The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2015-01-15 DTPC PacketTHE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION AGENDA Thursday, January 15, 2015 8:30 AM Conference Room 213, City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2015 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 18, 2014 MINUTES 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.01 Parking Lot Equipment Discussion 5.02 JX Event Venue - Parking Mitigation Plan 6. OTHER BUSINESS 6.01 Permit Parking & Rates (2015) 6.02 Parking Ramp Signage — Price Quote 6.03 Event Parking 6.04 March Parking Violation Program 7. ADJOURNMENT i11watt THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: January 5, 2015 RE: Annual election of officers Background According to the bylaws of the Parking Commission, a Chairman and Vice Chairman are to be elected annually by a majority vote of Commissioners present at the first meeting of the calendar year. Discussion The Chairman should request nominations for both positions. If only one nomination is received for a position, a simple hand vote is all that is necessary. In two or more nominations are received for a position, then a secret ballot on folded slips of paper should be conducted. bt a e. THE HINTHYLACE OF MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 18, 2014 REGULAR MEETING Chairwoman Pelletier called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Chair Pelletier, Commissioners Helmberger, Hopfe, Junker and Lettner, Council Representative Kozlowski Absent: Commissioners Anderson and Johnson Staff: Community Development Director Turnblad, Police Chief Gannaway, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Junker, to amend the agenda by adding two items: 1) Sather update on Main Street event site; 2) Council action update. All in favor, 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Junker, seconded by Commissioner Helmberger, to approve the November 20, 2014 meeting minutes. All in favor, 5-0. NEW BUSINESS Concept discussion of alternate site for JX Event Center Community Development Director Turnblad updated the Commission on progress of the proposal. The applicant, Judd Sather, recognizes the City's concerns about traffic flow and safety with the proposed location. While continuing forward on the Main Street site, he is also exploring an alternate site that may be less concerning to the City. The second site that Mr. Sather is interested in is the former Connolly Shoe Factory building, specifically the upper level. A maximum occupancy load of 750-850 people (averaged to 800 for discussion) has been calculated. This would require one parking space for every three persons, or 267 spaces. The increased parking deficit is 224 spaces. With the parking ramp directly across the street, valet parking would not be needed. Commissioner Junker remarked the location directly across from the parking ramp seems very appropriate for an event center. Downtown Parking Commission December 18, 2014 Police Chief Gannaway stated from a public safety standpoint, there are zero issues with the Connolly site. A traffic study would not be needed. It's 100% better than the Main Street site. Community Development Director Turnblad noted that the applicant estimates 75% of the customers will probably use the ramp on their own; for the estimated 25% of customers who would not use the ramp, a mitigation number of 56 spaces has been calculated. Commission consensus was that mitigating 56 spaces may be a high number. Mr. Sather stated that regarding the original Main Street site, the cost for valet parking would be $8,000 per month, and the traffic study would cost $2,000-$5,000. He can submit the application tomorrow for the Connolly Shoe Building. SPECIAL EVENTS Brine's Bocce Ball Tournament Community Development Director Turnblad stated that Brine's is planning its 23rd Annual Bocce Ball Tournament for Saturday, February 21, and would like to reserve the 22 spaces on Water Street that lie north of their rear entrance and Chestnut Street from 6 am to 10 pm for setup and the event on February 21. Cleanup would be February 22 from 6 am to 10 am. Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Junker, to approve the use of parking spaces and charge $25.50 per day for the reserved parking spaces. All in favor, 5-0. NEW BUSINESS continued Permit Parking in 2015 Community Development Director Turnblad noted that, with reconstruction of all the municipal parking lots between Nelson and Mulberry Streets, the Parking Commission has recommended to the City Council that all of the municipal lots east of Main Street should become pay lots. The Council conceptually agreed with the recommendation. The parking permit policies will need to be amended to take into consideration the planned fee change. Commissioner Helmberger remarked he is concerned the $5 charge for all -day parking may be too high and bring in too much revenue. Perhaps $4 would be more reasonable. It is confusing to charge a different amount for weekend parking. Police Chief Gannaway stated he gets few complaints about how much the City charges for parking. Better quality machines are needed. This is another reason to charge $5. Community Development Director Turnblad agreed to re-examine the $3, $4 and $5 scenario in terms of potential revenues. He will be initiating a Request for Proposals for equipment for the pay lots. He would hope to get the machines in place by May 1. Page 2 of 4 Downtown Parking Commission December 18, 2014 Council Representative Kozlowski asked if the City could consider hourly machines like those used in Minneapolis, where time can be added. Community Development Director Turnblad acknowledged there are many types of systems available. Consensus was reached on the following: 1) Stillwater resident passes would be valid in all public lots except Lot 8a. In Lots 13, 18 and 19, the passes would be valid after business hours and on weekends. 2) Business permits (day use permits) would be valid in Lots 4, 5, 8b, 11, 12, 16 and 17. For Lot 12, only the west row of spaces may be used with this permit. 3) Downtown resident permits would be valid in Lots 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 16 and 17. In Lot 12, only the west row of spaces may be used with this permit. 4) Hour limits for Lots 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 will be set at 4 hours. Hour limits for Lots 12, 14 and 20 will be set at 24 hours. Monthly rates will be discussed at the January commission meeting. OTHER BUSINESS Parking Ramp Signage No update. Event Parking Community Development Director Turnblad initiated discussion on event parking. The City has several policies that together allow private event producers to use downtown public spaces (parking lots, streets, parks, trails and the pedestrian plaza) with very few limitations on that use. One consequence of these policies is that other customers who rely on the municipal lots, and who invested money to buy or lease property in close proximity to those lots, are inconvenienced whenever the lot they typically use, is reserved for an event. Another consequence is that retail customers have to search longer for parking spots if the lot closest to their destination is used for an event. Commissioner Junker noted this will be the first summer that the newly reconstructed lots will be visible. To look at parking supply is crucial. He doesn't think there are that many new events but everyone needs to visually assess, what do our parking lots look like right now? Chair Pelletier commented when the bridge is closed, Stillwater will be even more attractive as a venue for promoters. The City should be ready to deal with more event requests. Council Representative Kozlowski noted the Council will have to work on an event strategy. He would prefer to see events on the grass rather than taking over a parking lot. Commissioner Helmberger remarked, what if there were no more events allowed in parking lots? He can see that the City is getting overwhelmed with events. Page 3 of 4 Downtown Parking Commission December 18, 2014 Commissioner Junker reminded the Commission that flooding is frequently an issue. Commissioner Hopfe commented that the people who are hurt the most when events take over all the parking lots are the property tax payers, downtown businesses. Council Representative Kozlowski suggested parking lot use could be "Plan B" if flooding forces events onto the lots, but the default should not be putting events on parking lots. Police Chief Gannaway confirmed there are a lot more events, and traditional events are expanding. Charging for the use of lots weeds out some of the requests. Commissioner Hopfe asked what is wrong with saying no to event requests? The number of bikers downtown will increase with the opening of the trail. The downtown will be significantly changed. Council Representative Kozlowski noted that looking at an event strategy will be a focus for the Council in 2015. Parking Fine Forgiveness for Foodshare Month (March) Council Representative Kozlowski mentioned reading about another city that forgave outstanding parking fines for those who brought in items for the food shelf. March is Foodshare Month. Perhaps this could be done in Stillwater. Police Chief Gannaway noted that outstanding fines are handled by Washington County. Council Representative Kozlowski suggested trying the program with any parking citation issued in March. It can be discussed more after January 1. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to adjourn at 10:15 a.m. All in favor, 5-0. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink, Recording Secretary Page 4 of 4 i11watt THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: January 8, 2015 RE: Parking Revenue Equipment BACKGROUND By May 1st, which is when the City's pay lots annually begin operation of the revenue equipment, the Parking Commission and City Council would like to have revenue control equipment installed and operational in Municipal Lots 1 — 11. For Lots 1 and 2, the existing equipment would be replaced. But for Lots 3 —11, revenue equipment would be installed for the first time. In order to help the Parking Commission identify the appropriate equipment, and to work with the City through the acquisition and purchase of the equipment, City staff has arranged for Damon Noga of Denison Parking to provide consulting servicesl. Mr. Noga will be at the Commission meeting on January 15th to begin the process. COMMENTS The purposes of the meeting on January 15th are: 1) to discuss the City's parking lot system and needs with Mr. Noga; and 2) to discuss what options exist for equipment/systems that may serve the City's needs. bt 1 It is expected that the City Council will approve a contract for services on January 20, 2015. The consulting fee total would be $6,350. This fee is all inclusive: all meetings requested by staff and the Parking Commission throughout this process as well as any phone calls, e-mails etc pertaining to the revenue control parking equipment RFP and the proposals submitted by the various vendors. This also includes the writing (and any reviews/changes) of the RFP, distribution, and review of submitted proposals to the City of Stillwater as well as our recommendation after reviewing the proposals with the City. It is estimated that the project will take 40-50 hours of work/travel, etc. i11watt THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: January 8, 2015 RE: JX Event Venue BACKGROUND In November the Parking Commission recommended approval, with conditions related to traffic and parking safety concerns, of the parking mitigation plan for the proposed JX Event Center on Main Street. The owner of the proposed center, Judd Sather, recognizes the City's concerns with public safety. So, while continuing forward on the Main Street site, he is also exploring other sites that may be less concerning to the City. The second site that Mr. Sather is interested in is the former Connolly Shoe Factory building on Second Street. The Parking Commission discussed the second site conceptually (being referred to as the JX Event Venue, whereas the Main Street site is referred to as the JX Event Center) at the December Commission meeting. Since then a formal application has been submitted to the Planning Commission. The City Planner's report for the Planning Commission application is attached for reference. COMMENTS • The proposed site across 2nd Street from the municipal parking ramp was considered a great improvement by the Commission over the proposed Main Street site. • Attached is the floor plan for the event center space in the shoe factory building. Proposed uses of the three floors of the building are as follows: o Lower level is currently used for food processing (wedding cake icing) and storage. The proposed use will be storage. o The second street level is currently used as office space, and will continue to be used that way. o The third level currently is used as office space but would be converted to event center space. • Only the third floor's use will change measurably. Therefore, the Parking Commission can limit its review to that floor. Mr. Sather estimates an event occupancy load of 750 to 850 people. For parking calculation purposes, City staff recommends using the average number of 800. o At a rate of one required parking space for each 3 persons of design capacity, the 800 person center requires 267 parking spaces. Let's also assume all 267 must park off-site. o Currently the 12,826 square feet office area on this story requires 43 parking spaces (1 per 300 sf). o The increased parking deficit for the proposed change of use on this story is 224 spaces. ■ Mr. Sather assumes 75% of his guests would use the ramp. Sather Event Venue Page 2 • On weekends when the Lowell Inn has peak ramp usage (for which it pays a fixed % of its annual gross sales, with a minimum annual fee of $9,400), there may be 100 to 125 spaces available in the ramp. ■ Consequently, on weekends when business for both the Lowell Inn and the event center would peak, the ramp would not be able to accommodate all parking demand. o What method would the Parking Commission consider fair to mitigate the parking deficit? • The strict mathematical option would be to charge $10 per month for each of the 224 increased deficit spaces. That would be $2,240 per month, or $26,880 annually. That seemed excessive to the Parking Commission in December, since peak occupancy of 800 will not occur frequently, and on most nights during the week, the center will have low or no occupancy. ■ Another option could be to charge $10 per month for the 25% of guests that Mr. Sather estimates will park on -street instead of in the ramp. If we took 25% of the total 224 space deficit, that would be 56 spacesl. • The Parking Commission felt that 56 spaces were also somewhat high, since it was based on the full 800 person occupancy load. • For comparison purposes, if a more frequent event size of 500 people were used for calculation mitigation, then the estimated 25% of customer vehicles would equal a 42 space deficit2. ACTION REQUIRED The Parking Commission's role in this case is to determine a parking mitigation plan. If the Planning Commission approves the Special Use Permit for this event center, one of the conditions of the use permit will be that the property owner will be responsible for paying whatever mitigation fee is associated with the plan approved by the Parking Commission. bt Attachments: concept floor plans 1 56 spaces at $10/month = $560 monthly, or $6,720 annually. 2 42 spaces at $10/month = $5,040 annually. 5-102AG, 2p�5511\G OFF I C,5 COAt5 1/ 200 1/ 100 1/ 100 1/ 200 c X92 480 65 155 51'02AG: 1/ 200 iiCOM1130. u 0 19 FIX2 5.A-11\G 1/15 55� FIX; 5A' \G 1/ 15 660 5.1AG;- 1/15 294 X 5-10W".',. fL:XI131-:1/ 7 191 2ANC.: f1-002 I/ 200 82 =1-.X131-; 1/7 (---- 1M- +3 1/ 7 668 2696 W M existing office 12,826 FIX;2 S-AfI\G 1/ 15 725 h"C-�f\ \et increase occup, approx, 1/ 200 + 760 from office -,o 585( assemA4 D 0 subtaction for circulation -(0 office 1/ 100 subtaction for circulation -169 office 1/ 100 t 0 0 subtaction for circulation -693 office 1/ 100 Bill Turnblad From: juddsather@gmail.com on behalf of Judd Sather <judd@studiojphoto.com> Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 4:19 PM To: Bill Turnblad Subject: Re: Connoly Show Factory Building Attachments: SHOE CONCEPT2.pdf; SHOEConcept 1.pdf Occupancy would be 750-850 according to diagrams attached. For mitigation you can apply your formulas with the anticipation that 75% of the guests would use the parking garage which would be awesome for the City. I can get you a packet by Monday. -Judd Sather, Owner & Lead Photographer The Loft at Studio J, Judd Sather Photography & Studio J, Inc. (Photo/Video) Loft Site Photography Site; Based in Stillwater, MN & available worldwide - (651) 342-1476 214 South Main St., Stillwater, MN 55082 On Wed, Dec 10, 2014 at 3:26 PM, Bill Turnblad <bturnblad@ci.stillwater.mn.us> wrote: Judd, The next Parking Commission meeting is Thursday the 18th. I am in the thick of researching and writing for their agenda packet right now. Technically, you are well past the deadline for this month's meeting, but if you could get me a fairly complete parking mitigation plan by Monday noon, December 15th, I could still get research done and bring it to the Commission this month. �]�vater Bill Turnblad Community Development Director City of Stillwater 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: January 14, 2015 CASE NO.: SUP/2014-38 APPLICANT: Judd Sather, applicant REQUEST: Special Use Permit to operate an event center at 123 2nd Street North ZONING: CBD -Central Business COMP PLAN DISTRICT: DMU-Downtown Mixed Use PREPARED BY: Abbi Jo Wittman, City Planner REQUEST Judd Sather is requesting a Special Use Permit for an events center, JX Events Venue, to be located at 123 2nd Street North, the Connelly Shoe Factory building. The maximum capacity of the venue would be 800 guests. The three story structure would house the events venue on the upper story with offices on the main floor including Mr. Sather's photography studio. The lowest floor, accessible off of the alley, is indicated to be used for storage though the applicant has indicated it is currently utilized for manufacturing and packaging of food products. BACKGROUND This request comes before the Planning Commission after the Commission's conditional approval of this events center at 120-124 Main Street South. The conditions of approval, designed to reduce the parking and traffic safety impacts on Main Street near its intersection with Chestnut Street, may make the events center unfeasible for Mr. Sather. As such, he is looking at this alternative location. APPLICABLE GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS Section 31-325 indicates that assembly halls in the Central Business District require a Special Use Permit. Section 31-207 establishes the review standards for Special Use Permits: 1) The proposed structure or use conforms to the requirements and the intent of this chapter, and of the comprehensive plan, relevant area plans and other lawful regulations. Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6, Local Economy, indicates an objective of supporting business expansion in the downtown commercial district. This would be achieved through the following implementation actions: "[e]ncourage small, locally owned, businesses particularly in the Downton" and "[p]romote office and service job locations in and around the downtown." Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7, Economic Development, indicates a goal of promoting and maintaining the downtown as a central focus for community, economic and cultural activity as "tourism has allowed the Stillwater downtown to avoid the vacant buildings and physical decline seen in other traditional downtowns." The events center will help support these goals, objectives and implementation actions. The proposed use is allowed within the subject zoning district, if it is found compatible with surrounding uses. Other uses in the vicinity include office and retail uses in free standing structures across Commercial Street and the alley. Residences are located on the second stories of some of these structures, located approximately 16' away. Additionally, the municipal parking ramp is located across 2nd Street as well as the Lowell Inn. In review of the request with City staff, the following items were determined to be some items of concern: • Parking and Traffic: The concerns of the impact to the parking in this location have been preliminarily discussed with the Downtown Parking Commission. Generally speaking, the Downtown Parking Commission did not anticipate negative impacts to parking in this location given the sites proximity to the municipal parking ramp. The applicant is expected to work with the Downtown Parking Commission on finding a suitable alternative to meeting the off-street parking requirements at their next regularly - scheduled meeting on January 15th. The applicant has indicated there would be minimal traffic impacts as there is an adjacent 8' by 24' loading dock / drop- off area as shown, right. However, there are traffic safety concerns at the corner of Commercial and Main, an intersection with limited site visibility. Furthermore, as the 9.5' sidewalk on the northern side of the structure is not continuous from the front to the rear of the structure, pedestrians in this location must walk in traffic (either on the street or in the loading zone) as the 1.5' sidewalk adjacent to the loading dock is not sufficient. CPC 1-14-15 (SUP/2014-38) 123 2nd Street North Page 2 of 4 • Event security and noise (including impact to neighboring residences): The existing, free- standing building would need to conform to the City's noise ordinance. The applicant has indicated interior modifications would be made to help reduce the noise. Furthermore, the applicant is proposing implementation of the security plan developed in conjunction with the Stillwater Police Department. • ADA compliancy (including accessible routes and distance to accessible spaces): Where the former site had significant accessibility issues, this site does not. The applicant is proposing the installation of a new elevator at the 2nd Street entrance. Furthermore, the 4% slope of the sidewalk along Commercial is accessible to Main Street. 