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Parking green

Passed: On a unanimous vote, a bill initiated by Mayor Martin Chavez and sponsored by Councilor Isaac Benton allowing an increased number of fuel-efficient vehicles to park free at city meters.

The big deal: The city already allowed free parking at city meters for owners of hybrid vehicles. This bill, however, expands the types of vehicles eligible under the program to include other vehicles deemed energy-efficient under federal guidelines. The intent is to offer further incentives for Albuquerque drivers to use fuel-efficient vehicles.

The numbers: Under the previous program, the city gave up $10,000 a year in parking fees. That's expected to rise to $40,000, Benton said. The bill applies only to meters and not to city parking structures, he said.

• • •

Stealth towers

Passed: On a unanimous vote, a bill by Council Don Harris requiring all new wireless telecommunication facilities to be concealed or integrated into a structure.

Why people care: "People hate those big, ugly towers," Harris said. "The technology exists to make these antennas much less of an eyesore."

The details: The bill has no effect on existing cell towers. But it mandates that any new structure employ some element of stealth design, such as integration into a church bell tower. Wireless companies must also facilitate a meeting with a neighborhood association should their wireless device meet objection from a resident, Harris said.