HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-16 DTPC MIN
216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
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DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
June 16, 2022
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.
Present: Chairman Glynn, Commissioners Lepage, Rheinberger, Councilmember
Junker
Absent: Commissioner Bates
Staff present: Community Development Director Gladhill, Police Chief Mueller
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of May 19, 2022 meeting minutes
Commissioner Rheinberger clarified that the unattributed motion on page 2 was made by
Commissioner Bates.
Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lepage, to approve the
minutes of the May 19, 2022 meeting as amended. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Parking Lot Attendant Needs
Community Development Director Gladhill led discussion of changing downtown parking
needs and the decision not to hire parking lot attendants for the two pay parking lots
downtown.
Police Chief Mueller explained how the attendants have been utilized in the past. Recently,
parking operations have shifted to Community Development leaving the Police Department
to focus on enforcement. Police Department employees’ kids and friends have been hired as
attendants in the past. This is not a desirable way to staff. Staff is discussing how to get to a
point where most lots are self sufficient. A determination was made to not hire attendants
this year as a pilot project.
Councilmember Junker noted that about $2,000 was spent last year to construct the
attendant shack in Lot 2. He asked, what are the advantages and disadvantages to the City
to have the two attendants there? If it is strictly informal advice for visitors, it may not be
worth the expenditure; and Chief Mueller explained the Parking Enforcement Officer writes
tickets and also is a community liaison engaging the public. This model is used in many
communities where the parking person is out and about, and not just in the booth.
Downtown Parking Commission Meeting June 16, 2022
Page 2 of 2
Commissioner Rheinberger stated that even an empty parking shack may be a symbol of
enforcement.
Councilmember Junker stated he thinks it should be removed if it is not used.
Chair Glynn asked about the phone number that is on the pay kiosk and where does the call
go; and Mr. Gladhill replied that the phone calls go to the City. Each lot has 2 kiosks, and each
kiosk has a separate vendor - so finance has to do two different reconciliations. Finance
would like the kiosks replaced with a mobile phone app as soon as a recommendation can
be made to the Council. All four kiosks take credit card info, but one has a bad modem and
is not transmitting. If the City switches to a mobile phone app, they have 24/7 customer
service that answers right away.
Councilmember Junker noted one of the priorities that came out of the parking study is
enforcement. He asked what is the enforcement level Monday through Friday and
weekends; and Chief Mueller replied there is sworn enforcement downtown to handle
everything from parking to assaults. The Parking Enforcement Officer previously worked
weekdays, but now works some weekend hours. Staff has been discussing enforcement’s
role, particularly on weekends and during events. The idea of a downtown precinct came
about because officers working city-wide were having a hard time physically responding in
a timely way to low level downtown calls due to traffic.
Mr. Gladhill added that the concept of a downtown precinct is relatively new. It represents
a shift in philosophy toward community engagement. The Chamber also is working on a
downtown ambassador program to assist visitors. He will direct Public Works to pull the
shack out of Lot 2. He recommended that, instead of having the iPad inside the Lowell Inn,
the City consider installing a traditional credit card machine in one of the elevator lobbies.
Passport and ParkMobile are possible apps to investigate. This will be discussed next month.
DISCUSSION
There were no discussion items.
FYI/STAFF UPDATES
There were no staff updates.
COMMISSION REQUESTS
There were no Commission requests.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Chair Glynn, to adjourn. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:13 a.m.
ATTEST:
________________
Tim Gladhill, Community Development Director