2. Any additional conditions necessary for the public interest have been imposed or use and/or structure will not constitute a nuisance or be detrimental to the public welfare of the community. The focus of this review standard is whether the proposed use can operate in its proposed location without negatively impacting surrounding uses, or the general neighborhood. Minimal concerns have been identified with this proposed use in this location. While there are a number of ways the traffic safety concerns could be addressed, the removal of the non -historic loading dock in this location is preferred. While the City Council authorized the construction of the loading dock in 1970, the land remains in public ownership. Removal of the dock would allow for the reconstruction of a 9.5' wide sidewalk and associated parallel parking areas consistent along this street frontage. Reduction of the depth of the loading dock by 4.5' would further allow for the reconstruction of a 5' sidewalk and associated parking area. ALTERNATIVES AND RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve the Special Use Permit request with or without conditions. If the Commission would like to approve the Case No. 2014-38 with conditions, staff would recommend the following: a. Prior to the operating of an event center, the property owner shall remove the loading dock on the northern side of the structure or enter into a license agreement with the City Council for the continued use. b. The lower level, accessible off of the alley and Commercial Street, shall not be utilized as rentable area for events or event functions. The use shall remain as storage. c. The main floor, accessible off of 2nd Street North, shall not be utilized as rentable area for events or event functions. d. The third floor shall be used as rentable area for events or event functions. Plans shall be consistent with those submitted with the December 15, 2014 dated Planning Commission supplemental information for JX Events Venue. e. Prior to the operating of an event center, the applicant shall secure all required approvals from the Stillwater Building Department, Stillwater Fire Department and Washington County Health Department. CPC 1-14-15 (SUP/2014-38) 123 2nd Street North Page 3 of 4 f. All existing and future trash receptacles shall be stored inside the building at all times with the exception of the day of trash collection. g. Prior to the commencement of any exterior work, including the installation of lighting and signage, a Design Review permit shall be submitted and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission prior to the issuance of a building permit for this project. i. Any conditions attached to the Design Permit issued by the Heritage Preservation Commission for this addition are incorporated by reference into this Special Use Permit. h. A parking plan must be approved by the Downtown Parking Commission to satisfy the off-street parking requirements. If an impact fee is associated with the parking mitigation plan, it will be invoiced quarterly by the City. Failure to pay the mitigation fee within 30 days of the invoice will be certified for collection with the real estate taxes with the real estate taxes in October of each year. The applicant waives any and all procedural and substantive objections to the parking permit purchase requirement including, but not limited to, a claim that the City lacked authority to impose and collect the parking permit fees as a condition of approval of this permit. The applicant agrees to reimburse the City for all costs incurred by the City in defense of enforcement of this permit including this provision. i. Any conditions attached to the parking plan approved by the Downtown Parking Commission are incorporated by reference into this Special Use Permit. i. All changes to the approved plans will need to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director. Any major changes will need to go to the Planning Commission for review and approval. 2. Determine that the proposed events center is not consistent with the Special Use Permit provisions or the Comprehensive Plan and deny the Special Use Permit. 3. Table the application requesting more information be brought back before the Commission at their February 11, 2015, meeting. ATTACHMENTS Site Location Map Applicant Narrative CPC 1-14-15 (SUP/2014-38) 123 2nd Street North Page 4 of 4 i11watt THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: January 5, 2015 RE: Downtown Permits & Rates BACKGROUND At the December meeting the Parking Commission decided which permits would be valid in the downtown public parking lots. The tables below detail the Commission's decisions. 2015 Parking Lot Permits Permit Description Current valid Tots Proposed valid lots Parking mitigation "permits" (Day Use) Monthly fee for private businesses to use public lots to mitigate lack of on-site parking 4, 5, 8b, 9, 16, 17 4, 5, 8b, 11, part of 12, 16, 17 Business parking permits (Day Use) Permit to park in specific lots all day rather than for 3 or 4 hour posted limit 4, 5, 8b, 9, 16, 17 4, 5, 8b, 11, part of 12, 16, 17 Downtown Resident Permit (24/7) Permit for Downtown Residents to park 24/7 in specific lots 4, 5, 8b, 9, 16, 17 3, 4, 5, 10, part of 12, 16,17 Stillwater Resident Permit (no overnight) Permit for Stillwater residents to park in Downtown pay lots for free (no overnight parking) NA No Any public lot except 8a and the ramp This table summarizes the 2015 policies by lot. Lot # Pay lot High turnover Downtown resident permit Day use permit Hour limit Stillwater resident permit 1 Yes Yes No No NA Yes 2 Yes Yes No No NA Yes 3 Yes Yes No NA Yes 4 Yes Yes Yes NA Yes 5 Yes Yes Yes NA Yes 6 Yes Yes No No NA Yes 7 Yes Yes No No NA Yes 8a No Yes No No NA 8b Yes No No Yes NA Yes 9 Yes No No No NA Yes 10 Yes No Yes No NA Yes 11 Yes No No Yes NA Yes 12 No No Yes1 Yes1 24 Yes 13 No No No No 42 Yes2 14 No No No No 24 Yes 15 No Yes No No 4 Yes 16 No No Yes Yes 4 Yes 17 No Yes Yes Yes 4 Yes 18 No No No No 42 Yes2 19 No No No No 42 Yes2 20 Ng No No No 24 Yes 1 West row of spaces only. East portion of lot is trail head parking. 