HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-26-19 Public Comment - S. Campbell (with Madison River Group) - Parking Garage Citation /--��a6
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Madison River Group
Seonaid Campbell, Vice President
P.O. Box 2298
Livingston, MT 59047
December 26, 2019
Bozeman Mayor, Cyndy Andrus
121 N. Rouse PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59047
Dear, Mayor Andrus
First of all,Happy Holidays!
I am a law-abiding citizen who greatly appreciates and supports parking garages, but my
recent experience with the city of Bozeman has been quite unpleasant.
On a recent evening my colleague Dr. Tom Armstrong and I used the garage at
Mendenhall and N. Black, so that we could attend an event at the Ellen Theater. I have
been using that garage on occasion since it was built, so you can imagine my shock when
I received in the mail not only a citation with a charge of$20,but photos of my vehicle
entering and leaving the building. I find this egregious for the reasons I spell out below.
I travel frequently, so I did not receive the letter until the 19`h of December. Due to the
holidays, this is the first time I've had the opportunity to address it in writing, as the time
to do so on line has apparently passed. Another affront.
Dr. Armstrong and I came to the Bozeman City Hall to speak with Mr. Meece on
December 20. We were not allowed to speak to him, nor were we given a number to call.
We were told that our only option was to pay on line. This is unacceptable. As a member
of the public I have the right to speak with those serving the public. Do I not?
We then went to inspect the garage. As Dr. Armstrong pointed out,there are FREE signs
posted everywhere at the garage. There are also signs clearly stating: "2 HOURS FREE
$1/HR. AFTER." Given the signage, I have included(in my letter to Mr. Meece) a check
for$1. Please accept this as payment and expunge my citation.
I was thrilled when the city built this parking garage and have often sung its praises. For
years I took pride in supporting the parking garage by paying a fee at the gate. Over the
years I became habituated to the way it was. Then,the gates were removed. I, like most
people, including Dr. Armstrong, understand that if there is no gate,then parking is free.
This has been my assumption for quite some time. It is also the assumption of many other
long-time locals, so I am certain I'm not alone in my confusion and frustration,thus I
urge you to address these issues.
As for the cameras,there should be signage making their presence know. This may even
be a legal requirement.
What I find most egregious is that it appears the city wants people to park overtime so it
can charge an exorbitant amount for a ticket, compound it quickly, and earn income. This
is unethical.
We were parked a mere 20 minutes and 48 seconds over the allotted two hours. For that I
am being charged a whopping $20,with the additional threat that if I don't pay
immediately the charge will be raised. To me the threat is an unnecessary affront to
citizens like me who are trying to do the right thing. Plus, it compels me to never again
use any Bozeman city parking. Frankly, I would rather drive around wasting gasoline
while looking for parking than participate in a system that feels like extortion. Does the
city not appreciate its citizens and the money they spend downtown?
I am cc'ing the following people below with the hopes that one of you will take action to
dismiss this ticket, and also address the issues at the parking garage, which I've spelled
out above: confusing and misleading signage,unmarked cameras, and a rigged system
that charges people when they have no idea they are in violation.
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you either by phone, or
email. Obviously,mail is not a good way to get in touch with me.
Happy New Year.
Seonaid B. Campbell
Vice President, Madison River Group
Sho@MadisonRiverGroup.com
(406) 220-1546
CC: Bozeman City Manager,Andrea Surratt; Assistant City Manager, Chuck Winn;
Assistant City Manager,Anna Rosenberry; Parking Program Manager, Ed Meece.