As Victorian Square continues to evolve with new development, drawing patrons to downtown is crucial for the success of the new businesses in the area.  The first step in accomplishing this is increase the utilization of existing public parking.  It has been mentioned by new business owners and visitors alike that the Victorian Square parking structure is difficult to locate.  It is also important to note that during special events, such as the Fourth of July Celebration, Rib Cook-off and Hot August Nights, there is no easy way to know when the garage is full. 

To alleviate these issues, Community Services staff researched parking stall counting equipment and software.

While computer hardware and software are generally exempt from bidding requirements under NRS 332.115, staff surveyed the marketplace for a solution that would be best suited to our unique property and needs.  Staff established criteria for evaluating parking stall counting systems that included: a web-based interface system for ease of operation and maintenance, and smart phone and web applications to allow a garage user to know the number of available parking stalls by floor or when the garage is full.  Another feature staff considered was signage indicating the number of parking stalls available on each floor that could be installed at the north and south entrances and on individual floors of the garage.

Staff is recommending a system that would be supplied and installed by Q-Free Parking Solutions. In a Q-Free Level Counting installation, vehicles are monitored by overhead mounted sensors at different points of transition (entry/exits and level ramps.) These sensors are suspended from ceilings at the counting points with threaded rod. Ultrasonic beams are configured to identify the profile of a vehicle and track the direction of travel (in-bound or out-bound). This calibration prevents the system from being “tricked” by pedestrians, carts, debris, bicycles, etc. The intelligence of the system allows for the tracking of wrong way traffic, meaning a vehicle entering through an exit would be a “wrong way” count and automatically corrected in the software. These sensors can also easily be moved should traffic patterns change.

This type of system has been deployed in some of the most highly sensitive government sites, as well as shopping centers, and employee facilities around the world. To enhance the system design, user-friendly intelligent signs are placed at key decision points so drivers can see how many spaces are available as they enter the garage and as they travel through the garage.  The number of spaces available will also be published online, and additionally on a mobile app.

The Q-Free Parking Solutions system, with installations in 22 countries and over 350 systems, has met all the criteria established by staff.

1. The Redevelopment Agency could approve the purchase.
2. The Redevelopment Agency could reject the purchase and provide direction to the Chief Administrative Officer.

I move to approve the purchase of parking stall counting equipment and software from Q-Free Parking Solutions, including installation, for the Victorian Square Parking Structure in the amount of $119,493.