September 6, 2007
Fargo Parking Commission
Agenda
1. Call to Order and Minutes;
2. Report on Progress of Parking Control and Citation Management and
Automated License Plate Recognition Systems and Associated
Issues;
3. Distribute and Discuss Operator’s Report and Year to Date Expenses
and Revenues;
4. Discuss The High Cost of Free Parking, Chapter 18;
5. Conduct Walking Tour of Parking Facilities; and
6. Consider Other Business.
Minutes
Members Present: Commissioner Mike Williams, Rick Engen, Margie Bailly, Kevin Swann
Others Present: Bob Stein, Paula, Jim Gilmour, John Rogne, Rob Lynch, Dave Anderson
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order. Mr. Engen moved to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2007 meeting and Ms. Bailly seconded the motion. All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Parking Control and Citation Management Report
Mr. Stein stated that he had received the contract from Duncan Solutions and that the next step was to review it. He stated that there may be minor changes to the city’s needs and therefore costs. He noted that an ordinance change would be required to implement the graduated parking fine system. He introduced Mr. Lynch from NDSU and noted that the contract with the university would need to be reviewed prior to implementing this system. Mr. Stein stated that the intent of the system was to eliminate as much hand-written work as possible. Mr. Engen asked if there were a timeline for implementation and Mr. Stein responded that the target was January 1, 2008.
Commissioner Williams noted that the Street Department was considering changing the snow removal schedule and that this could be an opportunity to change the way downtown was treated with regard to removal. He asked that anyone with input talk to Al Weigel with the Street Department. The Commission discussed the options.
Operator’s Report
Mr. Rogne distributed his report and reviewed it with the Commission. Commissioner Williams asked about the Radisson ramp and Mr. Rogne stated that about 110 renters had been moved to the GTC so there were plenty of open spots. Mr. Stein agreed and noted that construction had been going well and was on-schedule. He stated that the ramp would be closed from September 16th through the 19th, 2007 for required surface repairs. Mr. Engen asked if Mr. Stein had been in contact with the media to point out the work the Commission was doing and Mr. Stein responded that he hadn’t but that he would.
The High Cost of Free Parking, Chapter 18
Mr. Stein reviewed the chapter with the Commission and highlighted some applicable potions. He pointed out that they were competing with themselves, both offering something for free and charging for it. Mr. Engen suggested that a portion of the parking ticket revenue be returned to the parking budget and Commissioner Williams stated that this idea was a part of the budget discussion. Ms. Bailly asked who would be contacted on the state level and the Commission discussed the options and possibilities. Mr. Stein stated that Chapter 19 continued the same line of thought but that Chapter 20 introduced more relevant issues and some summarization. Commissioner Williams asked if Mr. Stein were still intended to create a presentation around the ideas in this book to offer to the community and Mr. Stein responded that he did.
Bike Lockers
Mr. Stein noted that the Police Department had bought the lockers by the police station. He distributed a flyer and copies of the rental contract. Paula stated that NDSU marketing students may take on the project of doing a survey of the downtown area regarding placement, advertising, and interest. Mr. Stein noted that they may consider placing lockers by the College of Business downtown. The Commission discussed the advertising and labeling plans. Mr. Engen asked if the city would be responsive to people asking for locker locations. Mr. Stein responded that it was possible but that it would take 9-10 years for these lockers to pay for themselves at $100 a year for rent.
Mr. Stein read an e-mail to the Commission regarding bicycle safety and the lack of enforcement throughout the city. Commissioner Williams stated that there was a language issue in the state law and that he would speak with the appropriate person. Ms. Bailly stated that she would prefer to begin a comprehensive plan for the community, not strictly downtown or Fargo. The Commission discussed working with MetroCOG and other groups. Mr. Gilmour suggested involving Heather Mitzel to develop segments for the city’s cable channel. The Commission discussed various downtown web sites and how they are linked.
The Commission discussed closing Broadway on a Friday and Saturday evening to display vintage airplanes in front of the Fargo Theater. Mr. Anderson stated that Traffic Engineering was reluctant to approve it.
Walking Tour of Parking Facilities
Mr. Stein stated that the Commission would be visiting the Radisson ramp and to view the bike lockers at the US Bank ramp. The Commission adjourned to their tour.