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HomeMy WebLinkAboutS02-Public Works ...- - ~ File No. 6:51-'" - REQUWT FOR COUNCIL ArelON .cr., OF SAN BERNARDI'O From: Roger G. Hardgrave Dept: Public Works/Public Buildings Date: 4-30-86 Subject: Approval in Principle of Immobil izing Vehicles Habitual Parking Offenders Synopsis of Previous Council action: None. Recommended motion: That the immobilization of vehicles, with more than 5 unpaid parking citations or expired registration, by application of a "boot," be referred to the Legislative Review Committee for consideration of an amendment to the Municipal Code. cc: John Matzer, Jr., City Administrator Ralph Prince, City Attorney Wayne Overstreet, Public Blds. Supt. fAd'~ Signature Contact person: Wayne Overstreet Phone: 5244 Supporting data attached: Staff Report Ward: p~tI>,....LA.J}.. F-//"7 Source: Acct.#001-326-55066 Finance: jJ 0..-.. C J~-- FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: $1,750.00 (Proposed 1986-87 Budget for Parking Control Section) Council Notes: 7>-0262 Agenda Item No. S ...-- -- ~CllJ OF SAN BERNARDIO. - REQUWT FOR COUNCIL ArelON STAFF REPORT As of 4-02-86 there were 204 habitual parking offenders within the City of San Bernardino. These offenders have from 5 to 47 unpaid parking citations. We e~timate that these citations represent $44,000 in potential revenue. Presently, the only means of enforcing parking citations is to place a hold against the vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This hold must be released (by payment of outstanding citations) before the vehicle registra- tion will be renewed. However, there is a maximum possible tirr.e lag of one year, and many motorists do not renew their registration. The majority of these citations have been issued within the Central City area, where parking spaces are at a premium. Since most of the habitual vio- lators are employees, customers are denied use of the parking spaces by the deliberate offenders. It is clear that a more effective method of enforcing parking restrictions is needed. One method used by some cities is to immobilize vehicles with multi- ple citations by affixing a "boot" on a wheel. A "boot" can be carried in the parking control vehicles and applied by a Parking Control Checker. The operator of the immobilized vehicle would be required to come to the Public Buildings Division Office in the basement of City Hall and pay all outstanding parking citations in order to have the "boot" removed. Immobilization of vehicles is used by several major cities across the nation. In California the cities of Long Beach, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, and perhaps more, are using the "boot." The City of Hermosa Beach has used the "boot" since 1982, under the authority of CVC Section 22651, and has never been challenged in court. These cities have stated that use of the "boot" has in- creased their revenue by at least 25%, and promoted compliance with parking restric- tions. An amount of $1,750 is included in the proposed 1986-87 Budget for the purchase of 5 "boots;" We recommend that use of the "boot" be referrred to the Legislative Review Committee for consideration. URGENCY CLAUSE The recently written program for parking enforcement on the City's computer is being brought on 1 i ne .and the contractor for data processi ng servi ces is bei ng phased out. Therefore, this is an opportune time to place in effect more stringent parking enforcement measures. The amendment to the Municipal Code authorizing use of the "boot" will have to be approved before the units can be acquired. 75-0264