December 5, 2008
Agenda
1. Call to Order and Minutes;
2. Review Discussion from November 14th Parking Meet at DCP;
3. Impact of Recent Student Housing on DRP-3 Program;
4. Discuss Funding Options for Parking Structure;
5. Discuss Short Move Ordinance;
6. Operator's Report and Financial Information;
7. Discuss Lots of Parking: Land Use in a Car Culture, Chapters 5 & 6; and
8. Other Issues
Minutes
Present: Commissioner Mike Williams, Margie Bailly, Rick Engen, Karen Stoker and Tracy Walvatne
Absent: None
Others Present: Bob Stein, Jim Gilmour, John Rogne, Dave Anderson, Rob Lynch, Norm Robinson, Mike Mitchell, Del Ellingson, Helmut Schmidt, Steve Poitras and Kim Citrowske
Call to Order and Minutes
Commissioner Williams called the meeting to order. Mr. Engen moved to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2008 meeting and Ms. Walvatne seconded the motion. All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Review Discussion from November 14 Parking Meeting at DCP
Mr. Anderson updated the Parking Commission on the round-table discussion that included city officials and Downtown stakeholders. After some deliberation, it was concluded that there are already ordinances in place which need to be enforced more routinely to improve parking conditions for all Downtown users before additional regulations are added. Another conclusion of the meeting was that an educational piece needs to be produced to inform the public on Downtown parking best practices.
Discuss Short Move Ordinance
Mr. Stein stated that he has received more comments and complaints concerning the Short Move Ordinance, since new software has been tracking the offenses more regularly. He stated that although the ordinance is intended to prevent employees from parking in customer parking and doing the “90-minute shuffle.” It has recently caught a few Downtown frequenters, innocently parking within the noted time allotted in one location in the morning and coming back in the afternoon across the street and becoming in violation of the short move ordinance. Signs have been installed in some areas noting that the short move ordinance is enforced, but they do not describe what that ordinance means.
Mr. Ellingson stated that he has been doing building maintenance on Downtown buildings for some time, but recently was ticketed for violating the Short Move Ordinance. Ms. Stoker suggested researching other communities with Short Move Ordinances, as well as 6-day enforcement and other parking issues to develop strategies for informing the public on Fargo’s parking best practices.
Ms. Walvatne stated that the Parking Commission has recently passed an amendment to provide 6-day enforcement on Broadway. Mr. Gilmour stated that the signs will need updating as well as the ordinance. He also questioned if 90 minutes was enough time for Saturday visitors parking Downtown. Mr. Stein stated that the 6-day enforcement needs to be drafted with the assistance of the City Attorney’s office. Mr. Anderson stated people who park in prime customer parking on weekends include residents, not simply employees.
Mr. Engen asked about the status of parking meter legislation. He stated that meters would alleviate many of these issues. Staff stated that delegates from other larger cities will need to bring the legislation forward to get enough support in the legislature.
Ms. Walvatne moved to develop language to more clearly describe/implement the “Short Move” ordinance to best enforce the “90-minute shuffle” while accommodating repeat visitors to Downtown. Second by Ms. Stoker. Discussion was opened and Mr. Engen stated that he preferred not to have a piece mill approach to parking ordinances. All members present voted: Commissioner Williams, Ms. Stoker and Ms. Walvatne voted in favor of the motion and Mr. Engen voted in opposition, 3-1 the motion was declared carried.
Impact of Recent Student Housing on DRP3 Program
Mr. Stein stated that he has been working with NDSU concerning parking in anticipation of NDSU student residents Downtown. The students living Downtown who want a parking permit, will park in the Island Park Ramp which currently has 200 spaces available. Students may also choose to use the Downtown Residential Parking Permit Program (DRP3). DRP3 participants still need to observe overnight parking restrictions. The NP Avenue lot also has capacity. Staff has also identified on-street areas in Downtown for possible 4-hour POP designation.
Mr. Engen asked if the surface lot on the southwest corner of 10th Street and NP Avenue near Union Storage was available for purchase.
Discuss Funding Options for Parking Structures
Mr. Stein met with Kent Costin, the City’s Finance Director, concerning funding for a new parking structure. Finance possibilities include:
• Operating revenues (1/3 debt covered)
• TIF
• Special Assessment district/Parking Assessment
• Infrastructure sales tax funds
• Parking fine revenue
• Shuttle from remote lots
The City’s finance consultant will review debt capacity. Mr. Engen moved to direct the Finance Committee to look at the Parking Commission’s current bonding capacity for a new facility, as well as examine the bonding capacity if the Parking Commission received parking ticket revenues. Second by Ms. Stoker. All members present voted in favor; the motion was declared carried.
Operator’s Report and Financial Information
Mr. Rogne distributed his monthly report. He highlighted that system is up 19 renters and the “Pride of North Dakota” event brought in $4000 in revenues at the Civic Center Lot. Mr. Gilmour stated that MeritCare currently is participating in a Park & Ride program. Transit ridership has increased with NDSU’s presence Downtown. Mr. Stein stated that he has budgeted for more efficient lighting in parking facilities in 2009.
Discuss Lots of Parking: Land Use in a Car Culture, Chapter 5
Mr. Stein stated that Chapter 5 outlined the history of parking structures. Mechanical lifts were used to convert vacant buildings into parking structures, as the demand for parking in metropolitan areas increased. These mechanical systems proved to be expensive to operate and were bankrupt by WWII.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 a.m.