New City Ordinance Will Allow More Time to Pay Tickets

By Christina Georgiou

Introduced at the City of Easton council meeting Wednesday evening, a new ordinance will modify the existing provisions and allow up to 90 days for those who receive parking tickets to pay their fines before the ticket is sent to the local magistrate's office. Currently, the limit is 60 days.

But, while council members seem favorably disposed to the new measure, which is set to be voted on at their next regular meeting in two weeks, some questioned the logic of the fine schedule.

Councilman Roger Ruggles noted that the fine for parking in three College Hill registered permit parking zones without a permit escalates to a $110 fine if paid 61 to 90 days after the ticket was issued, while other violations escalate to a $95 penalty in the same time period. Both sets of infractions initially carry a $50 fine, if paid within one business day of the violation.

"Someone could park in front of a fire hydrant and they'd pay less of a penalty than this," he said. "I just don't understand why these are the most severe penalties on the list, when I see things on the list that to my mind are much more severe."

Councilman Jeff Warren, who introduced the bill, said he agreed that some of the escalating fine amounts should be looked at and possibly changed before it's passed.

Mayor Sal Panto agreed as well, noting that one infraction on the list, "unauthorized parking on private property" may not be enforceable, as the city isn't allowed to issue tickets to vehicles that aren't in a public space.

City Administrator Glenn Steckman said he'd have the police department review the matter and provide city council members with the results of their review.

Minor changes to the bill could be accomplished with amendments before its passage, the council noted, though if substantial changes are made, it will have to be re-introduced before council votes on the measure.

Increasing the limit of time people have to pay parking fines is part of the city's plan to allow online and electronic payment of those penalties, Steckman said.

No Foolin', Parking Rules Will Be Enforced Starting April 1

By Christina Georgiou


One of the City of Easton's new solar-powered parking
meters. The new meters accept card payments, as well
as nickels, dimes, and quarters.



New parking regulations that were approved by Easton City Council late last year  technically went into effect at the beginning of 2013, but due to the practical considerations of installing new meters and signs, the city hasn't been enforcing the new rules.

All of that is set to change this Monday, on April 1, however, as parking enforcement officers will be actively ticketing those who don't feed their meters or overstay time limits without moving their vehicles, city officials warn.

The new hours for metered parking in the city's Downtown district are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

And, as those who park regularly in the city have probably already noticed, the price of metered curbside parking has also increased, to $1 per hour, which is now payable with a debit or credit card, as well as with change. The new solar-powered smart meters also accept silver coinage--that is, nickels, dimes, and quarters--instead of just quarters, which many had complained was limiting and inconvenient.

There is a $1 minimum fee for those using the card option, though there is no minimum payment for those paying with coins.

In less central areas of the Downtown district, the metered parking rate and times will be the same, but motorists may still need a supply of quarters, as not all the city's parking meters have been converted to those that accept card payments.

There is one consolation for those that get caught and ticketed for overtime parking violations: Those that pay their fine within 24 hours or by the close of the next business day, will get a break, and the fine will be reduced to $15.

The reduction is for overtime metered parking only, city officials have said, and won't be applicable for any other parking violations.

Also beginning on Monday, April 1, the city will once again begin its street sweeping program  for the year, and parking regulations designed to allow sweepers curb access will also be in effect.

Those that fail to move their cars during the designated days and times, as posted on the white signs with red lettering in sweeping zones, will be subject to a fine of $25.

There are no changes to the street sweeping program or schedule this year, but drivers should check the signs on city streets anyway, just to be certain they are aware of the proper times and days anyway, city officials said.

Parking Rate Increase Still Months Away

By Christina Georgiou

Easton's City Council approved an increase in metered parking rates from 50 cents an hour to a dollar per hour in December, and the law officially will take effect on Jan. 11, but the motorists aren't likely to be charged at the new rate until April, officials said Wednesday evening.

"We need to buy the (new smart) meters and install them," said City Administrator Glenn Steckman, estimating that the city will actually begin charging the new rate and enforcing extended hours--from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays--beginning on April 1.

Switching to the new hours and rates isn't something the city can accomplish overnight, Steckman noted.

