The Milwaukee Common Council’s Public Works Committee approved legislation Wednesday that would require the city’s parking structures to have at least one attendant on duty at each site at all times.
The City of Milwaukee owns four parking structures, which are managed by other companies. They are located at 841 N. James Lovell Drive, 724 N. Second St., 324 W. Highland Ave. and 1000 N. Water St. The managing company would be required to pay parking attendants at least $10.10 per hour under a new Service Contract Wage Requirements ordinance.
Ald. Robert Bauman, committee chair and author of the legislation, said having an attendant at the garages around the clock will increase safety and customer service.
“Right now, we’re basically leaving the users of our parking ramps to fend for themselves half the time,” Bauman said. “My constituents tell me, and I know from personal experience, how frustrating it can be to get stuck in one of these parking structures in the middle of the night because the machine ate your credit card or because it won’t take your cash. By requiring 24-hour-a-day attendants who are paid a living wage, we can demonstrate our commitment to customer satisfaction while supporting good, family-supporting jobs for those who need them most.”
The measure will be up for approval at the full Common Council meeting on Sept. 23.