The spot was on Broadway between Citizens bank and the Winter Hill post office branch. My spot actually had a meter "stump" where there must have been a meter at some point. I certainly could have voluntarily pulled up to the actual meter and paid it, but I opted to park where there was no meter and leaving plenty of room for another car to line up with the meter.

I really appreciate all of the comments. The whole thing sounds like a real poo-storm into which I may not want to get involved. I may just have to cool off for a few days and write the check.