ANAHEIM : Council Hikes Anaheim Stadium Parking Fees by $1

It will cost more to park at Anaheim Stadium for baseball games once the Major League strike is settled.

After a public hearing, the City Council on Tuesday voted 3 to 2 to increase parking fees at the stadium to offset increased operating and maintenance costs.

Parking for California Angels baseball games will go up from $5 to $6 after the strike.

Rates for football, concerts and motor sports events will increase from $6 to $7, effective now.

Mayor Tom Daly said the increases are needed to keep the stadium “fiscally sound.” But Councilmen Bob Zemel and Tom Tait voted against the increases.

“I just feel that the timing couldn’t be worse, “ Tait said, referring to the baseball strike.

Councilman Lou Lopez voted in favor but with reservations.

“Where’s it going to stop? It’s got to stop some time, or before you know it, it’ll cost $10 to park your car.” The council also approved a proposal by the Angels to increase their season parking fees from $500 to $550 per season.

The increase will generate an estimated $348,000 for the city’s 1995-96 budget, officials said.

In other stadium-related action Tuesday, The council approved payment of $20,000 to a consulting firm to evaluate the economic benefits of keeping a professional baseball franchise in the city.

The analysis, to be conducted by the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche, is to be used during ongoing lease negotiations between the city and the California Angels.