2 Private parking during business hours. Public parking allowed after business hours. Parking Permits 2015 Page 2 Still to be determined is whether permit rates should increase in 2015. And if so, what should the new rates be? Also, the Parking Commission asked staff to look again at the rate for the pay lots. Specifically, is the $5 rate that was recommended by the Parking Commission last summer larger than is necessary to generate sufficient operating and capital revenue? Or, could the rate be lowered to $4 or perhaps $3? REQUEST Review the current fees to determine whether they should change in 2015. Then, forward rate recommendations to the City Council. ANALYSIS 1. The cost of monthly permits to pay for the downtown surface lots' capital and operating expenses has not been raised since initially implemented decades ago. In the meantime the costs of construction and operation have continued to escalate. Should the cost of permits remain at their current $10 per month? Or with the recent change in pay lots, is the time right to raise these fees? a. Perhaps the permits should be increased to: i. $20/ month for the 24/7 downtown resident permit ii. $15/month for the business permit b. Stillwater resident pass should probably cost $5/year (or whatever actual cost of materials is). c. The current parking mitigation fee for business owners that are increasing the impact of a property on the parking system is $10 per month per increased deficit space. And an argument could be made for increasing it to the same fee as the standard business permit. So, if the standard permit fee goes up to $15 per month, perhaps the mitigation fee should also increase to $15 per month per increased deficit space. But, January 2015's invoicing for the mitigation fees will be the first uncontested invoicing the City has had since we switched from the "honor system" this summer to an invoicing system for these mitigation fees. For that reason alone, it may be wise NOT to raise the monthly fee just yet. Summary Table - Suggested Permit Fees Permit Description Current Fee Suggested 2015 Fee Current valid lots Proposed valid lots Parking mitigation "permits" (Day Use) Monthly fee for private businesses to use public lots to mitigate lack of on-site parking $10/month $10/month (same as uncovered rate in ramp) 4, 5, 8b, 9, 16, 17 4, 5, 8b, 11, part of 12, 16, 17 Business parking permits (Day Use) Permit to park in specific lots all day rather than for 3 or 4 hour posted limit $10/month $15/month (same as covered rate in ramp) 4, 5, 8b, 9, 16, 17 4, 5, 8b, 11, part of 12, 16, 17 Downtown Resident Permit (24/7) Permit for Downtown Residents to park 24/7 in specific lots $10/month $20/month 4, 5, 8b, 9, 16, 17 3, 4, 5, 10, part of 12, 16, 17 Stillwater Resident Permit (no overnight) Permit for Stillwater residents to park in Downtown pay lots for free (no overnight parking) NA $5/year (or actual cost of permit materials) NA Any public lot except 8a and the ramp 2. Last summer, the Parking Commission voted to recommend that the Council adopt a $5 all day rate to park in the 11 pay lots east of Main Street. This was based upon an analysis of the likely amount of revenue that would be generated in the 11 lots, and the system's total estimated operating and capital costs. Last month the Commission wanted to look at that original analysis to decide whether to keep the $5 rate or recommend that the Council adopt a lower rate. a. The attached spreadsheets show the amount of revenue that would be generated by rates of $3, $4 and $5. They also show the amount of revenue needed per year. Parking Permits 2015 Page 3 b. There are assumptions made for the amount of revenue each parking space in each of the 11 lots would make. The assumptions are all based upon a percentage of what we know is generated historically by the spaces in Lots 1 and 2. c. As seen in the attached spreadsheets, the assumed revenue per space for each lot is 20% to 60% less than Lot 2's historical revenue generation. The reduction in revenue generation assigned to each lot depends upon location of the lot. The further it is away from a prime location, the larger the reduction. d. If assumptions are correct, a $3 rate in all pay lots may generate just enough to cover all operating and capital costs. Though it would not cover any increased summer help positions to service the larger number of pay lots. A $4 rate might generate a surplus of $66,000 annually. And, a $5 rate might generate over $120,000 in surplus revenues. e. The assumptions that were made are merely educated guesses. Consequently, staff is not overly confident in the projected revenue generation. Therefore, we would recommend NOT charging the $3 rate, since that will likely not cover all costs. At a minimum, staff would recommend the $4 rate. At least, if the assumptions are overly optimistic, we would still probably generate enough revenue to cover costs. On the other hand, if the estimates are too conservative and more revenue is generated, it can go to cover the large gap in the parking ramp's performance. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends considering raising the permit rates as suggested. We also recommend being conservative about the pay lot rate. $4 may cover costs, but if it does not, a rate increase in the next few years would likely not be accepted well by patrons. Therefore, thought should be given to keeping the $5 rate recommended by the Commission last year. bt Attachments: 2015 Permit Map Rate spreadsheets Approved, not yet built. Municipal Parking Downtown Stillwater Proposed for 2015 Legend City Parking Lot - City Parking Ramp M Trailhead Parking Permit parking only M Private parking only Monthly permits * Business permit * 24/7 DT resident permit 15 minute parking limit - 30 minute parking limit .111 Loading/unloading . Bus loading/unloading . Bus parking On -street handicapped Downtown Residential Units On-site parking? Yes . No Number of units in black II:: ParkingMitigation � 9 Number of spaces in blue • Free parking • Pay parking O Free parking after office hours Lot 1 (pay lot) -- 98 spaces Lot 2 (pay lot) -- 84 spaces Lot 3 (pay lot) -- 33 spaces Lot 4 (pay lot) -- 29 spaces Lot 5 (pay lot) -- 7 spaces Lot 6 (pay lot) -- 16 spaces Lot 7 (pay lot) -- 16 spaces Lot 8a ("private") - 51 spaces Lot 8b (pay lot) -- 75 spaces Lot 9 (pay lot) -- 30 spaces Lot 10 (pay lot) -- 48 spaces Lot 11 (pay lot) -- 45 spaces Lot 12 (free/permit - 24 hr) - 101 spaces Lot 13 (free aft hours - 4 hr) - 23 spaces Lot 14 (free - 24 hr) -- 8 spaces Lot 15 (free - 4 hr) -- 13 spaces Lot 16 (free - 4 hr) -- 47 spaces Lot 17 (free - 4 hr) -- 97 spaces Lot 18 (free aft hours - 4 hr) - 60 spaces Lot 19 (free aft hours - 4 hr) - 75 spaces Lot 20 (free - 24 hr) -- 22 spaces Ramp (pay lot) -- 248 spaces Total = 1,226 spaces 468 marked on -street parking spaces 148 unmarked on -street parking spaces 1,842 total public spaces 1,412 free spaces 76.7% of spaces free Discussion Draft Map produced for Stillwater Parking Commission 12/31/14 Draft Stillwater Parking Commission Parking Rate Study Projections 1/5/2015 Lot 1 reduced Note that lot Lot 3 projected 20% less per 20% less per Same per space Same per space 40% less than 60% less than 60% less than 60% less than Parking sales Current Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected Lot 2014 Spaces Current2 /space/year2 r/s/y @ $3 $3 total r/s/y @ $4 $4 total r/s/y @ $5 $5 total Lot 1 98 $89,906 $848 $509 $53,943 $679 $71,925 $848 $89,906 from 106 to 98 Lot 2 84 $46,158 $420 $420 $35,248 $559 $46,997 $699 $58,747 is reduced from 110 to 84 Lot 3 33 $0 $0 $420 $13,847 $559 $18,463 $699 $23,079 to make the same per space per year as Lot 2 Lot 4 29 $0 $0 $336 $9,735 $448 $12,980 $559 $16,225 space per year than Lots 2 & 3 Lot 5 7 $0 $0 $336 $2,350 $448 $3,133 $559 $3,916 space per year than Lots 2 & 3 Lot 6 16 $0 $0 $420 $6,714 $559 $8,952 $699 $11,190 as Lots 2 and 3 Lot 7 16 $0 $0 $420 $6,714 $559 $8,952 $699 $11,190 as Lots 2 and 3 Lot 8b 75 $0 $0 $252 $18,883 $336 $25,177 $420 $31,472 Lots 2 and 3 Lot 9 30 $0 $0 $168 $5,035 $224 $6,714 $280 $8,392 Lots 2 and 3 Lot 10 48 $0 $0 $168 $8,057 $224 $10,742 $280 $13,428 Lots 2 and 3 Lot 11 45 $0 $0 $168 $7,553 $252 $11,330 $280 $12,589 Lots 2 and 3 Pay Lots (not ramp) $136,065 $168,080 $225,365 $280,135 Monthly permits $33,814 $33,814 $33,814 $33,814 Tickets and fines' $39,100 $39,100 $39,100 $39,100 Misc $12,526 $12,526 $12,526 $12,526 Total Revenue $221,505 $253,520 $310,805 $365,575 Total Goal $244,021 $244,021 $244,021 $244,021 Includes capital cost for added machines, but not added personnel Reserve or shortfall -$22,517 $9,499 $66,784 $121,554 1 Avg of 2013-14 2 Avg of 2008-14, but based on the number of spaces in 2012 Proposal to charge in all lots east of Main is based upon initiating a resident pass system 1/5/2015 Downtown Parking Lot System Cost vs Revenue Analysis (Excluding Ramp) Avg annual Avg annual Avg annual Avg annual Avg annual 110% operating costs capital costs equip c/o Total costs revenue balance rev. goal Lots $166,837.60 $30,000.00 $25,000.00 $221,837.60 $218,941.04 -$2,896.56 $244,021.36 1/5/2015 Parking Enterprise Fund - Four Year View 2011 Description 2008 2009 2010 Preliminary 2013 2014 Avg Revenue 720-0000-3140-0105 Parking Permits $36,325.00 $32,997.57 $22,057.31 $37,918.45 $33,741.47 $39,842.54 $33,813.72 720-0000-3140-0115 Parking Permits - events $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,013.22 $3,906.00 $5,924.45 $1,807.28 $1,807.28 720-0000-3560-0120 Parking Machine S Lot $75,953.00 $69,856.91 $79,161.08 $88,725.45 $108,485.39 $117,255.94 $89,906.29 720-0000-3560-0340 Parking Machine River Lot $40,431.70 $38,520.00 $52,503.96 $39,403.91 $35,908.73 $70,181.00 $46,158.22 720-0000-3610-0100 Parking Tickets $23,629.37 $28,169.22 $28,139.32 $26,371.24 $36,148.82 $33,137.55 $29,265.92 720-0000-3610-0200 Parking Fines (County) $6,729.35 $5,990.29 $4,351.49 $12,582.80 $5,054.00 $4,590.37 $6,549.72 720-0000-3810-0200 Interest Earnings $19,456.64 $8,035.14 $4,517.51 $5,000.00 $9,875.11 $12,612.49 $9,916.15 $9,916.15 720-0000-3870-0100 Refunds & Reimbursements $0.00 $359.79 $0.00 -$3.00 $0.00 $0.00 $59.47 $59.47 720-0000-3830 Sale of Property $4,325.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $720.83 720-0000-3880-0200 Cash over/short -$525.97 $191.10 $2,590.82 -$506.11 -$9,906.69 $12,617.49 $743.44 $743.44 REVENUE TOTAL $206,324.09 $184,120.02 $193,321.49 $210,505.96 $223,212.83 $296,161.83 $218,941.04 $12,526.33 Expenses PERSONNEL SERVICES $98,409.93 $92,817.88 $94,835.39 $97,386.51 $97,548.33 $96,014.70 $96,168.79 SUPPLIES $3,790.53 $6,108.76 $11,986.00 $14,793.43 $9,277.47 $18,157.63 $10,685.64 SERVICES & CHARGES $55,980.22 $32,000.77 $37,876.12 $24,952.19 $30,990.68 $25,697.12 $34,582.85 MISCELLANEOUS $7,969.71 $2,152.12 $1,992.46 $17,338.00 $5,399.16 $14,712.76 $13,041.00 $21,735.00 $20,244.72 $13,041.00 $8,745.16 RIVERVIEW LOT (3rd St) $17,388.00 $17,388.00— $16,655.17 (Does not include capital outlay) $183,538.39 $150,467.53 $164,027.97 $155,572.29 $174,264.24 $173,155.17 $166,837.60 $22,785.70 $33,652.49 $29,293.52 $54,933.67 $48,948.59 $123,006.66 $52,103.44 Balance The ramp is not included in these surface lot figures. 1/5/2015 i11watt THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: January S, 2015 RE: Parking Ramp Signage BACKGROUND The Parking Commission would like to produce and install signage that more effectively directs patrons to the municipal parking ramp. The signage has already been designed and approved by both the Parking Commission and Heritage Preservation Commission. As the Commission is aware, there are two possibilities for producing and installing the signs. They could be produced in the City's Public Works sign shop or a vendor could produce them. It is more economical to produce them in-house, but for any number of reasons (usually stretched resources), it is often much quicker to have them produced and installed by vendors. Since the in-house option at the moment seems slow, staff has solicited bids to have them produced by a vendor. COMMENTS Staff received three bids for the signs. The cheapest is $306.10 from Newman Signs (plus tax, freight and installation costs). Cost of installation is not included but it would likely be between $150 and $250. REQUEST Staff requests the Parking Commission to decide whether to wait until sometime during the spring to produce and install the signs in-house, or to have a vendor produce and install them. bt Attachments: Sign info and bid X X QUOTATION ** Prices on quote are guaranteed for 30 days Quote# : TQ -0009075 Ship Via : Payment Terms : Net 30 Quote Date : 11/20/2014 Sales Rep : 54 Page# : X Customer Number : STI014 FOB: NEWMAN SIGNS INC PO Box 1728 Jamestown, ND 58402 Bill To: CITY OF STILLWATER 216 NORTH 4TH STREET STILLWATER, MN 55082 Item # Part/Description 1 2 3 Phone: 800-437-9770 Ship To: CITY OF STILLWATER 3325 BOUTWELL ROAD STILLWATER, MN 55082 Line Quantity 2.00 Unit Price 49.8700 Extended Price $99.74 WORK ORDER PART # T-ECG024024/2G3A - 24" X 24" - .080 - WHITE/BLACK - ROUND CIRCLE - STD ONE POST PUNCH - SEE ATTACHED (2 EA) P T-ECG018024/2K3A 18X24 - 0.080 - 1 POST STD PUNCH/RADIUS (3 EA) PARKING RAMP (AHEAD ARROW) (1 EA) PARKING RAMP (90 DEGREE TURN ARROW - RIGHT) (3 EA) PARKING RAMP (90 DEGREE TURN ARROW - LEFT) EC FILM - FLAT FREIGHT FREIGHT 7.00 27.1600 SF - HIP - WHITE/BLACK - SEE ATTACHED 1.00 Tax may be charged where applicable. 16.2400 $190.12 $16.24 306.10 • • mini • ell NP i . • (No Ntyck\e Stseet O‘kve Streek Ne1s 1\\1el Sweet Iqe\so N'ecNOI,Sestr 0 \ \ \ S:\\ ot z Lot Lot Lot Lot Mor Lot. Lot Lot Lot , Lot Lot Lot Lot Lot : Part i11watt THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: January 7, 2015 RE: Special Event Parking - How Much Is Too Much? INTRODUCTION On both August 21, 2014 and December 18, 2014 the Parking Commission discussed event parking in general terms. (See attached minutes.) Consensus among the Commissioners is that current parking lot reservation policies for events need to be changed. COMMENTS Two action items have been identified by the Commission to date: 1. Encourage use of parks for events. Discourage use of parking lots. a. Use parking lots as a "Plan B", but only when parks are flooded or recovering from flood waters. 