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REGULAR MEETING October 10, 2016 Councilmember Davis asked how much would we have to subsidize because he would be more willing to vote yes tonight if we can justify to people that we will still be in debt on the garages. At the moment we don't know how far we are in debt. He stated his opinion that if we get that collection rate up we don't need these increases. Mr. Perri responded we are at an annual operating deficit of $900,000 a year right now on the garages that is subsidized from the rest for the City. Even if we got one - hundred percent (100 %) collections and did the fees we would still be $500,000 a year short. Councilmember Davis stated he thought we met budget already with the current system. Chairperson Ferlic commented that we are meeting budget but that is with the City still subsidizing from somewhere else. Right now that is at about $900,000 in subsidies. This all still comes from the taxpayers anyway. Councilmember Broden asked going forward knowing the history that there hadn't been changes in a while, what would Mr. Perri's recommendation be on when the increases should be. Mr. Perri responded the historic cadence had been approximately every five (5) years. He recommends to get back on that cycle. The consultant of the parking study actually recommended to build it into the ordinance. That was a recommendation we didn't follow. Councilmember Broden asked why not have the escalation built in so we don't have to deal with this every five (5) years. Mr. Perri responded he didn't believe the Council would like to legislate automatic increases. Councilmember Broden stated one (1) of the report's recommendations was a need for better signage and awareness. How fast are some of those improvements like automation going to happen. Mr. Perri responded it is part of the entire project we are looking to introduce. Some of these capital funds go to address signage and equipment upgrades. It is our goal by January 1St, 2016 when these rates go into effect to have the automatic payment systems up and running. In terms of signage and awareness there is a desire by his office as well as the Board of Public Works to do a sign audit in downtown and understand a comprehensive way - finding package. That may take a little bit longer but it is an important piece of the puzzle. Councilmember Broden thanked Mr. Perri for his answers. In regards to the amnesty program, she asked if anyone feels that one (1) day will be a sufficient time period given these numbers of uncollected tickets. Clerk Fowler responded if it is just for parking, one (1) day will be sufficient. If we expand to all citations in the City that would be a different story. She stated she is glad to work with Council and all other stakeholders to tweak and expand the program as we move forward. Councilmember Williams- Preston asked if people could pay online for that amnesty program. Clerk Fowler responded they could go online and pay and also come in. There is one (1) other provision in here that people would still have to pay court costs if the ticket was sent to legal. When this first goes into effect, we will probably see the biggest economic impact because we will have the ability to go back on tickets that are outside the statutory limit. Councilmember Davis asked what percentage of people are currently paying late. Clerk Fowler responded in total we only have twenty percent (20 %) total of people paying. That means automatically eighty percent (80 %) of the other people are late. It may be a bit larger than that because some that do pay, pay after the late fee. No one from the public spoke in favor of the bill. Those from the public wishing to speak in opposition: Jesse Davis, P.O. Box 10205 South Bend IN, stated he has a couple of concerns and questions. The good point was made that we are throwing around numbers like $1.1 million and then it goes down to $213,000. It is pretty confusing for someone trying to follow along plus throwing in 11