendation for a uniform $5-per-hour rate seven days a week with no daily maximum and to begin charging at Coligny Beach Park; some committee members reserved the right to argue for alternatives at council. Staff will prepare resolution language and data to support council deliberations.

The recommendation will be considered by full council, which will set the final rate and any caps by resolution.