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Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles and Traffic”) Section 15-3-21 ("Boutique Hotel Validation Program") of the Oak Park Village Code
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Introduction
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The purpose of this item is to amend the Boutique Hotel Validation Program to modernize the administration of the program, provide additional participation options for boutique hotels, and establish agreement requirements for program participation.
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Recommended Action
Adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles and Traffic”) Section 15-3-21 of the Oak Park Village Code related to the Boutique Hotel Validation Program.
The proposed amendments modernize the Boutique Hotel Validation Program by updating program terminology, requiring participating hotels to execute a written agreement with the Village, authorizing participation through the Village's online validation platform in lieu of a physical validation machine, and providing flexible billing options.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action:
• On July 5, 2016, the Village Board adopted ORD 16-058 (an Ordinance establishing the Boutique Hotel Validation Program).
Background
The Boutique Hotel Validation Program was established in 2016 to allow qualifying boutique hotels to provide discounted parking for their guests in Village Garage Parking Structures.
Since the program's adoption, parking technology has evolved significantly. The proposed amendments modernize the program by authorizing participating hotels to use the Village's online validation platform as an alternative to a physical validation machine, requiring a written participation agreement, updating terminology from "twenty-four (24) hour period" to "overnight stay," and providing flexible billing options.
These amendments improve program administration, increase operational flexibility, and maintain appropriate oversight while supporting local businesses.
This item supports the Village Board's goals related to operational efficiency, customer service, and modernization of Village parking services.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Upon approval, staff will implement the revised program requirements and finalize participation agreements for current and future hotel participants.
Financial Impact
There is no direct financial impact associated with this item. The proposed amendments may generate additional revenue through participation fees associated with the Village's online validation platform. Any fees established will be administered through existing parking operations.
Operations Impact
The proposed amendments improve the administration of the Boutique Hotel Validation Program by providing an online validation option and standardized participation agreements. Implementation will be completed by existing Parking and Mobility Services staff and does not require additional personnel.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The proposed changes were presented to the Business Area Council, and no objections or concerns were raised by the Council.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance amendments.
The proposed amendments modernize the Boutique Hotel Validation Program by providing greater flexibility for participating hotels, establishing standardized participation agreements, and reducing reliance on dedicated physical validation equipment while maintaining appropriate Village oversight.
Advantages:
• Modernizes the Boutique Hotel Validation Program
• Provides flexibility through online validation options.
• Establishes clear participation requirements through written agreements.
• Improves administrative oversight and program consistency.
• Supports future technology enhancements without requiring additional ordinance amendments.
Disadvantages:
• Requires preparation and administration of participation agreements.
• May require updates to administrative procedures and program documentation.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
Maintain the current ordinance without modification.
Advantages:
• No ordinance amendments required.
• No changes to existing program administration.
Disadvantages:
• Does not authorize participation through the Village's online validation platform.
• Continues reliance on physical validation equipment.
• Does not establish agreement requirements for participating hotels.
Alternative 2:
Continue the program without a written agreement.
Advantages:
• Reduces administrative requirements for the Village and participating hotels.
• Allows hotels to enroll in the program more quickly.
• Eliminates the need to prepare and execute participation agreements.
Disadvantages:
• Reduces the Village's ability to clearly establish program requirements and responsibilities.
• Limits the Village's ability to address program misuse and billing disputes.
• Does not formally document participation terms, payment obligations, audit rights, or termination provisions.
• Increases the risk of misunderstandings regarding program administration and participant responsibilities.
Anticipated Future Actions
Following the adoption of the ordinance, staff will implement the updated Boutique Hotel Validation Program and finalize participation agreements with participating hotels.
Prepared By: Marlin Jackson, Parking and Mobility Services Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Director of Development Services
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Proposed Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 Section 15-3-21 - Boutique Hotel Validation Program
2. BAC Validation Program One Pager