Stacy, the town parking manager, told the New Canaan Parking Commission on Nov. 5 that the town's pay-by-plate system went live Oct. 6 and that early results show increased turnover on Elm Street and more available short-term spaces.

"We went live," Stacy said, describing the September installation and the Oct. 6 launch. She told the commission staff have begun educating users and issuing warning tags to first-time offenders; repeat offenders who ignore warnings will receive regular tickets. "We are issuing warning tags, okay, for our first offenders just to educate them. We can see that if somebody was issued a warning ticket, and they, again, parked on Elm and didn't pay for their space, they will get a regular ticket," Stacy said.

Why it matters: the town moved from a pay-by-space model to pay-by-plate to improve turnover and circulation in the downtown core. Early data pulled by staff show many users are paying on Elm Street and South Avenue; staff said they have observed increased circulation, particularly after 10 a.m.

Technical and enforcement issues noted:
- Payment apps and kiosk glitches: staff reported intermittent app/kiosk connectivity problems and said multiple payment apps will be available soon. Stacy said Passport will be added in about two weeks and that ParkMobile is expected to be active later; staff also warned against using a QR-only payment approach because of fraud risks.
- Signage and kiosk messaging: commissioners produced a photo of a kiosk screen reading "9 to 5 daily," which staff said conflicted with planned enforcement messages; staff said enforcement is intended Monday'Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sundays and holidays free and that the kiosk top sticker shows the correct days.
- Enforcement staffing and policing: staff said they have been down one officer recently and asked for police support to address double-parking and drivers who linger in no-parking areas; staff said they contacted Deputy Chief Andrew Walsh to request assistance.

Policy clarifications and user accommodations: Stacy clarified that vehicles displaying handicap placards must still pay at kiosks but, once paid, may remain without a posted time limit ("they do have unlimited time"). Staff said kiosks display enforcement hours and that outreach materials (brochures, website, merchant meetings and a newsletter) have been distributed to help users adapt.

Other operational notes: staff said merchants that previously stored dumpsters in rear alleys have consolidated trash service into the new Playhouse enclosure, which should reduce cardboard and other refuse appearing on sidewalks. Staff also said they have been providing one-on-one help to users at kiosks and will continue outreach.

Personnel note: Stacy announced she will retire in February after 23 years with the town and that Human Resources will begin transition planning so she can train a successor.

Provenance: the paid-parking update began at 00:22:33 and the discussion of apps, signage and enforcement continued through 00:46:49; the retirement announcement appears at 00:51:06.

Ending note: staff asked the public to call the parking office with kiosk problems and said they will review enforcement and communications after the ramp and all apps are in place.