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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-17 DTPC Agenda Packet 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.stillwatermn.gov DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION October 17, 2024 Downtown Parking Commission Mission The Downtown Parking Commission ensures a financially stable Downtown Parking System that balances the needs of a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The Commission strives to be flexible and consistent in providing safe and accessible amenities. Downtown Parking Commission Vision The Downtown Parking Commission supports Stillwater’s identity as a premier com munity to live, work, and visit by providing clean, safe, accessible, and innovative parking solutions. REGULAR MEETING 8:30 A.M. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Possible approval of the July 18, 2024 meeting minutes IV. OPEN FORUM - The Open Forum is a portion of the Commission meeting to address subjects which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Chairperson may reply at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the concerns expressed. Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less. V. CONSENT AGENDA – These items are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion with no discussion. Anyone may request an item to be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS 2. Master Sign Plan Guidelines – TC2 (Transportation Collaborative and Consultants) 3. Discuss Parking Capacity for Rivertown Commons (212 2 nd St N) VIII. FYI – STAFF UPDATES 4. Parking System Update a. Financial Updates – packet materials provided next week 5. Parking feedback – no packet materials IX. ADJOURNMENT 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.stillwatermn.gov DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 18, 2024 Chairman Glynn called the meeting to order at 8:28 a.m. Present: Chairman Glynn, Commissioners Bates, Havir, Lentz, Lepage, Rheinberger, Councilmember Junker Absent: Commissioner Kaufer Staff: Community Development Director Gladhill, Administrative Assistant Ross APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of June 20, 2024 meeting minutes Commissioners added the names of motion-makers not given audibly during the meeting. Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Bates, to approve the June 20, 2024 meeting minutes as amended. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items on the Consent Agenda. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Downtown Parking Commission Work Plan Community Development Director Gladhill presented the Mission/Purpose Statement, Vision Statement and Strategies that the Commission refined on June 20, 2024. Commissioners concurred with the draft statements, with the addition to the Vision Statement “live, work and visit” to acknowledge that employees are an important stakeholder. Chairman Glynn asked when the DTPC will analyze implementation of the pay parking system and whether adjustments are needed to hourly fees or area covered. Mr. Gladhill replied that can be added as an action item in Quarter 4. Councilmember Junker said he hoped there would be more weekend enforcement. Mr. Gladhill replied that with the permit module, enforcement can increase. He will speak with Police Chief Mueller. Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Havir, to recommend that the City Council adopt the 2024-2025 Downtown Parking Commission Work Plan. All in favor. NEW BUSINESS 2025 Parking Budget Goals and Targets Downtown Parking Commission Meeting July 18, 2024 Page 2 of 2 Mr. Gladhill provided the Budget Goals and Targets recommended by staff: 1) expand enforcement on evenings and weekends; 2) increase annual capital maintenance and repairs for parking ramp; 3) improve daily administration and management; and 4) feasibility study for parking ramp #2. Commissioner Lepage suggested that the feasibility study for a second parking ramp include an alternative parking solution if a second ramp is not feasible. Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lentz, to recommend that the DTPC adopt the above as the four Budget Goals and Targets for 2025. All in favor. FYI/STAFF UPDATES Lumberjack Days (LJD) Update Mr. Gladhill informed the Commission that the river is receding but the grass is in poor condition, so most events planned for Lowell Park are being pushed to the parking lots. Therefore all parking east of Main Street will be unavailable during LJD. In addition the parking ramp is undergoing needed repairs and will have only one access point (Second Street entrance) and about 40% of stalls will be open. Parking during LJD will be a challenge and patience will be needed. Public Safety will work with traffic flow and additional staff will be required as well as signage indicating