HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-16 DTPC MIN
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
January 16, 2014
REGULAR MEETING 8:30 A.M.
Vice Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m.
Present: Vice Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Anderson, Hopfe, Helmberger, Junker,
Lettner
Absent: Chairwoman Pelletier and Council Representative Kozlowski
Staff: Community Development Director Turnblad, Police Chief Gannaway, Parking
Enforcement Officer Pasket
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the
November 21, 2013 meeting minutes. All in favor, 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
American Gothic request for loading zone
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that American Gothic Antiques has
requested a loading zone and sign for the corner of Olive Street next to their business.
Carol Eppel, American Gothic Antiques, told the Commission that there are yellow no-
parking striped curbs on Main and on Olive, but people sometimes park there making it hard
to load furniture. The snow makes it hard to see the yellow striped curb in the winter.
Community Development Director Turnblad noted that state law prohibits parking within 20
feet of an intersection, so if signed, the loading zone would have to occupy the first legal
parking spot.
Commissioner Junker asked if all loading zones in that block, particularly on Water Street,
are still needed.
Commissioner Hopfe asked if the Commission approves the request, would it be in a position
to designate a loading zone in every block?
Downtown Parking Commission January 16, 2014
Officer Pasket suggested re-signing the existing 15-minute space on Main Street in front of
the Lofts for a loading zone.
Motion by Commissioner Junker, seconded by Commissioner Helmberger, to convert the
existing 15-minute parking space on the west side of Main Street just north of American Gothic
Antiques to a loading zone parking space Monday through Sunday 8 am-6 pm. All in favor, 6-0.
Downtown Parking Request
Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Commission that a downtown
resident living next to Brine’s has asked for a designated parking spot. He reminded the
Commission that downtown residents may rent a stall in the parking ramp for $3-5/day.
Officer Pasket stated that the residents in question are not moving their car overnight and he
has asked them to remove their car when there is significant snowfall requiring plowing of
the South Main lot.
Commissioner Junker acknowledged that there are times when the issue of where to park is
an issue for downtown residents.
2014 Parking Lot Map
Community Development Director Turnblad stated there are two reasons why the
Commission may want to consider completely reformatting the map this year: 1) the demand
for the downtown parking maps has dropped dramatically over the last few years, probably
because visitors use digital information sources more frequently; 2) the current parking lot
map is now completely out of date since reconstruction of the parking lots east of Main
Street. As a result, the City may not want to print maps at all this year.
Commissioner Junker said he believes it’s helpful to have the maps. He suggested adding the
number of spaces per lot on the map.
Officer Pasket suggested not printing the maps this year and saving the money.
Community Development Director Turnblad reminded the Commission the map can still be
published on the City web site.
Commissioner Helmberger suggested including parking lot names rather than (or in addition
to) lot numbers on the map.
For the next meeting, Community Development Director Turnblad will produce two different
maps - an internal one and a for-publication map, for the Commission’s consideration.
Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to not print 2014
maps, rather to publish electronically and continue to let the CVB and IBA print the maps in
their literature. All in favor, 6-0.
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Downtown Parking Commission January 16, 2014
Parking Ramp Revenue Study
Community Development Director Turnblad led discussion comparing expenses and
revenues. There are four revenue streams: permits (monthly passes), event revenue, the
Lowell Inn, and transient (hourly) parking. Parking ramp revenues generally cover
operational expenses, but not capital expenses. Operating expenses are pretty much fixed.
Equipment often malfunctions but it would not be feasible to switch to a full time parking
attendant at this point. To cover future capital costs, rather than relying on general City tax
dollars, between $30,000 and $40,000 should be placed in reserve each year. This would
build a small operating reserve. Because the ramp was built with tax increment financing,
90% of it must be used for commercial, not residential parking.
Officer Pasket said he spends a lot of time printing tickets for the Lowell Inn and helping
people with the malfunctioning equipment or people who have trouble using the equipment.
Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the types of different parking ramp
passes and fees. He asked that Commission members consider ways to increase revenues in
order to create the necessary capital reserve funds.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Junker, to adjourn the
meeting at 10:00 a.m. All in favor, 6-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Kink
Recording Secretary
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