2. Assess actual usage of municipal parking lots (and perhaps private parking lots) during events. a. How many spaces are still available during the various events? b. What is the geographic and chronological distribution of those vacant spaces? c. Is there really a shortage during events? During some events? d. If spaces are still available during events/some events, is it satisfactory to allow event in some parking lots, and simply prohibit them in others (e.g. Lot 8b)? Who should conduct the usage assessment? The Parking Commission or a consultant? How detailed should the assessment be? Is the assessment important enough to request assessment proposals from consultants? Should other issues be studied or considered? bt Attachments: Aug 21, 2014 minutes Dec 18, 2014 minutes 2014 event parking map Current policy Lot 10 iliwater TIE I I�t7�OF MI ON E 5O I A Event Parking in June 2015 6/3, 10, 17, 24 (all day each date) Cruisin' on the Croix (Weds) 6„age 6/14 - Grand Prix Bike Race Lot 20` 7/18-21 - Log Jam Days Lot 11 Lot 13 iliwater rEI ,tT�OF MI NN F SO. A Event Parking in Municipal Lots 2014 ing Art Fair g Jam Days II Art Fair - Cruisin' on the Croix (Weds) 7/4 - Fireworks 10/10-12 - Fall Harvest Fest 7/18-21 - Log Jam Days 7/18-21 - Log Jam Days Lot 14 Legend Private parking ONLY City Parking Lot - City Parking Ramp 15 minute parking limit 30 minute parking limit Loading/unloading - Bus loading/unloading - Bus parking - On -street handicapped Downtown Residential Units On-site parking? Yes • No 7/18-21 - Log Jam Days 10/10-12 - Fall Harvest Fest 6/4 - 8/27 - Cruisin' on the Croix (Weds) 7/8, 15, 22 - Summer Tuesdays 7/4 - Fireworks 7/18-21 - Log Jam Days 10/10 - 10/12 - Fall Harvest Fest 6/4 - 8/27 - Cruisin' on the Croix (Weds) 7/8, 15, 22 - Summer Tuesdays 0 0 Y o \:0.\age 2/22 - Bocce Ball Tournament 7/10 - Rumble on the Deck 7/4 - Fireworks 7/18-21 - Log Jam Days /29, 8/12, 19, 26 - Summer Tues Lot 16 , .A\ taddY Bear Lot 1 (hourly) -- 98 spaces Lot 2 (hourly) -- 84 spaces Lot 3 (hourly) -- 33 spaces Lot 4 (hourly) -- 29 spaces Lot 5 (hourly) -- 7 spaces Lot 6 (hourly) -- 16 spaces Lot 7 (hourly) -- 16 spaces Lot 8a ("private") - 51 spaces Lot 8b (hourly) -- 75 spaces Lot 9 (hourly) -- 30 spaces Lot 10 (hourly) -- 48 spaces Lot 11 (hourly) -- 45 spaces Lot 12 (24 hr) -- 101 spaces Lot 13 (3 hr) -- 23 spaces Lot 14 (24 hr) -- 8 spaces Lot 15 (4 hr) -- 13 spaces Lot 16 (4 hr) -- 47 spaces Lot 17 (4 hr) -- 97 spaces Lot 18 -- 60 spaces Lot 19 -- 75 spaces Lot 20 (24 hr) -- 22 spaces L Ramp (hourly) - 248 spaces Total = 1,226 spaces Map produced by Stillwater Parking Commission 11/4/14 Draft RESOLUTION NO. 2010-146 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLICIES RELATED TO PRIVATE USE OF PUBLIC PARKING SPACES IN DOWNTOWN STILLWATER WHEREAS, in the past, private use of public parking spaces in downtown Stillwater has been reviewed on a case by case basis without established polices for review; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Parking Commission developed a set of policies for the private use of public parking spaces downtown and on July 16, 2010 recommended unanimously that the City Council adopt the policies; and WHEREAS, on September 7, 2010 the City Council considered those policies and found them to be appropriate. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Stillwater City Council hereby approves those policies for private use of public spaces downtown, such policies being reproduced below in their entirety. 1. Event parking a. The use of public parking spaces (parking lot and/or on -street parking) for events is acceptable under certain conditions. Those conditions include the following: i. If the use is associated with an event, a completed application form for an event permit must be submitted to and approved by the City prior to use of the parking spaces. Review of the event permit application will include consideration by the Downtown Parking Commission. ii. If one or two parking lot or on -street spaces are being requested, then the request will be approved (or denied) by the Downtown Parking Commission. iii. If three or more parking lot spaces or on -street spaces are being requested, then the request will be reviewed by the Parking Commission and forwarded to the City Council for approval (or denial). iv. No on -street parking spaces may be used for event purposes on Main Street. v. Whenever public parking spaces are used for other than general public parking, the event organizer will be required to pay a rental fee. The amount of the fee shall be as established in the annual Fee Schedule Resolution adopted by the City Council, unless a 4 lower fee is specifically negotiated and accepted by the City Council within the terms of a Special Event Contract. The parking fee amount shall be paid even if the event is organized by a public agency, semi-public agency/group, or a not-for-profit group/agency. b. The revenue generated by the public parking space rental fees will be deposited in the Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund. c. Since the Parking Enforcement Officer wages are paid from the Downtown Enterprise Fund, whenever the Parking Enforcement Officer's time is charged to an event organizer, the revenue will be deposited into the Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund. 2. Non-event parking a. The review of requests for non-event private use of public parking spaces (e.g. construction dumpsters, construction staging areas, reservations for horse carriages, etc.) will consider the following standards: i. For requests to use one or two spaces, the Parking Commission shall review and approve (or deny) the request. For requests to use three or more spaces, the Parking Commission shall review and make a recommendation to the City Council, which shall approve (or deny) the request. ii. No on -street parking spaces may be used for private purposes on Main Street. iii. Non-event uses may be allowed in 3 hour public parking Tots, and/or on -street parking spaces (except Main Street). However, they will not be allowed in any of the pay lots, which are currently identified as Lot 1 and Lot 2 in the 2010 Downtown Stillwater Public Parking Guide. b. Whenever public parking spaces are used for other than general public parking, the user will be required to pay a rental fee. The amount of the fee shall be as established in the annual Fee Schedule Resolution adopted by the City Council. The parking fee shall be paid even if the user is a public agency, semi-public agency/group, or a not-for-profit group/agency. c. The revenue generated by the public parking space fees will be deposited in the Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund. Adopted by the Stillwater City Council this 21st day of September. ATTEST: Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Ken :-rycki, Mayor a e. TME NINTNYLACE OF MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 21, 2014 REGULAR MEETING Chairwoman Pelletier called the meeting to order at 8:34 a.m. Present: Chair Pelletier, Commissioners Hopfe, Junker, and Anderson, Council Representative Kozlowski Absent: Commissioners Helmberger, Johnson and Lettner Staff: Community Development Director Turnblad, Police Chief Gannaway, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket, Event Coordinator Eastman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Junker, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to approve the June 19, 2014 meeting minutes. All in favor, 4-0. SPECIAL EVENTS Fall