whether the ramp is full. Financial Updates Mr. Gladhill gave the year-to-date financials. Permit issuance continues to increase. Enforcement Update Mr. Gladhill shared that more enforcement is occurring, which appears to be improving compliance. Master Sign Plan Update Mr. Gladhill reported that staff is awaiting Right-Of-Way permit approvals and will be working on a Master Sign Plan over the next 1-2 months. Graffiti Cleanup Update Councilmember Junker reported that the cleanup organized by Patrol Sergeant Josh Gow and Officer Brandon Crosbie went very well. It will occur once or twice every year. Boards and Commissions Picnic, August 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. Mr. Gladhill reminded the Commissioners of the annual picnic at Pioneer Park. COMMISSIONER REQUESTS There were no Commissioner requests. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lepage, to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 a.m. Brad Glynn, Chair ATTEST: ________________ Ben Gutknecht, Interim Community Development Director DATE: October 17, 2024 TO: Honorable Chair and Downtown Parking Commissioners FROM: Ben Gutknecht, Interim Community Development Director SUBJECT: Downtown Parking Master Sign Plan BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION The Establishment of a Master Sign Plan was identified in 2022 as a Strategy to enhance customer experience and again in 2023 as an Action for Q3 of 2024 as the same goal. This Strategy and Action was identified in combination with other customer service options, such as online permit/parking payment updates, as a means to enhance the customer experience. Over the past year, Staff and Commission have implemented the updated parking portal, including utilizing Passport Parking for onsite hourly parking and parking permits. Staff has also begun updating enforcement infrastructure to better track parking behavior and enforce. One of the last pieces to enhancing the customer experience is signage. Signage is both to help communicate and to improve enforcement for those utilizing Stillwater’s parking infrastructure. Key priorities previously identified: 1. On street parking signage 2. Directional signage for Credit Card Terminal 3. General ‘pay zone’ signage and supplemental passport signs 4. Lot identification and permit allowed/not allowed status The City has entered into a contract with TC2 to develop a Master Sign Plan for downtown parking. Staff has attached their presentation to this memo for your review. Key deliverables that come from this presentation include, an inventory of existing signs and conditions, two options moving forward to build out signage, and next steps for this project. Looking ahead, the goals for the Downtown Parking Commission’s Review approve of one of the proposed approaches. Once the City has formally approved an approach Staff will coordinate with Engineering and Public Works Departments on developing sign specifications and a production/installation schedule. RECOMMENDATION The proposal offers the Commission two options to continue moving forward. City Staff recommends that the Commission recommend approval of one of the tracts to the City Council for their review and action. ACTION REQUESTED Recommend approval of one of the options for the Master Sign Plan to the City Council. Downtown Parking Sign Plan & Design Guidelines (Draft) October 2024 Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Content a)Project Goals + Background Information b)Existing Conditions c)Precedents & Best Practices d)Proposed Family of Signs & Concepts e)Next Steps Project Goals & Background Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Project Goals •Develop a family of signs •Create visible, simple and clear messaging •Recommend design standards and a placement plan •Enhance the user’s experience •Avoid sign clutter Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Background Information Comprehensive Plan & Downtown Stillwater Plan Passport Inc. Best Practices Stillwater Parking Study 2024 Site Visit Existing Conditions Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Existing Parking Signage The current parking signage in Downtown Stillwater is diverse and a little disjointed. Regulatory Gateways KiosksWayfinding Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Parking Inventory 10 Directional Signs 2 Large Gateway Signs 11 Gateway/Entry Signs 7 Pay Stations Many Zone IDs, Regulatory, & On-Street Parking Signs Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Field Visit Findings •Visibility is low for pay terminals •Regulatory signage lacks consistency •Entry signs are branded, reproducible, and clear •Payment information is relatively simple and clear •Permit information is unclear or inconsistent •Gaps in pay terminal placement Gap Precedents & Best