What: Ephrata Borough Council meeting, March 11.
What happened: Council voted to install six parking kiosks on Main Street. Gone will be the familiar coin-operated meters that were a part of downtown parking since at least the 1950s.
Details: Council voted to purchase the kiosks from Butts Ticket Systems of Cochranville for $51,580. The borough will also spend an additional $9,430 for one-time set-up and configuration, a Bluetooth printer, and mobile citation paper rolls.
More: Meter times are based on the motorist’s license plate number, which is entered into the kiosk. The new kiosks will take coins or credit cards. If those parking their vehicles need additional time, they can add time remotely. Individuals can purchase up to two hours of parking.
Quotable: “If someone pays for ... half an hour but they find they need an hour, it can be done using their cellphone,” Borough Manager Nancy Harris said.
Added costs: According to a memo from David Burkholder, the borough’s engineering project manager, to the highway committee, the borough will budget for things like concrete pads for the kiosks, monthly software fees, license and support fees, maintenance fees and other costs as needed. Based on current parking receipts, Burkholder told the committee it could take three to five years to see a return on the investment.
What’s next: Harris does not know when work will begin, but it will be this year.
Cleaning service: Council approved an agreement with Myers Janitorial Services of Stevens to clean borough hall, the railroad station, the public restrooms and vestibule areas. The four-year contract calls for the borough to pay $20,995 in 2024, and $29,640 in 2025 through 2027.
Next meeting: Council will again meet on April 1. This is a non-voting session.
