Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parking Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barnacle immobilizers reduce repeat parking violations on Alligator Point; board opens negotiation items for island drop-off
Summary
Sheriff’s deputies reported that Barnacle immobilizers reduced repeat illegal parking on Alligator Point; commissioners discussed negotiating a Barnacle contract and a free drop-off box for St. George Island as part of future talks. Major Segree said deployments in March were fewer than earlier reports, indicating deterrence.
Franklin County deputies briefed the Board of County Commissioners on April 1 about renewed use of a parking-immobilizer system known as Barnacle on Alligator Point and recommended contract negotiations to expand the program to St. George Island.
Major Segree reported that since reintroducing the Barnacle device, deputies have deployed far fewer devices across weekends, which he described as evidence that the device deters repeat violators. He told the board that deployments in March dropped from about six or seven in an earlier weekend to two in the most recent weekend. He said the devices were working as designed: they attach to vehicles, are removed by vehicle owners, and are returned to the drop box without issue.
Commissioner Cheryl Sanders asked the sheriff’s office and staff to keep Barnacle vendor communications in the loop as contract talks proceed; Barnacle representatives had suggested a free drop-off location on St. George Island might be a negotiation point. Commissioner Jessica Ward relayed results of a deputy ride-along on Alligator Point and raised operational issues (charging/ connectivity for devices in the field and parking signage in some areas).
What’s next: Commissioner Amison and staff will meet with Barnacle representatives to negotiate contract terms including possible free equipment placement on St. George Island. The board asked staff to keep County Attorney David Theriaque and the clerk’s office informed during negotiations.
Quote: “It literally has worked flawlessly,” Major Segree said of the Barnacle device’s recent deployments.
Ending: No contract was signed at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue negotiations and to coordinate with law enforcement on operational details before returning with a draft agreement.
