HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-21 DTPC MIN _ amended216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
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The Birthplace of Minnesota J
DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
March 21, 2024
Chairman Glynn called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Present: Chairman Glynn, Commissioners Bates, Havir (via Zoom), Kaufer, Lentz, Lepage,
Rheinberger
Absent: Councilmember Dunker
Staff: Community Development Director Gladhill
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of November 16, 2023 meeting minutes
Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lepage, to approve the November 16,
2023 meeting minutes. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items on the Consent Agenda.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
Update on Planned Lot 8 Reconstruction and River Market Co-op Parking Lease
Community Development Director Gladhill stated that River Market Co-op is requesting an
amendment to the lease for Parking Lot #8a. The existing lease dated December 7, 1999 provided an
initial 20-year term with three additional 10-year extensions at a rate of $1/year for 50 spaces, and
also included an assessment for a portion of costs of reconstruction of Lot #8. The City is planning to
reconstruct Lot #8 in 2024. In discussing the cost allocation, River Market instead offered
amendments to reduce the number of stalls reserved and pay applicable parking fees (in lieu of the
$1/year current rate). He reviewed the terms of the proposed lease. Staff believes the proposal is fair,
as it would open up 25 stalls to general public parking. Staff recommends approval and plans to bring
a full lease amendment to the City Council on April 2.
Sara Morrison, General Manager of River Market Co-op, said there have been many meetings about
the proposed lease amendments.
Commissioner Lentz asked who would be responsible for signage, and Mr. Gladhill replied River
Market will be responsible for signage and enforcement.
Chairman Glynn asked if the narrow walkway into the parking lot will be redone, and Mr. Gladhill said
he will check with the City Engineer.
Downtown Parking Commission Meeting
March 21, 2024
Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Kaufer, to recommend that the City
Council approve the lease amendments as proposed. All in favor.
FYI/STAFF UPDATES
Update and Discussion on Downtown Parking Changes Implementation - Additional Credit Card
Terminals, South Main Street Loading Zone Pilot Stud
Mr. Gladhill updated the Commission on several items: hourly parking payments are going well and
generating a net increase in revenue. The number of parking permits added to the system was far
more than anticipated. City staff are working with the soon to be new owners of the apartment
complex next to the parking ramp to have the new owner manage all of their allotted parking permits.
A major sales tax audit revealed that the City was not collecting all the right sales taxes for downtown
parking, so the City may need to pay about $40,000 depending on the interpretation of the regulation.
Two new credit card terminals are ready to install. There are many fraud sites purporting to be
"Stillwater Passport App." The request from the Loft at Studio J to stripe a 3-4 space loading zone on
Main Street has been submitted and the City is awaiting a decision from MnDOT.
Commission Work Plan
Mr. Gladhill provided the current work plan. Commissioners noted that in general, the Commission
could focus on improving communication with downtown users and businesses on a number of
parking topics including fake apps, identifying parking zones, parking passes and employee parking.
Mr. Gladhill said next month's meeting could be a strategy session on the work plan to identify the top
priorities.
COMMISSION REQUESTS
Chairman Glynn asked about the Aiple property and parking lot construction timeline.
Mr. Gladhill explained the Aiple property development as Lumberjack Landing is part of about $8
million in a package of riverfront improvements being partially funded through $6 million in State
funding. The City hopes to begin construction in 2025. River Grove School was granted exclusive
daytime use of that parking lot on a temporary basis by the City Council.
Commissioner Rheinberger asked for a Lumberjack Days update, and Mr. Gladhill replied that the
Locals are passing the torch and the City is working with another entity to handle the event.
Mr. Gladhill also stated the gravel parking area on the south end near Bridgeview Park that is now
used by a private business will go away in 2025 when the City improvements are started.
Commissioners agreed that when the gravel parking goes away, those cars will have to park
somewhere and the Commission should start start thinking about options.
Newly appointed Commissioner Havir introduced herself.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lentz, to adjourn the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 a.m.
i
y air --
ATTEST:
Ti Gladhill, Community Development Director
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