News

By Mary Thurwachter
    
By the time the Ocean Avenue bridge reopens in November, beach-goers will find something new at the Lantana public beach — parking kiosks.
    At its May 13 meeting, the Town Council approved spending up to $77,389 for two parking kiosks to upgrade the town’s current single-space, coin-operated system.
    “Now some of the meters work, some do not,” Mayor Dave Stewart said.
    The kiosks will permit users to pay with coins and bills, as well as credit cards and smartphones.
    Initially, town staff hadn’t included smartphone usage as part of its proposal, but council members requested that feature.
    “We need kiosks to bring us into the 21st century,” said council member Phil Aridas, who pressed for the smartphone capability.
    “I’m against coins,” Aridas argued. “Coins are ancient stuff. We shouldn’t have to send our people out collecting coins. I don’t like it. It’s Mayberry.”
    But other council members insisted coins were still necessary.
    “Not everyone has a credit card or a smartphone,” Stewart said.
    Police Chief Sean Scheller said the new kiosks should be installed toward the end of the year.  Residents can still purchase beach decals.
    The kiosk system will enable police to improve enforcement methods and cut down on staff time collecting from the present 200-plus meters. Currently it takes a few hours a day three times a week to empty them.
    In other council action, the town chose Hypoluxo Island resident Kathy Dunn to serve on the Lantana Nature Preserve Commission. Her term will expire Jan. 31, 2015.