"You're talking about 500 to 600 meter heads here," he said.

Not all the Downtown parking meters will be converted to smart meters that accept credit cards, Steckman said--those will be placed at the busiest locations.

Meters in areas further from the commercial center of Downtown will be electronic Duncan meters, though those still need to be recalibrated to reflect the new rates. They also will get stickers to indicate the new hours of operation.

The city will also change the older meters batteries more frequently--every three months instead of every six months--to hopefully cut down on inoperative devices, the city administrator said. The city is also considering adding a phone number on the meters' stickers that people can call to report problems or inoperative devices, he added.

City parking lots will also be converted to central pay-box systems in the coming weeks. The parking lot pay boxes will be installed soon by city public works employees, Steckman said.

Those boxes, along with the new smart meters, will display the rates and hours of operation automatically, once placed.

"They'll have everything you need to know," Steckman said.

He estimated the converting the whole parking system over to the new rates and hours will take city workers a total of 30 to 40 days, barring bad weather.

"If we get a foot of snow, all bets are off on certain things, " he said.

Mayor Sal Panto said the city will be communicating with Easton Main Street and the Easton Business Association to keep city businesses in the loop about the coming changes, and that the city doesn't plan to take a hard line on enforcement as the new system is implemented.

"The first couple of weeks, we'll (have parking enforcement officers) give warnings after 6 p.m.," Panto said.

2013 City Budget Introduced, Includes Parking Meter Rate Hike

By Christina Georgiou

If Easton's 2013 proposed budget is passed as introduced Wednesday evening, drivers visiting the city will be paying twice the amount they are now to park curbside.

After several discussions on the matter, it seems clear that officials have determined to move ahead with the plan to raise metered parking rates in the Downtown district of the city to $1 per hour from the current 50 cents.

Meters will also be in operation from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and additionally from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, if council members approve the budget without changes, which seems likely. The extended hours are slightly less than what was originally proposed.

Other small changes were made in the final draft of the $31.2M budget proposal too, mostly to cover an approximately $161,000 gap left by increases in city sewer costs, which became apparent a few weeks ago.

But the job of shifting expenses was made easier by an increase in anticipated revenue from impact fees produced by 31 more table games at Bethlehem's Sands Casino.

"We're thankful we're at the table for the Sands table games," said Mayor Sal Panto at the council's Tuesday workshop meeting. "We weren't at the table for the slots, so we're only getting half of what we could have though."

With the additional anticipated revenue, the City of Easton expects to receive about $760,000 from the casino in 2013.

Also included in the budget are contributions to the city's Weed and Seed program ($55,500), the Miracle League baseball field in Palmer Township for handicapped children ($2,500), and to the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society-owned Bachmann Publick House ($10,000).

The contribution to the Miracle League field will give handicapped city children access to the field, city officials said.

"We don't do anything for menatally and physically handicapped children, and this gives us the opportunity to contribute to that," Panto said.

"It does provide a level of recreation that really does need a regional approach," said City Administrator Glenn Steckman.

The money going to the Bachmann tavern will be put towards repairing the pre-Revolutionary War era building a new roof, officials said, noting that Northampton County and the NCGHS will also contribute $10,000 each to the project.

Other than the parking changes, no one commented on the budget items.

However, the price hike in parking meters, along with the addition of Sunday hours of operation, met with more public opposition.

Marie Steltz, owner of Marie's Dance on Northampton Street, said the rate hike and extended hours has her concerned.

"Raising it to $1 may drive some business away," she said, noting that her clients mostly come in the evenings and then often go to a restaurant after classes. "They may decide to drive away (instead)."

City officials said the price is necessary and not out of line for the area, noting the increased price will be the same as the City of Bethlehem charges.

"I used to go to Downtown Bethlehem," Steltz said. "I don't any more."

Anthony Burks, a current giftshop owner in Bethlehem who is in the process of moving his business to South Second Street in Easton, said one of the reasons for his move is because Easton had a better parking situation.

"Parking meters are a huge hurt to businesses like mine," Burks said. "Do you know Bethlehem is circulating a petition to get all that changed? The meters are hurting business. From my experience...it's hurting more than it's helping. Maybe you'll consider letting that one free day stay."

