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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-18 DTPC MIN216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 �Wa ter www.stillwatermn.gov The Birthplace of Minnesota J DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 18, 2024 Chairman Glynn called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Chairman Glynn, Commissioners Bates, Havir, Lepage, Rheinberger, Councilmember Junker Absent: Commissioners Kaufer and Lentz Staff: Community Development Director Gladhill APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of March 21, 2024 meeting minutes Postponed to next meeting. 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 Work Plan Discussion Community Development Director Gladhill provided the most recent work plan and asked what the Commission would like to focus on for the next calendar year. He noted past discussions of the need for better communication materials and signage, and on street parking. Councilmember Junker suggested closely monitoring the impact of the pay parking implemented last September. He also said the City now must pay sales tax on pay parking, due to a state law requiring that unless parking spaces are identified and numbered, the entity must pay sales tax. The City has engaged its legislators to look into it. Commissioner Havir asked if there is a relatively inexpensive quick fix such as numbering each stall, and Councilmember Junker replied that is not clear yet. Mr. Gladhill noted that far more would be spent monitoring a numbered parking stall system, even if it was in -kind staff time. It's more cost effective to pay the sales tax which is about $10,000 per year. He recommends focusing on increasing wayfinding and customer service signage, short term home rental parking, and monitoring the new parking permit software that will roll out in May or June. Councilmember Junker asked if Police Chief Mueller could attend the next Commission meeting to discuss enforcement efforts. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting April 18, 2024 Chairman Glynn noted that part of the pay parking program was to develop a future plan for expansion of the parking system or redistribution of parking spaces. He would like to keep focus on the goal of a second parking ramp at Second and Chestnut, and establish revenue triggers and utilization triggers. Mr. Gladhill provided updated revenue numbers. He stated the parking program broke even despite the delay in starting the pay parking zone. Generally, parking nets $300-400,000 per year in revenue and staff conservatively estimated another $300,000 with the pay parking change. But the first quarter of 2024 (the slowest time) revenues were double the norm, $105,000 revenue versus expenses of about $90,000. 2024 should at least break even. With capital planning in the future, the Commission also should talk about other revenue opportunities such as state funding. Councilmember Junker commented that Lot 8, the River Market Lot, will be redone by June 1. Then River Market will convert to their 25 spots and the City will pick up 26 new spots. Mr. Gladhill recapped the focus for 2024: downtown parking expansion plan, second ramp, additional lots, maybe some pilot projects with Stillwater Trolley to do circulators for events, signage, short term home rental parking, parking permits. Chairman Glynn would also like to review Passport Parking options that the City may not be using yet, and Councilmember Junker would like to know if there is a way to show the number of available spots in the parking ramp. Parking Fees and Parking Permits for Short Term Home Rentals Mr. Gladhill asked the Commission for input on alternatives for Short Term Home Rental parking, where license plate -based enforcement does not work because license plates change. Currently, about a dozen downtown STHR operators have been provided with a Residential Parking Permit for their guests' window display. Possible alternatives are: current method of window display; charging an hourly fee in a 24-hour parking area (Lot 12 or parking ramp); reserving a zone or space for STHR guests with window display. Councilmember Junker suggested requiring the STHR operators to buy a defined STHR permit, not identified as Residential but as STHR. Chairman Glynn asked why the City can't simply make any parking lot 24/7. Why make a separate STHR permit? Mr. Gladhill answered that is possible but he would like to check with public works first about clearing the lot for maintenance. There should be a time limit so it doesn't become a storage lot. Commissioner Havir said there may be a lot of unlicensed STHR operators who rent their homes in the summer, unbeknownst to the City. Mr. Gladhill responded that the City has a way to identify potential listings and has close to 100% knowledge of the licensed and unlicensed home rentals. With added enforcement the City will catch those who are not purchasing parking permits now. Commissioner Rheinberger agreed with Chairman Glynn, why create a different window hanger? Mr. Gladhill said the City should track data on the parking impacts of STHRs. The recommendation would be to continue with the current system, requiring STHRs to purchase a parking permit. Commissioner Bates asked if there is a way to make the process completely digital so they don't have to hang a window tag, but instead enter their license number, and Mr. Gladhill said he will check with Passport. Page 2 of 3 Downtown Parking Commission Meeting April 18, 2024 Commissioner Havir brought up loading and loading dock areas as the busy season starts. Streets are often blocked by trucks, causing a public safety issue especially with events and guests in the street taking photos. She asked what the City is doing to ease traffic flow and enforce loading zones. Mr. Gladhill agreed loading zones need to be addressed. He suggested signing, "area closed for loading until 3:30 pm" or whatever time is chosen. This can be discussed at the next meeting. Commissioner Bates asked if there is an official City policy on party bus parking, and Chairman Glynn answered buses are supposed to park up the hill. Councilmember Junker remarked the City attracts about eight party buses a night on weekends. They often park in the Desch Building lot with engines idling for hours, disturbing condo residents. He checked with Mr. Desch and he has not given anyone permission to park in his lot. Mr. Gladhill said he will address this with Police Chief Mueller. FYI/STAFF UPDATES Update and Discussion on Downtown Parking Changes Implementation Discussed above. Quarter 1 2024 Financials Discussed above. COMMISSION REQUESTS Chairman Glynn reminded the Commission of the May 8 Boards and Commissions training. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Bates, to adjourn the meeting. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 a.m. Brad 6iyn, Chair 7AT E T: LaJA-A-p Tim Gladhill, Community Development Director Page 3 of 3