At Monday night's work session, the Quakertown Borough Council discussed changing the current parking meter system, proposing a mobile system that would replace the current meters that have become technologically obsolete.

            The new system is the "wave of the future," said council member Michael Johnson, who also serves on the Health, Safety and Welfare Committee.

            Currently, the borough utilizes traditional parking meters from Duncan Technologies, a company that specializes in parking meters. It costs the borough $1,400 per month to maintain the meters. In addition, the meters have been unsatisfactory and servicing the machines has been problematic.

            With the new system, there would be no upfront cost to the borough. The system is app-based for smartphone use. ParkMobile parking app is the leading parking system in the country. Surrounding communities in Bucks, as well as Easton and Lansdale, are utilizing the system to streamline public parking.

            The app is customizable and flexible. It can be used for events, concerts and is expandable. The parking charge is .45 cents per parking event. However, the first 15 minutes of parking is free for quick stops.

            If the user of the parking space does not have a smartphone, there will be signs with 1-800 numbers to call and pay for parking. Council also discussed designated kiosks for people to pay for parking spaces.

            There is no recurring maintenance and ParkMobile supplies everything. Real-time info is provided to the borough to ensure proper payments.

            The app utilizes vehicle make and model, license plate number and secure remittance features using credit cards, Venmo, Paypal or Apple Pay for secured payments.

            Council members discussed possible issues and concerns. Johnson is providing all pertinent information and the contract to fellow board members for review before their regular meeting next month. A resolution will be drafted if the council decides to proceed with ParkMobile.

            Board member Mae Wear stated that if the council proceeds educating the residents as soon as possible is important. "Communication to residents is key for accepting this," she said.

            In other news, the council reviewed a proposed ordinance that would reduce the number of members on the zoning hearing board. Currently, there are five members and the proposed ordinance changes the number to three members.

            The objective of the change is to promote continuity and still provide applicants the opportunity for a positive vote on their requests to the zoning hearing board.

            Members will still serve for a term of three years. The proposed ordinance needs to go before the planning commission and then back to the council for vote. An update will be provided at the September council work session and will most likely be on the agenda of the regular council meeting in October.