"The last thing we want to do is hurt business in the city," Panto said, noting that parking revenue is set to go to both the Main Street and Ambassadors programs, which are designed to support businesses. "The concern I have is, the money has to come from someplace...I would love to take out meters, but your customers would have trouble parking."

The city budget and the measures that financially support it are set for a vote on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the council's next regular meeting.

The Easton Home Rule Charter requires that a balanced budget be passed for the coming year by Dec. 15.

Current Parking Rates Could Double, Run 12 Hours Per Day

By Christina Georgiou

Easton City Council members considered further raising parking rates from the current 50 cents an hour to $1 and enforcing metered parking on most days of the week for 12 hours a day at their budget discussion Tuesday evening.

"I don't see any reason we shouldn't go 'til 9," said councilman Roger Ruggles. "It's just easier to remember, 9 to 9...It's just less confusing."\

"I'm on the same page as that--uniformity," said fellow councilman Ken Brown.

With a minimum charge for those using credit cards at the new smart meters the city is testing being $1, the council also seems inclined to making the rate for metered street parking $1 per hour too.

"I think we need to go to $1 too," said Mike Fleck, who also added he feels the city should add a way for those who are ticketed to pay parking fines online.

City officials also said they are considering running metered parking on Sundays, from noon to 9 p.m. as well.

"Here's the question: Do you want Main Street and Ambassadors? This is a great use for that money," said Mayor Sal Panto.

"In 2005, city council raised the rates to a dollar, but then there was a push back," he added.

Only Councilman Jeff Warren voiced uncertainty about doubling the rates.

"I don't believe 75 cents is unreasonable. Is $1 unreasonable? Not necessarily, but that's still a bit of a shock," he said. "A good way to polit the baby is we do the dollar when the new technology comes in."

Some of the rate hike and projected increased revenue from extended meter enforcement times will go to pay for 200 new solar-powered smart meters the city wants to replace some of their 936 parking meters with, city officials have said. While they would be paid for over several years, at about $500 apiece, plus another $30,000 to $40,000 for multi-space meters at city parking lots, the new equipment still needs to be paid for, something a rate hike would do.

Lt. Matthew Lohenitz, who heads the traffic division for the Easton Police Department, said the new meters are easily programmable and that configuring them to be able to take more denominations of change would allow visitors that are just running in and out of shops to be able to just drop small change in their meter rather than having to spend a whole dollar.

"During the day, they're short stays," said Lohenitz of people's parking times. "you're evening stays are the longest, but we're not enforcing then."

"I really don't think people will change their shopping habits over a quarter," said city finance director Chris Heagele.

"The extra quarter could generate an extra $150,000 that could go to Ambassadors and Main Street," Fleck said.

The days of free parking on Sundays also seems likely to end too.

"I talked with the Downtown pastors, and obviously they're concerned," Panto said. "(But) we're paying $500,000 to keep Crayola here, and we need to recoup that."

Panto said parking enforcement times should be noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays because that would reflect when Crayola's opening time. He added that those attending church could be given a placard to put on their cars reflecting that, so they wouldn't be ticketed.

The mayor noted that the change would likely mean the city would issue--and see revenue--from more resident parking permits too.

"As we encourage more people to live Downtown, we want more people to get a parking permit," he said. "We need to do a better job on getting the word out (about them)," Panto said.

Resident parking permits for Downtown residents are $100 per year, and $60 for seniors.

The matter is to be discussed again at Wednesday evening's city council meeting, and the mayor said he encourages the public to join the discussion.

"This needs to get out for us by tomorrow, so people can tell us why we shouldn't do this," he said. "Or why we should."

Panto added that while parking rates may go up, not all areas of the city will immediately be getting the new smart meters.

"They don't become cost effective in all areas. You don't want to put them on Bushkill Street," he said. "In the next few years though, maybe the cost of the wifi will get cheaper, and maybe we'll do all of them."

City council meets again this evening at 6 p.m. on the sixth floor of City Hall, 1 South Third St., where it is expected the matter will be discussed again. The public is encouraged to attend.

Free Parking Approved for the Holiday Season

By Christina Georgiou

While the rates for metered parking may rise for 2013, most holiday shoppers won't have to pay anything at all to park in Downtown Easton on weekend during the holiday season.

Easton City Council members unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday evening that calls for meters to be bagged on Black Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays thereafter through December.

"We don't actually need Sundays since we don't charge on Sundays," Councilwoman El Warner pointed out.

"We could have an ordinance that provides for Sunday parking before the end of the year," said City Administrator Glenn Steckman.

"We're not going to though," Warner replied.

Downtown parking last year was also free at most locations, with ribbons and a message on the meters that stayed up for the season, but city officials say bagging designated meters is a better option.

"Last year we put ribbons on the meters and people still plugged the meters (with money) so we went to bags this year," said Mayor Sal Panto, adding, "People would see 'free' and get ticketed on weekdays."

A parking enforcement officer will be assigned the duty of bagging and unbagging the meters late on Fridays and early on Mondays.

"Volunteers were suggested, but there could be problems with that," Steckman said.

While the approved measure doesn't state specifically which metered parking areas will be gratis, officials said the areas will include all three Downtown parking lots, Northampton Street from Green Street to Sixth Street and streetside metered parking from Second to Fourth streets and Spring Garden to Ferry streets. Additionally, South Third Street meters beyond Ferry Street will likely be free too.

"It's got to be fair and consistent (to Downtown shops)," Panto said. "Monarch's has been there for 100 years."

The city will likely lose some revenue on the move since no one will be putting change in the bagged devices as they have in past years despite they're being free, but the loss is worth it, Steckman said.

He added that during the period that meters are bagged, the city will also not be enforcing the posted two-hour time limits as strictly so shoppers can take their time in stores and restaurants.

"We wanted to partner with Main Street on this," Steckman said.

City Council Hears More on Parking Meter Proposal

By Christina Georgiou

After discussing the possibility of enacting additional fines for "lazy double parking" at their workshop meeting Tuesday evening, members of city council heard a presentation on the proposed metered parking rate hike and the administration's plan for installing smart meters that accept credit and debit cards in the most heavily trafficked parts of Downtown Easton.

City Administrator Glenn Steckman said the rate increase, already enacted by city ordinance but not yet implemented, would increase revenue and would be used to create a dedicated funding stream for the Greater Easton Development Partnership and also help fund future parking mananagement system growth.

While most of the presentation further explained changes that might come with the 2013 budget if it is approved as the administration is proposing, Wednesday evening's presentation did include some minor changes and clarifications.

Specifically the plan would:

• Change the hours of meter operation and parking enforcement of all Downtown parking meters to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday
• Put metered parking into operation in some locations Downtown from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays, most likely on or south of Northampton Street and on the Centre Square
• Increase the time limit for Downtown street parking except on Centre Square from two to three hours
• Install about 200 smart meters in the Downtown core, from Second to Fourth streets and from Spring Garden to Ferry streets
• Install multi-space payment boxes at three surface parking lots at an estimated cost of $24,000 to $40,000, with the variable in price being dependent on the type of box and its capabilities the city chooses
• Offer a discount of $5 on all parking tickets paid within 24 hours, with the discount offer for those being issued on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday being good through the close of the business day on Monday
• Add better signage to guide city visitors to parking areas
• Create a pass program for those who work nights to park at a discounted rate in the city parking garage

Steckman said the city would also consider lowering the rate for parking in the deck from $1 per hour to 50c and hour between 5 and 9 p.m.

City council members offered various opinions on parts of the proposal.

Councilman Roger Ruggles, whose wife Sue Ruggles leads the congregation at St. John's Lutheran Church on Ferry Street, said he didn't like the idea of charging on Sundays.

"I'd be really, really, really against this one," Ruggles said. "For one thing, 12 o'clock is too early."

"The whole reason here is to capture Crayola. Crayola is going to be bringing in more people, and we need to pay for Ambassadors and stuff," Mayor Sal Panto said.

Councilwoman El Warner said the time change and having metered parking at only some locations on Sundays seemed inconsistent.

"Either do it six days a week, or do it seven days a week. But don't do it halfway," she said.

