The Public Safety & Transportation Committee voted to hold the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Possible ordinance change on residential parking programs and fee structures (8–0). Councilors discussed increasing sticker and guest pass fees to $25 each and how to equitably cover administrative costs. The committee debated guest pass limits, off-street parking usage, and special exemptions for home health aides.
- Discussion and possible ordinance change on the categories and levels of parking fines (8-0). The City would need a Home Rule petition approved by the State to raise the fines for parking violations above $25. “The Chair noted she and Councilor Downs would introduce another item asking for an ordinance change, which will be referred to both the Finance Committee and the Public Safety and Transportation Committee. Captain Devine noted fines have not been raised in a while and they would support a raise in the fines.”
- Requesting a policy discussion, review, and possible action related to parking on-street and in municipal lots (7-0-1, Councilor Lipof abstaining). The Committee discussed bringing in individuals and other departments to further discuss the issue.
Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Downs, Lucas, Block, Bixby, Greenberg, Lipof, and Wright
City Staff: Captain Daniel Devine, Newton Police Department, David Koses, Transportation
Coordinator
