Quality of Life Committee Meeting Agenda for 8/17

On July 28th, the Glens Falls Common Council featured a resolution that would have changed the way it regulates public parking at the Clinton Avenue parking garage and the Exchange Street, Warren Street, and Ridge Street municipal parking lots. It led to public outcry and an historic number of residents speaking during public comment. Councilman Dan Rice understood, as well as the rest of the Common Council, that we should table the resolution and seek further discussions with the public. Mayor Diana Palmer agreed to allow the Quality of Life Committee to lead the community discussions. Our next committee meeting is August 17th at 5pm on the second floor of City Hall.

I created a survey that will allow downtown residents, business owners, and community visitors to help the city shape how we update the parking permit process enshrined in the City Code since 1998. The parking permit fee schedule has not been updated since 2009 and over the past seventeen years, costs have risen, whether prevailing wages or road construction materials. The updated permit pricing presented in the resolution was well researched by the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk and presented to the Audit and Finance Committee on May 11, 2026, for approval. They diligently researched municipalities across New York and beyond to establish appropriate comparables and fair market value. 

But given the large increase and a change to permit-only parking for three popular municipal lots, it was a surprising revelation to a large portion of the community. Most of those in attendance did understand that we needed a change, and the city needs your help. Please take the survey if you are unable to attend the meeting or join us this Monday, August 17th at City Hall.

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August Quality of Life Agenda:

1. Lifeguard Vacancies Discussion

   1. Tom Girard, Interim Recreation Superintendent

2. Parking Permit Resolution Discussion

   1. Suggested Revisions from Dan Rice

      1. Add Section Addressing Accessible Parking

      2. Add Section to Reserve Short-Term Public Parking

      3. Add Section to Cap Permits Against Verified Capacity

      4. Add Section to Specify Vehicle Registration and Verification

      5. Add Section to Address Enforcement

      6. Amend Section to Require Signage Audit

      7. Amend Section to Phase Permit Fee Increase

   2. Suggested Revision from Sean Palladino

      1. Amend Parking Permit to allow Street Parking without penalty 

   3. Suggestions from the Public 

      1. Brief Public Comments

3. Proposed E-Biking Law Discussion

   1. Board of Public Safety Reviewed at 8/12/2026 Meeting

      1. Link to Agenda: https://www.cityofglensfallsny.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-8?html=true

      2. Barbara Joudry, Adirondack Cycling Advocates

      3. JP Fasano, local biking enthusiast 

4. Parking Map Sign

   1. Discussion about potential sign locations and public comments, shown below