Art Festival Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the request. The Stillwater Chamber is asking to reserve Mulberry Street from Main Street to include Mulberry Point, Lot 9 and part of Lots 8a and 8b for October 3 (set-up day) through 5. River Market has agreed to the use of part of the lots for the event, but wishes to discuss long term use of lots and business impacts for the future. Staff recommends granting the request as proposed and charging the standard price of $526.50. Although construction in Lot 10 will coincide with the event, Public Works Director Sanders is comfortable with construction traffic and set up traffic sharing Mulberry Street while event set-up is occurring. Chamber Director Todd Streeter added that the event will use the area adjacent to River Market only if needed. Music will be in Frank Fabio's parking lot. Commissioner Anderson expressed concern with the barrier leaving only one access point. Mr. Streeter asked if use of Lot 10 could be considered closer to the time of the event for artist trailer parking. Motion by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to approve the request as proposed, adding Lot 12 for vendor trailer parking, and charging $526.50. All in favor, 4-0. Downtown Parking Commission August 21, 2014 Harvest Fest Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Commission that Summer Tuesdays is asking for use of Lots 4, 5, and 9, for October 10 (set-up) 11 and 12. Staff recommends approval with a standard fee of $297. Cory Buettner, Summer Tuesdays, explained the request. Motion by Chair Pelletier, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to approve the request as proposed, and charging $297. All in favor, 4-0. NEW BUSINESS Event Parking Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Commission that events this past summer generated more parking lot complaints than before. He led discussion of how to balance use of lots for events, businesses and other uses. Commissioner Junker commented that, for downtown residents, the number of events scheduled downtown can be overwhelming. The events are good, but too frequent. He suggested building on the four major annual weekend events and limiting the number of other events. Councilmember Kozlowski noted that the Council needs to determine an acceptable level of events. A parking calendar available online may help. Commissioner Junker said the Commission should notify event coordinators that the Commission is looking at possibly limiting events well in advance. Community Development Director Turnblad suggested having a series of discussions with user groups. Commissioner Junker requested a calendar detailing event parking lot usage over the summer to use as a tool for discussion. Commissioner Hopfe recognized that trail completion will also impact lot usage. Community Development Director noted that the suggestion was made that two way traffic should be allowed in and out of Lots 8a and 8b, so if the lots are leased for an event, temporary fencing should be provided along the perimeter with two people stationed to control the lot. Event Coordinator Eastman recommended that the City take the lead on event parking, rather than event planners. She agrees with the idea of an online parking calendar. The City could invest in pedestrian barricade for use by events. The events could be charged for delivery. Page 2 of 4 Downtown Parking Commission August 21, 2014 She encouraged Commissioners to draw on her past experience and tools created for use with a similar situation on Harriet Island. Commissioner Anderson noted that the boat slip owners are allotted parking spaces with their slip but prefer to park closer. This leads to complaints. Community Development Director Turnblad reminded the Commission that next year, all the lots east of Main Street will become pay lots, with a residential pass system allowing Stillwater residents to park for three hours. Boat slip owners will be able to purchase a monthly permit to park in certain lots, otherwise will be ticketed. Downtown Residential Parking Passes Community Development Director Turnblad said downtown residents have complained about the ordinance requiring them to move cars every 24 hours. This affects those who live on their boats in the summer, and condominium owners without on-site parking. The Council held first reading of an ordinance amendment granting authority to the Police Chief to allow parking over 24 hours not only in emergency situations but also to issue residential parking passes for downtown that would allow people to park more than 24 hours. However the Council did not come up with a program or policy to administer this, leaving that to the Parking Commission. Police Chief Gannaway stated it would have to be one location where parking over 24 hours would be allowed. The parking ramp is under-utilized. Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket remarked that the 24-hour parking regulation is enforced only on complaint. Staff does not have time to seek out violators. The ordinance change would complicate snow plowing and cause enforcement problems. He thinks the ordinance should be left as is. Councilmember Kozlowski stated that making residents move from one spot to another per the existing ordinance seems unnecessary as it doesn't reduce overall impacts on the system. Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket replied that some residents park for 24 hours in the three-hour parking spaces. He doesn't actively enforce 24-hour parking in the permit lots unless he receives a complaint, in which case he tries to give the owner a courtesy call. Councilmember Kozlowski said he would like the ordinance to reflect what residents are allowed to do in practice. He would like to be able to inform downtown residents who don't have designated parking spots where they should park overnight. Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket suggested the City could expand on the monthly permit to allow parking over 24 hours, but require the car be moved in the winter to facilitate snow But it would be hard to determine when it needs to be moved, after weeks or months. Page 3 of 4 Downtown Parking Commission August 21, 2014 Councilmember Kozlowski said if parking over 24 hours is allowed, it should only be in Lots 16 or 17. The consensus of the Commission was to leave the ordinance as is, allowing downtown residents to park longer than 24 hours in Lots 16 and 17. Police Chief Gannaway stated this will have to be revisited after the lots are completed next year. OTHER BUSINESS Parking Ramp Directional Signs Chair Pelletier explained recommendations for signs directing users to the parking ramp. Signs should designate "Parking Ramp" with an arrow. The "P" signs should remain above. There are six locations. The arrows that direct drivers to surface lots should be eliminated as they are confusing. This will be sent to the Heritage Preservation Commission for review. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Hopfe, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to adjourn at 10:30 a.m. All in favor, 4-0. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink, Recording Secretary Page 4of4