HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-2024 Fairhope Parking Authority Minutes
City of Fairhope Parking Authority meeting minutes
Monday, January 22, 2024
Present: Chad Bartz, Mandy Bezeredi, Morgan Slay, Bryan Flowers, Chris Shrader, Mayor Sherry
Sullivan, Stephanie Hollinghead/City liaison
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m.
Minutes from the meeting on December 11, 2023, were approved.
• Chad Bartz thoughts discussed:
o Connect with Mayor and City Council
o Potential grants to build awareness for the garage. Social media emphasis
o Parking spot of the month – award parking through social media
o USA interns (Chief said it may be March. She has submitted the request) Can we
engage beforehand? Be a part of a study.
▪ Develop an awareness program.
▪ Do an assessment.
• Mayor suggested getting with Hunter in planning. There are plans for Hotel/Med spa
downtown. The Board of Adjustments must approve the plan then the Parking Authority can
get involved to figure out parking. Other ideas – small lot behind Genes Beans, use
churches with shuttles. Suggested having a joint meeting with City Council to make sure
priorities align. Get directions for intern. Mayor also mentioned tags or stickers and zones
for students and merchants. A good starting point may be an awareness campaign after
dedication for alley. Then moving toward ordinances.
• Morgan’s comments ordinance needed. Whether 2 hours or parking meters. Valet would
serve a purpose but not solve problems.
• The Chief explained parking tickets. This has helped build an understanding of parking
rules.
• Discussion of parking kiosk meters. These would not require an app. Public private
partnership, or you can buy the kiosk.
• Alley – bathrooms open before Mardi gras. Everything else just after arts and crafts.
• A vacant position is still open on the Parking Authority.
• Brian suggested adding a picture of garage in Fairhope walking guide. Mayor says they have
also talked about doing a sea horse scavenger hunt.
• Work with Paige for social media posts.
• Line spaces at monkey bar.
• Chief says there is an app for updating parking map – make sure the spaces are accounted
for.
• Intern discussion – survey, assessment, informal survey of business owners to see where
they park.
o Hunter says they can help with tools.
o 14 weeks 8/9 hours a week (Intern use)
o No start date has been established yet.
o Survey of how many people work downtown.
• Hunter’s vision. Loves the puck concept. Need to determine what is being used and what is
being used appropriately. Does feel like we need more parking.
o Need for comprehensive plan.
• Next meeting date March 11, 2024
• Adjourn