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WILKES-BARRE — The city is again looking to profit from its parking assets and is seeking approval to spend $45,000 on a consultant to begin the process.
At council’s work session Tuesday, deputy city Administrator Tim Henry discussed the proposal submitted by Chicago-based Desman Design Management on the first phase of the study to possibly monetize the estimated 2,000 spaces at parking meters and in surface lots and four garages, including the James F. Conahan Intermodal Transportation Facility.
Desman was recommended to do similar number-crunching in 2012 when the city was considering leasing its parking assets in a long-term deal to raise an estimated $20 million to pay down debt and for infrastructure and public safety investments. The Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority later voted to discontinue the privatization process.
On the recommendation of financial consultant PFM Group of Philadelphia, the city is turning to Desman to review parking demand, future growth, facilities, revenues and expenses in the initial phase of the study. If the city decides to continue to the second phase, Desman, at a cost to be determined, would refine the data to pursue a deal.
Council had plenty of questions for Henry, who was filling in for city Administrator Ted Wampole.
Council chairman Tony Brooks was concerned about the cost. He asked if the city had anyone on staff qualified to conduct a similar study.
Henry informed him that it couldn’t be done in-house and the Phase 1 funding was included in this year’s $49.4 million general fund budget.
“Can I make a suggestion to, if we can, expand the study into the neighborhoods, particularly in neighborhood business districts,” Brooks said. In his district that includes Hazle Street, parking is limited and people are always jockeying for available spots, he said.
“My understanding is that is exactly the kinds of issues they will be looking into,” Henry replied.
Councilwoman Beth Gilbert asked if there was a Request for Proposals issued for the study.
“No, it’s a professional service,” Henry said.
Councilman Mike Belusko wanted to know why the study was not done before the city doubled the hourly rate at meters to $2 at the beginning of the year to raise revenues to balance the budget. “Don’t you think that would be part of this study?” Belusko asked.
“No, I don’t think so. I think the time had come to raise the parking fees anyway,” Henry said.
Councilman Bill Barrett suggested the city contact the Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority about partnering in the study that involves its garages and possibly sharing the cost.
“If in fact that’s what it’s looking at, they’re certainly going to benefit from having somebody take a look at their operations as well,” Barrett said.