Council hears parking fund review: merchant fees, underused Gateway lot and dynamic signage

Patrick Ferguson, the city’s transportation supervisor, presented the Parkland/Parking Fund budget and described staffing, purchase services and revenue lines for Gateway and Mary Street parking areas. He emphasized that the proposed budget reduces seasonal part‑time hours by proposing a full‑time parking authority position and that purchase services (about 30% of operating budget) cover equipment and contract maintenance.

Ferguson highlighted merchant service and bank fees charged on Gateway transactions — roughly $48,000 a year — and said those fees are tied to the contractor and banking arrangement. A councilor suggested reviewing merchant service arrangements and considering whether fees could be passed through to consumers or offset by compensating balances within the city’s banking relationship. Ferguson said the city is encouraging mobile payments via the Passport app to reduce fees and improve convenience.

Councilors also pressed for better signage and dynamic parking displays to reduce circling traffic and push visitors to underused lots such as Gateway. Ferguson said a solar‑powered dynamic sign planned for Mary Street proved unreliable in initial reviews but remains in the CIP and staff will explore alternative solutions through the parking contractor. He noted a discount parking program at Gateway generated about $85,000 last year and that Long Walk lot closure for construction will shift some users to Gateway this season.

The presentation was informational; councilors asked staff to return with options and memos on signage, merchant fees and contract details.