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Monroe moves toward parking limit
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MONROE - The city of Monroe has taken another step to begin enforcing downtown parking limits.

On Monday, the Public Safety Committee agreed to search for a company to enforce parking along the Square. Members decided to publicly request proposals from companies to handle parking enforcement: The request specifies covering a nine-block area of the downtown district and also other parts of the city.

Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said it would be possible to have parking company employees cover "everything we give out in bulk tickets."

Criteria for selecting a parking enforcement firm are responsiveness to the proposal and its purpose, experience, and price. Cost was given the most weight.

The recommendation to enforce a two- to three-hour time limit downtown came from Rich and Associates, a parking consulting firm the city hired to study parking conditions downtown. The consultants recommended timed parking stalls along the Square to create more turnover and discredit the illusion of a parking shortage in the area.

The city has also discussed limiting parking to 15 minutes in front of certain high volume spots outside of places like Schultz Pharmacy and popular restaurants.

Proposals for parking enforcement are due May 16. City officials plan to have reviewed and selected the firm, and subsequent approval by Monroe Common Council in July.