Practices Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Organization & Hierarchy Gateways & Kiosks Directional Signage Primary Signage Secondary Signage Pay Stations & Pay Zones Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Organization & Hierarchy Sign Type Purpose Key Messaging Primary Signage P1. Gateways Alerts vehicle-drivers of a public parking facility. These signs should be located at the nearest entry point of a parking facility. •Lot Name •Time Restrictions (optional) •Permit Restrictions (optional) P2. Kiosks Provides a central hub for information (beyond parking) and serves as a formalized area for payment. Could serve as a micro-mobility hub (e.g., bike parking). •Pay Zone •QR Code •Time Restrictions •Permit Restrictions •Liability •Wayfinding Maps •Ped/Bike Amenities (optional) Secondary Signage S1. Pay Stations Provides a location for people to pay in person. These are less formal as an informational hub, but clearly visible. •Pay Zone •QR Code •Time Restrictions •Permit Restrictions •Disclaimer S2. Pay Zones Provides people an option to pay via the mobile app. •Pay Zone •QR Code •Disclaimer (optional) S3. On-Street Regulatory Signs Adhere to existing standards (for discussion).•Time Restrictions Directional Signage D1. Vehicular Directional Signage Directs vehicle-drivers to public parking facilities. These signs should be strategically located at an intersection and used sparingly. •Public Parking (“P”) and Directional Arrow D2. Pedestrian Directional Pay Station Signage Guides pedestrians to pay stations or kiosks. These should be used sparingly. •Pay Here Directional Arrow Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines P1. Gateway Signage Best Practices •Keep it simple •Designed to enhance the visibility of public parking lot locations •Incorporate a brand Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines P2. Kiosks There are three locations that serve as hubs for pay stations and other functions. Best Practices •Should serve multiple purposes •Generally, provides shelter or protection from the weather. •Located at key nodes or at trailheads Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines S1. Pay Stations Best Practices •Provide locations within walking distance of a parking lot. •Position stations strategically to ensure they are easily visible •Do not obstruct walkways •Be clear on messaging and payment Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines S2. Pay Zone Signage QR Code Best Practices •User Familiarity: Have the QR code linked to a URL that demonstrates a clear relation to Stillwater •Deterrence: Locate warnings about punishment for tampering with QR codes near parking signs •Public Education: Increase user awareness of the issue and how to report any QR code tampering •Payment Method: Use familiar payment applications. Passport is used by Stillwater and St. Paul •Internal: Send out staff intermittently to check the integrity of QR codes and parking signs Best Practices •Follow QR code practices •Avoid clutter •Place 1 sign per 8 to 10 on-street parking spaces •Place 1 sign per 10 to 15 off-street parking spaces Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines D1. Vehicular Directional Signage Best Practices •Avoid sign clutter •Locate signs on major throughfares where gateway signs are not visible Proposed Family of Signs Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Proposed Family of Signs Objective •Keep it simple and cost effective (low cost/high benefit solutions) •Leverage approved branding (color palette, logo, font style, etc.) •Adhere to existing design standards for wayfinding •Create signs that are visible, but avoid designs that conflict with the surrounding environment (river and historic buildings) Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Proposed Family of Signs Sign Type Purpose Key Messaging Primary Signage P1. Gateways (Large & Small Entrance Signs) Alerts vehicle-drivers of a public parking facility. These signs should be located at the nearest entry point of a parking facility. •Lot Name •Time Restrictions (optional) •Permit Restrictions (optional) P2. Kiosks (Limited in Use) Provides a central hub for information (beyond parking) and serves as a formalized area for payment. Could serve as a micro-mobility hub (e.g., bike parking). •Pay Zone •QR Code •Time Restrictions •Permit Restrictions •Liability •Wayfinding Maps •Ped/Bike Amenities (optional) Secondary Signage S1. Pay Stations Provides a location for people to pay in person. These are less formal as an informational hub, but clearly visible. •Pay Zone •QR Code •Time Restrictions •Permit Restrictions •Disclaimer S2. Pay Zones Provides people an option to pay via the mobile app. •Pay Zone •QR Code •Disclaimer (optional) S3. On-Street Regulatory Signs Adhere to existing standards for on-street parking located outside of pay zones. •Time Restrictions