November 7, 2008

Agenda

1.   Call to Order and Minutes;
2.   Discuss Mark Fenton Pedestrian Evaluation Recommendations;
3.   Consider 15-Minute Parking Zones at 8th St/2nd Ave N;
4.   Impact of Recent Student Housing on DRP-3 Program;
5.   Downtown Neighborhood Association Parking Issues;
6.   Operator's Report and Financial Information;
7.   Discuss Lots of Parking: Land Use in a Car Culture, Chapter 4; and
8.   Other Issues.

Minutes

Call to Order and Minutes

Mr. Engen called the meeting to order.  Ms. Walvatne moved to approve the minutes of the October 10, 2008 meeting and Ms. Bailly seconded the motion.  All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Discuss Mark Fenton Pedestrian Evaluation Recommendations

Mr. Kristan with FM Metro COG presented recommendations from the Mark Fenton Pedestrian Evaluation.  The study concluded that diagonal parking increases parking capacity but is dangerous for bicyclists using the roadway.  Back-in diagonal parking was suggested to create a safer environment for bikes and pedestrians.

Mr. Lynch stated that NDSU has implemented the back-in diagonal parking at the daycare drop-off zone on-campus.    He stated that the pedestrians do have a higher sense of safety, but the learning curve operationally and appropriate signage has been challenging.  Ms. Bailly suggested studying other communities who have successfully implemented the back-in diagonal parking prior to implementation on Broadway.

Consider 15-Minute Parking Zones at 8th/2nd Avenue North

Mr. Dow representing the business at corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street, requested to have two 15-minute parking spaces located in front of their business.  He stated the 15-minute restriction could be ‘morning only’ to allow the Sons of Norway adequate parking for their lunch patrons, since much of their traffic occurs in the morning business.  Mr. Stein stated that historically 15-minute designations have been granted ‘as requested’ from downtown businesses.

Ms. Walvatne moved to approve the two 15-minute spaces in the designated area as illustrated in Attachment 2.  Ms. Bailly seconded the motion.  Discussion was opened and Mr. Engen stated that he would prefer to wait to grant the 15-minute designation until the anticipated NDSU impact occurs next fall.  All members present voted: Commissioner Williams, Ms. Bailly and Ms. Walvatne voted in favor of the motion and Mr. Engen voted in opposition, 3-1 the motion was declared carried.

Downtown Neighborhood Association Parking Issues

Mr. Robinson representing the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) introduced himself and his organization.  He stated that he currently has over 40 members and anyone living in Downtown between 6th Ave. N. and 1st Ave. S. and 10th Street and the Red River are eligible to become members.  Mr. Robinson presented three goals of their organization concerning Downtown parking:

  1. Supports banning overnight parking on Broadway,
  2. Encourages stricter enforcement (and even towing)concerning restricted parking area (ie. alleys), and
  3. Interested in strategies planned for future student housing/parking issues.

Commissioner Williams thanked the Downtown Neighborhood Association for cleaning the gum from the sidewalks in Downtown.

Mr. Stein stated that the Street Department would support an overnight parking ban on Broadway.  This would make street sweeping and snow removal more effective.  Mr. Gilmour recommended that Traffic Tech be consulted.  Mr. Stein also stated the Parking Commission supports 6-day enforcement on Broadway.  Mr. Danz suggested increasing enforcement is on existing restrictions concerning overnight parking and possibly more towing to eliminate incomplete snow removal on Broadway.  He also asked about Roberts Street parking issues.

Commissioner Williams recommended that the Police and Street Departments aggressively enforce current ordinances to include towing and examine impacts of these restrictions at the Traffic Tech meeting.  He also suggested further discussing the following issues:

  1. How many cars will be moved off Broadway, if night parking on Broadway is banned?
  2. Where will they go?
  3. Investigate tickets to determine people (residents/employees/patrons) affected by a ban on night parking on Broadway.

Mr. Anderson suggested a parking retreat hosted by the Downtown Community Partnership to discuss these issues with all affected parties.  Mr. Robinson also asked about future parking issues for students that will be living Downtown.

Mr. Stein stated that there is currently a Downtown Residential Parking Permit Program (DRP3).  The Parking Commission will be discussing the impacts of Student residents on this program at upcoming meetings.  There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned.