FARMINGTON – Parking “shufflers” in the downtown area and other proposed changes are on the agenda of a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the town office.

The Board of Selectmen will hold the hearing to discuss changes to the parking ordinance suggested by a town committee, Town Manager Richard Davis said.

When downtown parkers relocate their vehicles or move to the next space to avoid the time limit for parking, it’s considered “shuffling,” Davis said.

When employees of downtown businesses park in the business area and move their vehicles throughout the day, spaces available for customers to park is at a premium, said Police Chief Richard Caton, who serves on the parking committee.

The committee suggests prohibiting the practice of shuffling by fining those who participate.

Parkers observed removing or erasing chalk marks from tires to avoid penalties could be fined for erasing the mark, at least while they are downtown. Enforcement will depend on officers seeing the move or act of erasing, Caton said. The department tries to mix up the schedule when officers are on the streets and in the municipal parking lot to monitor parking. It depends on the weather and schedules, he said.

While downtown parking for customers and employees has been an issue for many years, it’s also a catch-22 situation, he said in consideration of the needs of both.

Other proposed changes include designating seven spaces for overnight parking in the Intervale Park ‘n Ride parking lot and prohibiting parking on the south side of Bridge and Oakes streets in West Farmington for approximately 65 feet to a utility pole, Davis said.

After the hearing, selectmen are expected to take action on the proposed changes.