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The Altoona Parking Authority is using the right approach in its attempt to bring in an outside company to manage parking in the downtown area of the city.
Despite not being required to issue a general request for proposals -- because the need only is for management services -- the authority has decided correctly to invite proposals from a few companies in order to compare with a proposal already received from a Dallas-based company.
Municipalities that invite comparisons to try to ensure getting the best proposal and service possible at the best price available exhibit the kind of good judgment that should govern all community-based decisions.
While ideally, according to many people, a municipality should try to manage a function such as parking using available resources, there are numerous justifiable instances where outside help can be deemed the better alternative.
That is the message that the local parking agency is delivering to people who park their vehicles downtown for whatever reason and, apparently, will have to adjust to whatever changes a new manager might implement if, indeed, an outside manager is brought in.
In using the comparisons approach, the authority also will insulate itself from possible future criticisms about having acted too hastily.
Not acting too hurriedly also provides opportunity for voices of the public to be heard and given proper consideration, although it is unlikely that on a subject such as parking management, many public opinions will be forthcoming.
However, it is reasonable to estimate that thousands of people will be affected directly by whatever decisions a new parking management company puts forth and that some of those affected individuals might not like some or much of the new company's approach to management.
Still, some adjustment usually is necessary whenever something new or some new entity is brought aboard.
Regarding the Dallas-based company, Platinum Parking, the intent is to install an entry and an exit station and two new barrier gates at the Transportation Center garage enabling "transient" customers to access a QR-coded ticket when they enter the garage, while monthly customers would use card readers to enter and exit.
Platinum's intent regarding street customers is to have them register and pay via QR codes or by arranging payment through the authority's management office.
Additionally, Platinum has indicated a desire to provide an enforcement vehicle to monitor street parking.
Platinum would be responsible for equipment, and the parking authority would pay a management fee under a proposed three-year contract.
The management-fee amount has not yet been disclosed.
Under the proposed contract, the authority apparently would retain certain free-parking-decision rights, although some question has arisen over that belief.
Meanwhile, although other companies would have the advantage of building their proposals with Platinum's proposal in hand, some might opt not to compete, for whatever reason. That remains to be seen.
What is important now, though, is that the authority has begun this selection task in Altoona's best interests, and hopefully the downtown will be rewarded with a management scenario that will be beneficial, workable and well received by the people who will be affected directly by it.