City of Reno: Downtown parking agreement terminated

As of midnight July 12, 2013, the City of Reno has terminated the agreement with Curb System, LLC for the downtown parking kiosk system due to the failures of the system not being addressed to the satisfaction of the City.

On March 13, 2013, the City issued a Notice of Termination to Curb System, LLC, identifying areas of failure of the parking kiosk system and provided 120 calendar days for the company to correct the deficiencies. The 120 day period ended as of midnight July 12, 2013. At Wednesday’s City Council Meeting, Council had approved for the City Manager to continue with the termination of the agreement and proceed with any necessary legal action.

Some of the issues with the parking system included:

• No payment received of the shortfall (revenue loss), which totals more than $800,000 (as of May 31, 2013).
• Multiple failures of working kiosks.
• Kiosks failing to accept payments.
• No performance bond provided to guarantee the performance of work, warranty performance, and removal of the system along with restoring the previous City property.

Beginning today, the parking kiosks will be taken out of service and on Monday, July 15 the re-installment of the previous single-spaced meters will be placed in the most congested, high-demand parking areas (i.e. around the courthouse, near St. Mary’s hospital, and the main areas of downtown). “Businesses have expressed how important it is for them to have parking turnover. The re-installment of the single-spaced meters will help them by providing that turnover until a permanent parking system can be implemented,” advised Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger.
“Our focus is on helping businesses, not on generating revenue. We want residents and visitors to come downtown, visit the businesses, and enjoy our special events, while having a convenient experience.” The re-installation will take approximately one month to be completed.

The Next Step:

During the week of July 15, 2013, the City will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive, integrated parking system. In addition, at the August 14, 2013 City Council Meeting, city staff will be seeking direction from Council regarding a citywide parking program. “Any parking system needs to perform to the satisfaction of our community and the City,” advises Clinger.

Important information for residents to know during the parking system transition:

• Curb System’s kiosks will be taken out of service on Saturday, July13 and on Monday, July 15 the re-installment of the single-spaced meters will begin (re-installation will take approximately one month).
• Unless there is a meter at the individual parking space, no payment is due.
• Signs will be posted to help provide information.
• Areas that have designated time limits will be enforced.
• Parking enforcement is Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The single-spaced meters only accept coins so make sure to bring change ($1.00 per hour).
• For questions visit Reno.gov/parking or contact Reno Direct at 334-INFO (4636).