Now its 50-50 sharing basis!

A watered down version of the pay parking ordinance was approved Monday by the city council with seven councilors voting affirmatively and one registering a negative vote.

The original proposal for 80-20 sharing basis on the gross income in favor of the contractor was reduced to 50-50 sharing basis, not on gross but on the net income.

The proposal of Councilor Luis Samson Jr. for a  minimum parking fee of P20 for the first hour and P10 every hour thereafter was also reduced to a minimum of P10 (for motorcycles) the first four hours and P5 for every succeeding hour.

However, Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo still registered the lone negative vote on Ordinance No. 1866-2006, pointing out the ordinance discourages business and tourists from coming to the city.

Councilor Librada Reyna failed to vote as she was not in the session hall when the nominal voting was conducted.

Tamayo, chairman on tourism of the city council, expressed concern over the possibility that customers and businessmen may move to other places as it would cost them more to maintain their businesses in the city if they have to pay for their parking spaces.

Samson initiated the pay parking measure ostensibly to shore revenues and proposed that a private contractor, not the city government, implement the pay parking scheme.

In a last-ditch effort to stop the passage ordinance, Tamayo warned of aggravating traffic situation as pointed out by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Samson said only three barangays, namely barangays, 1, 4 and Tapuac, will be covered by the parking scheme and these stand to earn 20 percent of net revenues.

The remainder of the city’s share shall accrue to a special fund to be used for city roads management and maintenance, 65%; the city’s low-cost housing program, 25 %; and programs for street children, 10%.

Samson said the books of accounts and collection receipts of the private contractor will be subject to audit by the City Treasurer or the One-Stop Shop Business Center.

The DPWH will not get any share although the appointed roads are under its jurisdiction.

Under the ordinance, owners of extra light vehicles (2-3 wheel motorized vehicles) will have to pay P10 for first four hours and P5 for every succeeding hour.

Light vehicles like cars, jeeps, vans, mini-trucks, and pick-ups will pay P20 for first 4 hours, and P5 for every hour in excess.

Delivery vans and trucks with less than 10 wheels   should pay P20 for first two hours and a maximum of P10 every hour in excess, while 10- wheeler trucks and above will pay P40 for first 2 hours and P20 for every succeeding hour.

All fees shall be paid on a first-slot, first -served basis, and all parking fees are waived on Saturdays and Sundays.

Councilor Alex De Venecia inserted a provision that only bona-fide residents of Dagupan will be eligible to bid for the contract to operate and manage the pay parking areas and that its employees must be from the affected barangays.

The ordinance included the penalties for illegally parked or stalled vehicles – motorcycles and tricycles, P300; cars, jeeps, P1,000; trucks, P1, 500.

Samson said collection from fines will accrue to the city’s coffer. – AQL

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments