There has been vandalism and loitering recently in the Altoona Parking Authority’s garage at 11th Avenue and 13th Street, amplifying the need for the authority to install security cameras, according to officials at an authority meeting Monday.

One weekend day, someone spray painted virtually the entire interior of the elevator in red, and a day later, after that was cleaned, someone wrote inside the elevator with a Sharpie — while some high school kids have been skateboarding and riding bikes in the garage and yelling from its open top floor, said Nadine Miller, office manager for Metropolis, the authority’s management firm.

In October, the authority approved a contract with Krater Services for installation of the cameras, which, along with new lights, should dispel some customers’ impression that the garage is creepy and unsafe, but the authority first needs to obtain internet access at the garage before the cameras can function.

The authority is considering T-Mobile and possibly Comcast for that internet service.

T-Mobile would charge $1,000 for equipment, plus a $32 monthly fee, while Comcast is willing to consider bringing fiber optic to the garage, according to board member Matt Pacifico, the city’s mayor.

It probably makes sense to accept the T-Mobile offer of a demonstration period to ensure that its system works with the cameras, without incurring blackout spots or service interruptions, Miller and Pacifico said.

During that demonstration period, the situation with Comcast may become clearer, Miller said.

T-Mobile doesn’t install its equipment, but Krater has offered to do so for about $2,500, Miller said.

When cameras are installed, city police will be able to access the feed and replays remotely — although they wouldn’t monitor the feed, Miller said.

The authority should post signs advertising the presence of the cameras to deter further vandalism and other problematic activity, said board Chairman Cory Tubo.

Exploring options

The authority currently charges a $5 fine for ticket violations — with a $6.50 service fee through the Metropolis platform.

That ratio — with a service fee larger than the fine — is “out of balance,” Miller said.

“Insane(ly)” so, according to Pacifico.

But the service fee isn’t adjustable, so Bilko will check out other companies’ platforms to determine whether there is a cheaper service fee option.

Pacifico isn’t averse to raising the fine amount, if the transaction fee can be lower, he said.

Officials have noted that for some people who park downtown the fine is so low it’s no deterrent, but simply tantamount to a parking fee.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.