Panto said the estimated increase in revenue would be about $235,000. While that's less than the city's contribution to GEDP, it's approximately the difference between the annual $170,000 the city has given to the organization in the past and the $355,000 it plans to contribute for 2013, he added.

The remainder would go toward funding an additional parking enforcement officer, which would cost the city about $60,000 including salary and benefits.

Warner questioned how much purchasing smart meters would cut into the estimated revenue increase.

"I want to know exactly how much we're paying and how much we'll make," she said.

Panto said the purchase cost wouldn't cut into the revenue increase because the city would be using its capital funds to "loan" the money to itself, but the revenue would be going into the city's operating budget.

"Regardless, we really still need to upgrade the technology," he said.

Steckman added that the majority of the increased revenue would be coming from the anticipated increase in traffic from additional Crayola visitors generated by their expansion.

"The value is from replacing some of our (old mechanical meters) that keep breaking down and selling them. They do have value, even if it's just scrap metal," he said.

Some members of council also wondered if it would be better to alter the proposal to run meters for 12 hours a day.

Panto said the administration will bring estimates of what it thinks would be generated if the hours of operation were either 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and also estimates of what would be generated if the city were to raise rates to $1 per hour instead.

Councilman Jeff Warren said he feels that would be too much.

"I could support 75c but not a dollar," he said. "I think going from 50c to $1 (per hour) would just send shock waves through the community."

"We will put together an entire matrix (of the possibilities)," Panto said, adding that the administration will have it done in time  to present it for the city budget hearing on Tuesday, October 13.

City Council Mulls "Lazy Double Parking" Ordinance

By Christina Georgiou

The discussion of a possible "lazy double parking" ordinance continued at the Easton City Council workshop meeting Tuesday evening.

If enacted as discussed, the new law, similar to one recently passed in Allentown, would impose a $100 fine on those who double park when street parking is open and available within a short distance--20 feet is the limit being considered. The fine would increase another $25 if it's not paid within 7 days, and could escalate up to an additional $50 on top of the initial $100 fine after that.

The "lazy double parking" fine would presumably be imposed on top of a parking fine for the infraction of double parking, which is already illegal in the city.

Councilman Jeff Warren who heads the council's public safety committee, said it's not his intention to bolster city finances with the proposed ordinance.

"We're not trying to ticket our way to budget salvation," Warren said. "What this is meant to do is give the police department another tool."

He added, "Quite frankly, if you double park when there's a space 20 feet away, you deserve to be ticketed."

Warren said a new law is needed because he's had "numerous" complaints from merchants about double parking by delivery trucks.

But Councilwoman El Warner questioned the need for a separate law to deal with the issue, noting that the Easton Police Department has issued just seven tickets for double parking in the last six months.

"Why not just enforce the ordinance we already have? It's already illegal to double park. Why not just make it a huge fine to double park if it's an issue?"Warner asked, adding that proving a driver double parked when an open spot was available might be difficult in court.

The enforcement officer would have to directly witness the event, which would only happen by chance, she said.

Warren said that issuing 'lazy double parking' tickets would be a matter of police discretion.

EPD Chief Carl Scalzo said the measure might be difficult to make stick in court, unless it was clear that a car couldn't have pulled out of an open spot during the time an offender was double parked.

Mayor Sal Panto said the real offenders when it comes to 'lazy double parking' are delivery trucks, who he said often disregard open spaces and fail to pull off the streets when making deliveries.

"That's what really bothers me," Panto said. "I understand the need to be business friendly, but when they blatently disregard like that..."

City Administrator Glenn Steckman said he's in favor of the measure.

"I think it adds a little extra sting," he said.

Warren agreed.

"I simply think that having this on the books will be a deterrent. It's about sending a serious message to people that chronically do this."

No firm date was set, but it's expected that Warren will officially  introduce a lazy double parking bill in the next few weeks.

Warner also brought up the idea of the city offering dedicated motor scooter and motorcycle parking.

She said that when parking her scooter, she often gets dirty looks from motorists for taking up a metered street spot with such a small  vehicle, but parking a scooter on the sidewalk or at a bike rack is illegal in Pennsylvania.

"It just seems like it would make sense," Warner said.

She added that such spaces could be designated where there isn't sufficient space for a car, such as at the end of a block, and that designated motorcycle and scooter spaces might not necessarily need to be metered.

But Warren objected to the idea that two-wheeled vehicles be allowed to park for free.

"I'd be concerned we'd be sending the message that scooters and motorcycles don't have to pay, but (cars) do," Warren said.

Warner said such possibly free parking spots might not be located in the most prime Downtown locations, but require users to walk a little further. She added that she didn't think others would think of the spots being free would necessarily think the drivers of motorcycles and scooters were privileged.

"I've never gone past a handicapped spot and thought, 'Aren't those  people lucky,'" she said.

Panto said he thought the idea might be a good one.

"I think in the places where there's not room for a full spot...you don't have sight line problems because motorcycles and scooters are only so high," the mayor said.

PennDOT regulations allow for as many motorcycles or scooters as can safely fit to occupy a spot.

City officials also discussed possibly implementing an ordinance requiring the owners of private parking lots to post better signs advising the public they could be towed if the lots don't allow public parking.

In response to a number of complaints from city visitors who were towed after parking at a private lot at South Second and Ferry streets, Panto said such signage might be a good idea.

The cars, towed at the lot owner's request, were unable to be retrieved for days due to the private towing company not keeping weekend hours, Panto noted, adding that the visitors were from out of town, which made retrieving their cars particularly difficult.

"Getting towed away and not getting your car back until Monday isn't acceptable," Panto said.

But the city may have no control over the policies or choice of towing company in the case of private lots, Steckmann said. However, warning sign requirements may be enacted by the city.

A requirement for signs to be more visibly posted throughout such lots may be in the near future, though the mayor said he'd rather work with lot owners to convince them to allow public parking when they aren't using their lots.

"We'd pick up the insurance for parking after hours and on weekends," Panto said. "That's not a problem."

Council delayed discussing the ideas of raising the metered parking rate or purchase of smart meters Tuesday evening, with Warner saying that she'd like to see the plan or a presentation of the idea at the Wednesday evening city council meeting instead. She added she thinks a number of members of the public will be on hand to express their opinions too.

It's unclear whether that presentation will happen tonight, at the October 10 meeting, though.

"The goal is to create a dedicated revenue stream for GEDP," Steckman said of the proposed plan. "It would also go toward a parking management system."

No Tax Increases in Proposed 2013 Easton Budget; Some User Fee Hikes Expected

By Christina Georgiou

Easton Mayor Sal Panto left the dais Monday evening
to present his administration's proposal for the 2013 city budget.
Click on any photo or image for a closer look.



Easton's budget proposal for 2013 calls for no property tax increases, though some increases in user fees are being suggested, the most obvious of which are a $2 monthly billing fee residents, excluding seniors, will see on their sewer and trash bills and a hike in the metered parking rate from 50c to 75c an hour.

The Earned Income Tax (EIT) rate will also rise for non-residents who work in the City of Easton beginning in January, but the $1.35 million that is estimated to be raised from that move, passed by city council in August, is earmarked to help the city pay for ballooning pension costs.

“We are obligated to spend more than $3.5 million on pension legacy costs next year,” Mayor Sal Panto told members of city council during his presentation of the proposed 2013 budget Monday evening. “That's an increase of more than $1.8 million just for next year and more than $2.4 million, or 8 mils of taxes, since 2008. Our financial challenges are real.”

The overall proposed budget totals about $31.17 million, up an average of 3.5 percent a year for the last five years or since Panto took office. Five years ago the overall figure was $25.64 million. The increase is about the same as the average rise in inflation, Panto noted.

