SOMERS POINT — City Council is moving forward with a plan to collect a $15 daily fee for use of the city’s boat ramps.
Last year, the city instituted a permitting process that requires users to buy an annual license and affix a sticker to their trailer but there was no method for single-day use.
The trailer permit allows boaters to park in the lots at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and Goll Avenue and on streets near the ramp at Goll.
The annual fee is $75 for military veterans and city residents and $150 for non-residents. A commercial permit is $500 for four decals.
Councilwoman Janice Johnston and the Parking Committee suggested entering into a contract with ParkMobile to collect the fees at the boat ramp parking lots. City Administrator Jason Frost said the process involves the administration negotiating a contract with ParkMobile and bringing it to City Council for approval via resolution.
“I just want everyone to know that I’m going to move forward with having them prepare a contract,” Frost said May 14.
Councilman Sean McGuigan asked how the process would work, noting the fee suggested would be for parking rather than ramp use.
“At ParkMobile, when you’re parking, you dial up the app and put your location. So if I’m using the boat ramp, the theory is I’m going to park at the boat ramp, and that’s where the enforcement would be. So basically, I’m paying to park rather than paying to use the boat ramp.
“Well, the only cars that can park in that lot are the ones that are using the boat ramp,” Johnston said.
McGuigan countered that someone could use the boat ramp and park elsewhere for free.
Johnston acknowledged that some people may do that but noted it costs the city little to set it up — the company provides the signs and the city has to install them — and that ParkMobile handles everything and sends the city a check.
Councilman Howard Dill said the Parking Committee looked at fees in the area and found some at $10 and others at $20, so decided to go in the middle with $15.
“We’ll see in a year what kind of income we get from it and how much it costs to enforce it. We’re going to make that determination next year,” he said.
Mayor Dennis Tapp asked how the fee would be enforced on the street.
“How do we differentiate on who is allowed to park on the street?” he said.
The Somers Point Police Department would have the ability to check with ParkMobile to ensure any vehicle without a sticker parked in the area had paid the daily fee.
City Council is expected to consider a resolution enacting the contract during its meeting May 28.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff