HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated June 13, 1995 t w �
ITEM#
DATE June 13 95
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE INCREASING UNPAID ILLEGAL PARKING TICKETS
TO $10
BACKGROUND:
During consideration of the 1995-96 annual budget, considerable attention was given to
various methods of maintaining the parking enterprise fund's balance. Proposals from
staff included increases in various meter and rental rates, along with an increase in the
fine for illegal parking.
The current fine for overtime parking is $3 if paid within seven days of the date of
violation, increasing to $5 if paid within thirty days of the violation and to $10 if paid
thereafter. The current fine for all illegal parking violations is $5.
In accordance with the limited authority granted under the State Code, it is proposed that
the $5 fine for illegal parking violations be increased to $10 if not paid within thirty days
of the violation. This action would equalize the maximum parking fine for both illegal and
overtime unpaid tickets at$10. This increase should have several positive effects. First,
the higher fine will hopefully increase compliance with parking laws. Second, the higher
fine for unpaid tickets may increase revenues to the parking fund. This change will also
demonstrate to state officials that Ames has taken advantage of the full fine authority
granted to cities and counties under the limited provisions of the Code. Finally, the
change will also provide more consistency and be less confusing to citizens.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the attached ordinance increasing the fine payable for illegal parking violations
to $10 if paid after thirty days of the violation.
2. Do not adopt the attached ordinance implementing this change in the illegal parking
fine.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1,
thereby adopting the attached ordinance increasing the fine payable for illegal parking
violations to $10 if paid after thirty days of the violation.
COUNCIL ACTION: