APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – New technology would change the way parking citations are issued in Appleton.
The common council is expected to vote Wednesday on whether to purchase a $68,000 virtual chalking program.
City Spokesman Chad Doran says the computerized system would be placed in the city’s parking utility vehicles.
“Cameras will capture a picture of a license plate on a vehicle, record that information, record the meter information, and know how long that vehicle has been there. If it’s overstayed its time limit at the meter, then it can go back, print out the information, and issue a citation.”
The contract being considered Wednesday is from Tannery Creek Systems, which submitted the lower of two proposals the city received.
Doran says positive feedback was provided by Madison, which is a Tannery Creek client.
He calls purchasing the system a ‘proactive move.’
“It’s not so much that there’s an abuse of the (city parking) system, it’s just keeping up with the times and making our technology and our staff more efficient.”
If approved, Doran says the program would likely be implemented by late summer or early fall.
The council is also expected to vote on whether to fund a gas utilization study at its wastewater treatment facility.
Doran notes the facility creates methane gas as a byproduct of its treatment process.
Following a 2009 study, he says the city implemented technology that allowed it to capture excess methane gas and direct it back into the facility for heating purposes.
Due to a recent increase in waste byproducts from outside sources that have been entering the facility, Doran says they are looking to implement more cost saving measures.
He notes that could include installing another boiler or doing nothing at all, if the solutions are too costly.
The study would cost roughly $25,000.
Additionally, the council is expected to consider allowing dogs in city parks.