Directional Signage D1. Vehicular Directional Signage Directs vehicle-drivers to public parking facilities. These signs should be strategically located at an intersection and used sparingly. •Public Parking (“P”) and Directional Arrow D2. Pedestrian Directional Pay Station Signage Guides pedestrians to pay stations or kiosks. These should be used sparingly. •Pay Here Directional Arrow Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Proposed Family of Signs Option A (Traditional) Builds on existing designs Gateway: (Large) (Small) Pay Station Tri-Fold & Two-Sided Kiosk Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Proposed Family of Signs Option B (Enhanced) Builds on existing designs and incorporates a brand (river symbol) Gateway: (Large) (Small) Pay Station Tri-Fold & Two-Sided Kiosk Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines P1. Gateways (Large) Purpose Designed for use in specific locations (e.g., large parking lots) to improve the visibility of public parking lots. Gateway Entrance Redesign Includes new messaging to note time and permit restrictions Gateway Kiosk Redesign Existing Option A Option B Provides a central hub for information (beyond parking) and serves as a formalized area for payment. These would be used sparingly. Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines P1. Gateways (SMALL) Purpose Intended to complement large gateway signs and to be positioned at the entrance of smaller parking lots. Option A Option B Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines S1. Pay Stations Purpose Designed to enhance the visibility of pay station locations while conveying essential payment information. Option A Option B Tri -Folds Provides more space to convey messages (payment information, disclaimers, wayfinding maps, etc.) Two -Sided Designed to be mounted on poles or buildings – less intrusive when ROW is limited Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines S1. Pay Stations Location Passport Best Practices Stillwater Guidelines On Street ~2 pay station /block 1 pay station per 250 feet Off Street 1 pay station/parking row Spaced 1 per 250 feet and/or 1 per 50 spaces Recommendations Additional pay stations are needed: •There are seven stations currently in the field •The City has two extra stations that are currently inactive (in storage). •There is a need to add four more stations based on the proposed spacing guidelines.Gap Visibility Issues Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines S2. Pay Zones Type Location Passport Best Practices Stillwater Guidelines Pay Zones On Street 1 sign per 5 spaces 1 sign per 8 to 10 spaces Off Street 1 sign per 10 spaces 1 sign per 10 to 15 spaces (or more depending on visibility of pay terminals) Recommendations •Continue to utilize existing signs in the short-term •Move/add signs based on proposed spacing guidelines •Upgrade signs in the next year to include large QR codes Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Proposed Placement Plan for Gateway and Pay Stations The guidelines offer staff the flexibility to position signs as needed to optimize sight lines and accommodate right-of- way requirements. Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines D1. Directional Signage S3. On-Street Regulatory Signs (outside pay zones) D1. Purpose: Designed primarily to alert vehicle-drivers of the location of public parking facilities. S3. Purpose: On-street parking signs are designed to convey time restrictions. Recommendations •Continue to utilize existing sings and standards. •Place signs in accordance with the Downtown lighting removal and placement plan. Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines D1. Directional Signage High Visibility •Entry points – North, south, west •3rd street Low Visibility •Main Street Intersections •Myrtle, Olive, Chestnut There are opportunities to improve directional signage for underutilized lots west of Main Street, but these should be implemented selectively to avoid clutter. Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines D2. Pedestrian Directional Pay Station Signage Purpose: These signs are intended for limited use to minimize sign clutter. Introducing more pay stations and their associated signage will help lessen the need for these signs. Pay Station Pay Station Next Steps Downtown Stillwater Parking Sign Guidelines Next Steps 1.The Downtown Parking Commission provides a recommendation for City Council’s consideration. Staff recommends advancing the concepts and guidelines as a framework for future refinement in developing sign specifications and a placement plan. 2.The City Council approves or recognizes the concepts and guidelines as a framework. 3.Once approved, City staff will move forward with developing sign specifications and a production/installation schedule. Option A (Traditional) Option B (Enhanced)