PARKING METERS

PARKING METERS. The use of parking meters in the downtown area was first discussed by the city council in July 20, 1946. A three member citizens' advisory committee on parking chaired by Frank R. KERRIGAN appeared before the council for a long discussion of the parking issues. (1) At the end of the discussion, the council appeared ready to install some meters on Main between 6th and 10th streets on a trial basis without any cost to the city.

City manager Albin A RHOMBERG was directed to go ahead with the necessary selection of the type of meter and the sites for installation in the business district. It was not necessary to call for bids on the work as there was no initial expense required by the city. The company selected to make the installations would install the meters and then take 75% of the receipts each month until all purchase and installation costs had been met. The company would then split the monthly receipts with the city on a 50-50 basis. Meters then in use were operated on the basis of five cents for a full hour of parking or one cent for each twelve minutes. The initial installation was planned to be 300 meters. (2)

In 1952 the first parking meter on the right side of the road as the motorist faced west was removed on Main, Locust and Iowa streets. This was to furnish a free 10 minute parking spot for people wishing to carry out brief business. (3)

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Source:

1. "Parking Meters Likely in Dubuque," Telegraph Herald, July 21, 1946, p. 1

2. "City Council to Pave Way to Selection, Installation," Telegraph-Herald, November 24, 1946, p. 17

3. "Free 10 Minute Parking Stalls Established in Downtown Area," Telegraph Herald, July 27, 1952, p. 17