Notable items, both in revenue and expenditures, in the proposal include:

• a $10,000 expenditure increase for the Mayor's Office of Special Events
• a $50,000 estimated increase in revenue generated by the city's admissions tax, attributed to an anticipated increase in Crayola Experience visitors due to their upcoming expansion
• an increase of $470,000 in revenue generated by the city's EIT, not related to the non-resident “commuter tax, attributed to better county collections and disbursements
• Sands Casino revenue is expected to increase by $140,000 or 25 percent in 2013, for a total of an anticipated $700,000
• an increase of $225,000 in parking meter fees and and increase of $75,000 in parking fines, attributed to the possibility of raising street and city-owned parking lot fees from 50c to 75c an hour, along with adding operating hours on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
• an expenditure to create a new police department position—a Parking Enforcement Officer Supervisor, “to enhance fair and consistent enforcement of parking regulation”
• a reduction in police overtime expenses of $75,000, cited as being attributable to the EPD having a full complement of officers
• a reduction of $30,000 in fire department overtime expenses, also attributed to the EFD having a full complement of fire fighters
• an unspecified number of planning and code fee increases to raise department revenue by an unspecified amount, with a note that these will be discussed at an upcoming scheduled budget hearing
• an unspecified rise in expenses to cover payments associated with the Simon Silk Mill and Intermodal complex development projects
• the creation of a new position in the city's economic development department, along with the elimination of a part-time executive assistant in the same department
• a $355,000 contribution to the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) to help fund their $625,000 annual budget that pays for the city programs they oversee—the Easton Main Street Initiative, the Ambassadors program and the Easton Farmers' Market
• $100,000 to McDonalds as the second payment on a $300,000 agreement the city entered into to buy out their lease in the Two Rivers Landing building, which made way for the Crayola expansion.
• A $20,000 payment to Crayola to cover HVAC improvement expenses not made by the Two Rivers Landing Partnership

While some city revenue streams will increase, overall, expenses have risen at a faster rate, Panto said, but despite this, the city budget proposal manages to absorb the costs without raising tax rates by changing strategy.

“We are on the path of continuous improvement,” the mayor said. “Easton will not be part of America's (municipal economic) failures...The city has changed how it does business.”

An electronic copy of the full budget proposal will be posted to the City of Easton website for public inspection, with a link to the document on the home page, by Wednesday at the latest, said City Administrator Glenn Steckman.

Upcoming budget hearings will be scheduled for Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 30, with additional hearings possible on Tuesday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 27, though if city council agreement is reached, a final budget proposal could be introduced as early as Wednesday, November 14 and voted on at the next city council meeting on Wednesday, November 28. All hearings and meetings will take place at 6 p.m. in city council chambers on the sixth floor of City Hall, 1 South Third St.

By law, the city must pass a budget by December 15 at the latest.

Easton City Council to Mull Parking Changes Again

By Christina Georgiou

More tweaks to Easton's parking laws may be on the horizon, as city council members said they will be discussing the possibility of adding changes to city ordinances at their workshop meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Councilman Jeff Warren, who heads the council's public safety committee, said he'd like to discuss possibly drafting a "Lazy Double Parking" law similar to a recent ordinance enacted in Allentown.

"I think it could possibly help with some of the problems we've had," Warren said. "It could give our police another tool in the toolbox."

It was unclear if the law would apply to delivery trucks or those loading and unloading vehicles, or what the amount of any possible fine for double parking might be.

In Allentown, an additional $100 penalty is assessed for lazy parkers or operators of double-parked vehicles that are adjacent to  an open public space. The Allentown law, enacted last month, also established escalating fines for repeat offenders.

Councilwoman El Warner said she'd like to discuss the possibility of adding motorcycle and scooter parking spots in Easton's Downtown district.

"I ride a scooter, and I hate to take up a whole spot," she said, adding that while many do it, parking scooters and motorcycles on the sidewalk is illegal.

Likely not on the list for the October workshop meeting is an issue brought up by Mayor Sal Panto of cars that park in the parking lot just off of South Second and Ferry streets.

Panto said a number of cars that have parked near the five-story office building next to Bank of America during off-hours have recently been towed.

He added that he feels warning signage is inadequate, and that the building's owner is using a towing company located in Forks Township that doesn't keep evening or weekend hours, meaning those whose vehicles have been towed sometimes can't get them back for days.

Panto said at least four people have complained to his office about the situation, and some were from out of town, making the problem especially inconvenient and costly.

But because the property is privately owned, there's not much the city can do about either the practice or the choice of tow company, opined city solicitor William Murphy.

"I almost want to say, when Larry Holmes comes back (and reopens his restaurant at the adjacent Ringside Pub location), I want to park on their side and get towed and see what happens," the mayor said.