By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Before long, motorists will not have to pump coins into meters in parking lots in downtown Bowling Green. But that doesn’t mean the end of those pesky yellow tickets.
Instead of feeding the meter, motorists will have to pay the kiosk.
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter reported to City Council Monday evening that as lighting and utility improvements were being discussed for Lot 2, located east of the first block of South Main Street, the issue of replacing the parking meters with kiosks was suggested.
The idea had “numerous advantages,” according to Tretter. The lot would be more attractive aesthetically, easier to maintain, and fit the city’s long-term plan, she said.
When discussing plans to resurface all the parking lots downtown, another question arose. “Does it make sense to pave this lot then punch holes in it,” Tretter said.
And since the parking meters in Lot 2 are removed for the annual Black Swamp Arts Festival every September, it would make further sense to replace them with kiosks, she added.
Initially, three kiosks will be spread throughout Lot 2. If it is determined that isn’t enough, the city will add more. The kiosks would accept coins, cash or credit cards. Motorists would have to enter their license plate numbers into the kiosk when paying.
The time limits will remain the same, with two hours in the parking spaces closer to South Main Street, and 10 hours for those closer to South Prospect Street.
Lot 2 will just be the first lot to lose meters, according to Tretter.
“We plan to implement this in all city lots in coming years,” she said.
Information about the kiosk parking plan will be made available in the gallery at Four Corners, 130 S. Main St. Officials will be available in the gallery to discuss the new system on June 28, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
In other business Monday evening, council:
- Learned the next Coffee with a Cop will be held June 29, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Biggby Coffee on East Wooster Street.
- Heard the city will “Pause for the Pledge” on June 14, at 10 a.m. in the area between the Wood County District Public Library and the Wood County Committee on Aging. A program on elder abuse awareness will then be presented in the senior center.
- Learned Buckeye Boys State starts Sunday at Bowling Green State University. “I remain optimistic that Boys State will continue to be held at BGSU for the next five years,” Edwards said.
- Heard the first Lunch in the Park for the summer went “exceptionally well,” with more than 150 attending, the mayor said.
- Got a report on more mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions, including Alisha Nenadovich to BG Housing Agency; Shannon Orr to City-University Relations; Cassidy Woodbury and Angelica Megyesi to Human Relations Commission; Robin Veitch to Parks and Recreation Board; and Kent Strange to Traffic Commission.
- Learned a fundraiser for the parks will be held June 13, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Dairy Queen.
- Heard a presentation on a fundraiser for veterans at Jimmy John’s on June 11, from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Agreed to hold a follow up discussion on trash receptacles on June 20 at 6:30 p.m.
