The memo, dated Aug. 13, is a discussion/informational item (staff recommended action: "receive and file") on the Aug. 21 agenda of the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Commission. City management's accompanying memo continues:

"The study concluded that, even with the rate increases, Long Beach will still have at or below average parking meter rates, maintaining our competitive advantage over other beach cities." City management says the next step is for staff to "reach out to the community to get their input on the proposed changes. Once this input has been received, we will return to the City Council with input from the various groups and provide recommendations for the City Council to consider."

So...do you think the parking meter rate hike will be good, bad or neutral for businesses along 2nd St.? Will it induce more drivers to try and park on neighborhood streets? Read the report and let us know your recommendation(s)..

The view City Hall's report, see below:

Long Beach Parking Meter Report (Aug. 2014)

City staff's report is accompanied by the following transmittal memo to the BSPBIAA.

[LB city staff memo]:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation to receive and file the Parking Meter Study Report prepared by City staff, and dated August 13, 2014, outlining various issues related to metered parking.

DISCUSSION

For several years the Commission has been exploring the possibility of replacing the parking meters in the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area (BSPBIA) with more efficient and modern meters. Studies have been conducted to analyze various options for upgrading the existing meters with the intention of improving efficiency of operation, as well as enhancing convenience for motorists. Some reported options have included in stallation of multimeter pay stations and new meter heads that allow for paying by credit cards, as well as coins.

Currently there are approximately 570 parking meters within the BSPBIA boundaries, and of those there are approx imately 365 on E. 2nd Street. Those meters located on E. 2nd Street have the rate set at $0.50 per hour, with a two-hour limit, and are enforced every day, except holidays, from 10:00AM to 7:00PM. The meters located in the City owned parking lots have the rate set at $0.25 per hour, with a two-hour limit, except for approximately 48 meters located at the south portion of the lots, which have a declining compound rate that starts at $0.25 per hour and declines to $0.13 per hour.

In addition to making it more convenient for motorists visiting Belmont Shore, a potential outcome as a result of upgrading the meters would be an increase of parking meter revenue. Other cities that have installed modern technology parking meters have reported an increase in revenue, as well as a decline in meter failure. The City of Long Beach commissioned City-wide parking meter studies to focus on both technical and financial aspects of installing new parking meters. The attached report details City staff conclusions.

RECOMMENDATION Approve recommendation

The Belmont Shore Parking/Business Improvement Area advisory body meets Thursday (Aug. 21) at 9:00 a.m. at the Bay Shore Library, 195 Bay Shore Ave.