Item 12: Tickets for Unpaid Parking Fees

[COSM_Admin]

Consider approval of Ordinance 2024-55, on the first of two readings, amending Chapter 82, Article 4, of the San Marcos City Code by adding a new Division 4 to authorize the issuance of tickets by mail for non-payment of parking fees within the City of San Marcos parks paid parking lots, by updating the parking violation fee schedule to include a Level 1 Violation for non-payment of parking fees within the City of San Marcos parks paid parking lots, providing for a procedure to exempt residents from payment of the parking fees, and including a sunset provision for renewal of the ordinance; providing a savings clause; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; and declaring an effective date.

 

[JHughson]

We have been taking fees out of ordinances and placing them in the fee structure that is reviewed annual or every 3 years. Why are we back to including fees in the ordinance? At the meeting I will be suggesting that we change this.

 

[COSM_Admin]

Response provided by Rodney Gonzales, Assistant City Manager:

The parking fees can be included within The City of San Marcos Schedule of City Fees. Legal has drafted revisions to the proposed ordinance (please see attachment). We welcome an amendment from the dais that is in alignment with the attached revised ordinance.

And, we will discuss the use of the Schedule of City Fees at the next Directors meeting to reinforce that fees should not be approved by separate ordinance. And, we will explore having Finance added to the agenda approval path for items related to fees so that Finance can help to ensure that fees are not proposed by separate ordinance.