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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-19 DTPC MIN 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES May 19, 2022 The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Chairman Glynn, Commissioners Bates (remotely), Lepage, Rheinberger, Councilmember Junker Absent: None Staff present: Community Development Director Gladhill, Assistant City Planner Gutknecht ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion by Commissioner Lepage, seconded by Commissioner Bates, to elect Commissioner Glynn as Chair and Commissioner Rheinberger as Vice Chair. All in favor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of April 21, 2022 meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lepage, to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on Downtown Parking Commission Work Plan Community Development Director Gladhill led discussion on the Downtown Parking Commission’s Work Plan, based on an August 2020 study completed by HKGi. Next steps could include: 1) discuss recommended changes with the City Council prior to public engagement; 2) host public engagement opportunities with impacted stakeholders; 3) consider formal policy/regulation amendments. Strategies outlined in the study include improving enforcement and technology; ensuring parking capacity meets downtown needs; and improving customer experience with a combination of wayfinding/signage and customer service. Chairman Glynn emphasized the importance of a communication and marketing plan when making any changes. Councilmember Junker noted that the study was done pre-COVID; a lot has changed. Revenue was lost because the City did not charge for parking in surface pay lots in 2020 or 2021. Historically the parking revenue has been in the $400,000-450,000 range. The 2022 priorities included increasing Lot 2 to $5 and considering on-street parking time limits. This needs to be explored. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting May 19, 2022 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Lepage remarked that the DTPC also discussed dropping the seasonal aspect and setting year-round parking fees because the City is a 12-month destination. Commissioner Bates questioned whether $5 is the right amount, or should the charge be higher? The Commission should look at all parking lots and a new fee structure before making a change. Commissioner Rheinberger suggested fees be based on distance and convenience. The farther away the parking, the least it should cost. The Commission needs to determine what the ceiling is that people will pay, and should be open enough to do some testing of prices. Commissioner Bates stated a more effective approach may be to consider which lots will be at which rates and implement that, to be certain about the decision before implementing it. Chair Glynn acknowledged there are a lot of people parking close-by for free. There is need for more turnover on those interior spots. Councilmember Junker recapped the Joint DTPC/City Council meeting October 5, 2021: Communication with residents and businesses will be crucial. For 20+ years, Lots 1 and 2 have been paid, at different rates. 75% of all 2000 spots downtown are free. The best spots should cost the most; the Mayor likes the idea of a residential parking pass; work needs to be done on employee parking, enforcement, and reworking the business mitigation structure. Chair Glynn commented one of biggest detractors of change is businesses. The DTPC may need an incentive like eliminating mitigation but requiring employees to park a few blocks away. Mr. Gladhill responded that there is an appetite among businesses to have more conversations about parking. A key will be public engagement and input from stakeholders. Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded for discussion by Chair Glynn, to recommend raising Lot 2 to $5. Chair Glynn stated it would be helpful to have a spreadsheet listing all lots and spots, current prices, and proposed changes. No vote taken on the motion. Commissioner Lepage stated he would want to see a spreadsheet before making a decision. Motion by Commissioner Bates, seconded by Chair Glynn, to direct staff to create a spreadsheet as discussed, for DTPC review with the intention of making a decision on fees as soon as possible. Councilmember Junker stated increasing Lot 2 to $5 would generate about $60,000 more in revenue. Chair Glynn stated several strategies can be accomplished with one change: incorporating better technology for enforcement and payment. Mr. Gladhill noted that staff has already researched mobile phone pay system vendors. IT staff is stretched thin and it would help if the DTPC strongly recommends this be prioritized. All in favor of the motion. Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger to recommend that the City prioritize implementation of a mobile phone option for the downtown parking district. Motion failed for lack of a second. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting May 19, 2022 Page 3 of 3 Councilmember Junker suggested first talking to the City of Hudson, which uses paid parking through Passport, prior to a presentation by vendors. Commission consensus was to consult other communities, then invite vendors’ presentations, before making a recommendation to the Council. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. DISCUSSION There were no discussion items. FYI/STAFF UPDATES Annual Boards and Commissions Training Mr. Gladhill reminded the Commission of the training, June 14, 2022. COMMISSION REQUESTS Councilmember Junker asked if part time parking attendants have been hired yet; and Mr. Gladhill replied the Police Chief is assessing whether there is value in having parking lot attendants. Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket is still doing enforcement. Mr. Gladhill understood the parking lot attendants were not doing any enforcement. Councilmember Junker noted the City installed an attendant house in Lot 2 and there also was an attendant in Lot 1. He would like to know what is the enforcement strategy for 2022. Mr. Gladhill replied the Parking Enforcement Officer and Police Chief can be invited to the next meeting to talk about strategy. But at this point there is not a plan to have parking lot attendants. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lepage, to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 a.m. ATTEST: ________________ Tim Gladhill, Community Development Director