New LAZ parks contract sails through Committee

NORWALK, Conn. — A four-year contract with LAZ Parking for Calf Pasture Beach, Shady Beach, Cranbury Park, Veterans Park, and Taylor Farm was unanimously approved for advancement to the Common Council during Wednesday night’s meeting of the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs Committee.

“LAZ has developed specialized knowledge of the city over its 10-year relationship with the Parking Authority” said Director of Recreation and Parks Nick Roberts. “Their equipment and software systems are already in place.  Utilizing a sole vendor citywide creates compatibility, compliance, and better customer service for residents who are already familiar with the company’s operations.”

In 2019, which was the first year of the new cashless parking management system, Calf Pasture’s parking revenue totaled $296,062, representing a 31 percent increase over $225,686 in 2018, Roberts said.  By contrast, 2018’s figure showed almost no increase over 2017’s total of $221,015.  Roberts further noted that the automated car count is increasing planning and staffing efficiencies while providing useful data for grant applications.

When Council member John Kydes (D-District C) asked, “Are we saving any money by contracting for four years versus just one year?” Roberts replied that aligning Recreation & Parks’ LAZ contract with that of the Parking Authority (which has four years remaining) will maximize efficiency. “The end of the four-year period will be the best time to tailor it to what we want to do and then they (Parking Authority) can do whatever they want.”

Under the new contract, LAZ will be paid $187,200 in 2020, $194,688 in 2021, $202,475 in 2022, and $210,574 in 2023, yielding a 4 percent increase each year.  Roberts explained that “because of the minimum wage increase, the four percent increase over four years is less than we’d have to pay if we staffed it ourselves.”

Recreation & Parks plans to disseminate a pre-season advisory to residents regarding online verification of vehicle registration. Residents who registered their cars after Oct. 1 must visit the Parks office to obtain their pass.

Roberts proposed establishing a separate fee for homeowners and renters who desire a pass but whose car is registered outside of Norwalk.  He added that a review of policies, procedures, and fees for non-residents is underway.

Also unanimously approved for advancement to the full Council was installation of two pay stations each at Calf Pasture and Cranbury Park as an alternative to paying by phone.