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Council hears options for towing, booting and payment technology; asks staff to offer administrative changes
Summary
Police and staff briefed the Council on ticketing, booting and towing procedures; members discussed QR-code payment options, modern Barnacle devices and possibly delaying towing until the next business day to reduce burdens on individuals, with staff directed to refine policy details.
The Vero Beach City Council on Jan. 27 reviewed current parking-enforcement procedures and asked staff and police to consider administrative changes to reduce hardship for residents while preserving enforcement.
Why it matters: Council members expressed concern about low-income residents being disproportionately affected by towing and lien fees and asked staff to explore adjustments to timing and payment options.
Lieutenant Brian Kerensky described the process: after two unpaid citations the city issues a notice making the vehicle eligible for booting; a certified-mail notice follows and booting can occur after that process, with vehicles subject to a two-hour minimum before towing. State law caps lien-release fees at $250 and the City had adopted the County's fee schedule.
Council discussed allowing payment by QR code on the ticket and using modern GPS-enabled Barnacle devices that allow on-site payment and remote release codes, though the device would carry about $300 monthly operating cost. Several members recommended staff consider delaying towing until the next business day to give vehicle owners a chance to pay. City Manager Monte Falls said he would work with the Police Department to refine operational details.
No ordinance change was made; staff will return with recommendations to adjust enforcement timing and payment options.
