Staff proposes seasonal paid beach parking with alternatives at $3–$7 an hour

Town staff presented a detailed proposal to the Community Services and Public Safety Committee to implement a paid beach-parking program across town-owned beach parks and asked the committee to recommend a rate and set of operational parameters to Town Council.

The staff presentation outlined five program objectives — control demand, communicate availability, provide safe paid parking, offer user-friendly administration, and protect adjacent neighborhoods and businesses — and said an ordinance already moved out of committee would rescind outdated code language and define resident exemptions. On revenue scenarios staff showed one‑year and 10‑year projections at $3/hour, $5/hour (staff recommendation), and $7/hour with a $30 daily cap. The staff recommendation emphasized seasonally applied collection (March 1–Sept. 30) because “implementing this seasonal application really only reduces your revenues by a projected $200,000 each year,” staff told the committee.

On the proposed mechanics, staff said paid hours would be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with parks open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and that most capital hardware (gate arms, cameras) is already in place though some software subscriptions for remote pay/occupancy features may be required. The presentation noted current contracted management costs (PCI) and upfront technology investment; staff framed a key goal as making the program self‑sustaining so general‑fund support would not be required.

The committee did not settle on a single rate; members asked for alternatives to be included in the resolution to Town Council. Committee guidance recorded for Council included: seasonal application (March 1–Sept. 30), paid hours 7 a.m.–7 p.m., resident passes free (see separate article), and a set of rate alternatives ranging roughly from $3/hour (with lower daily caps) to $5/hour (with a $30 max).