# Public Safety & Transportation Committee - October 7, 2026

The Public Safety & Transportation Committee of NewTV Government met on October 7, 2026, to discuss docket item 313-26 concerning Newton’s residential parking program and possible ordinance and fee changes. The police department reported issuing 1,335 permits in 2025 and 965 so far in 2026, a decrease of 370; the captain attributed the lower total in part to charging $25 for each permit, including guest passes, which had previously been free. Members discussed whether to retain the current fees or provide a guest placard with a $25 residential sticker, as well as the need to better publicize changes and make permit applications and payments easier, potentially online or by mail. No fee or ordinance changes were approved.

Members also discussed possible ordinance clarifications, including the vehicle-weight restriction, use of permits for commercial or resident vehicles, and the scope and transfer or resale of guest permits; enforcement and administrative feasibility were raised as concerns. The chair asked members to submit proposed text amendments for a future discussion and said the fee component would also go to the Finance Committee. Modernizing permit administration was identified as a broader effort requiring input from additional departments and potentially a separate docket item. The committee passed a motion to adjourn. No procurement activity was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Transportation
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Sources
- [Public Safety & Transportation Committee - October 7, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZzQxFKE9Bg) - NewTV Government