April 18, 2008
Parking Commission Meeting Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Discuss Courtesy Ticket Policy
3. Review Draft Courtesy Ticket
4. Discuss Sign and Time Zone Changes
5. Discuss Next Meeting
6. Consider Other Business
Minutes
Members Present: Chairperson Commissioner Mike Williams, Kevin Swann, Rick Engen, Margie Bailly
Others Present: Bob Stein, Jim Gilmour, Paula Aalgaard, Rob Lynch, Sgt. Mike Mitchell, John Adams, and Sandy Adams
Commissioner Williams called the meeting to order. Mr. Engen moved to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2008 meeting and Mr. Swann seconded the motion. All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Discuss Parking Opportunities for the Radisson Ramp
Mr. Stein explained the issues with parking in and around the parking ramp attached to the Radisson. He noted that the problem was balancing the needs of monthly renters with those of daily customers. The Commission discussed concerns and possible solutions with Mr. and Ms. Adams. Commissioner Williams suggested that a shuttle from the Island Park Ramp may provide a partial answer. The Commission discussed the original financing of the Radisson ramp and the concerns involved with adding levels to the ramp. They considered the issues surrounding the US Bank ramp.
The Commission discussed some short- and intermediate-term solutions. Ms. Bailly suggested that the development downtown had made a parking ramp the only viable solution to parking concerns for businesses. The Commission discussed future parking development, including structures and underground parking. They discussed the number of parking spots that the Radisson would need and the concerns about the booth attendants take the abuse for closing the lot to daily parkers at the wrong time. The Commission considered possible funding sources for adding two levels to the Radisson ramp. They discussed the availability of the skyway and the possibility of extending the hours that it was open. Mr. Stein suggested that some policy changes, including increasing the monthly parking spot rent, may decrease demand. He reviewed the options and suggested immediate actions that could begin to address.
Mr. Engen moved that the Commission explore adding two levels to the Radisson parking ramp and Ms. Bailly seconded the motion. The Commission further discussed parking issues and goals for downtown with Mr. Adams, Ms. Adams, and Mr. Gilmour. Commissioner Williams suggested that a subcommittee be formed to assess and develop a plan to meet those goals.
Discuss Courtesy Ticket Policy
Mr. Stein reviewed the proposed ordinance changes and asked the Commission for input on whether people who had a history of parking tickets should receive a courtesy ticket. He stated that the new ticket system would have six months of history imported and that the handheld computers would hold six months of memory. The Commission considered using the courtesy ticket as an educational tool for those parking on the street. They discussed with Sgt. Mitchell whether this would complicate enforcement and considered the philosophy of issuing a warning. Mr. Stein proposed that the policy state that a violator will receive no more than one courtesy ticket per year.
Discuss Draft of Proposed Courtesy Ticket
Mr. Stein distributed to the Commission the current warning cards and the proposed changes. The Commission reviewed the wording and layout of the new warning and discussed ways to clarify the text. They considered how to make the warning more friendly and clear. Ms. Bailly moved that the policy state that recipients of parking tickets be issued not more than one courtesy notice per year and that the parking budget supply the funds for upgrading the software to retain ticket information for that length of time. Mr. Engen seconded the motion. All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Parking Time Zone Changes
Mr. Stein reminded the Commission of the previous discussion with Mr. Lynch and other business owners and residents with regard to necessary on-street parking times. He distributed a map of the new parking time limits. He reviewed the proposed changes and explained that the Engineering Department needed to order and place signs. The Commission discussed the proposed changes. They agreed that some adjustments may be necessary but that they needed to take action on the time zones. Mr. Engen moved to approve the changes as shown, per recommendation of city staff, and Mr. Swann seconded the motion. All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned.