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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-17 DTPC MINItem 3 11• 11 Of 111•IEE•TA DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 17, 2013 REGULAR MEETING 8:30 A.M. Chair Pelletier called the meeting to order at 8:42 a.m. Present: Commissioners Pelletier, Johnson and Hopfe Absent: Commissioners Anderson, Helmberger, Junker, and Council Representative Kozlowski Staff: Community Development Director Turnblad and Police Chief John Gannaway APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to approve the August 15, 2013 meeting minutes as corrected. All in favor, 3 -0. NEW BUSINESS Valley Tours request for bus unloading zone Chairwoman Pelletier reported that Sally Erickson from Valley Tours would like the Parking Commission to consider establishing a tour bus loading and unloading zone near the restrooms on the Pedestrian Plaza. Community Development Director Turnblad said he believes Metro Transit may not allow tour bus unloading and loading at its existing Water Street bus stop. Alternatively, a 54 -foot on- street segment of Water Street abutting the Pedestrian Plaza restrooms could be designated for tour bus loading and unloading. This option would eliminate two parking spaces. Community Development Director Turnblad agreed to ask Metro Transit staff if they would allow tour bus unloading and loading at the existing bus stop. and also will ask that they consider adding another bus stop near the ramp on Third Street. Leewaye request for parking ramp permit Community Development Director Turnblad explained that Rivertown Commons resident Ileen Leewaye has requested a 24/7 residential parking permit for the municipal ramp. Similar requests have come from other residents. The City is allowed to use up to 10 %, or 25 Downtown Parking Commission October 17, 2013 spaces, for non - commercial or residential permit parking. Because the ramp is usually only half full, this appears to be a reasonable request. Motion by Commissioner Hopfe, seconded by Chairwoman Johnson, to offer five spaces to residents on a first -come first- served basis with a six month pass at $35 per month with the understanding the pricing could be restructured later. All in favor, 3 -0. Request for gap funding from Parking Enterprise Fund Community Development Director Turnblad stated that downtown reconstruction projects are being funded primarily from TIF and other sources that will cover everything except for $100,000. A new rate structure is anticipated to be in place in 2015, which will increase the parking enterprise fund. He recommends using the parking enterprise funds to cover the shortfall this year. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Chair Pelletier, to spend $100,000 from the parking enterprise fund for downtown parking lot reconstruction costs. All in favor, 3 -0. Downtown resident parking Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the current policy on downtown resident parking and some of the complaints received from residents. With a valid monthly parking permit, downtown residents may currently park in almost any non -pay parking lot for 24 hours. On May 1, 2015 (tentative date), when all lots east of Main Street become pay lots, downtown residents will have to park in the lots on Second Street unless the policy is changed. If the City allows downtown residents with monthly permits to park in the same lots where they park now, no one will end up parking more than one block from where they live. He doesn't know how this system could be improved. Commissioners felt there is no further action necessary. SPECIAL EVENTS Update on Summer Festival Proposals Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Commission that the Council has heard three of four proposals submitted for a summer festival. No action has been taken yet. He anticipates a decision will be made on October 29. Once selected, the production company will work with the City to fine -tune the event. OTHER BUSINESS Update on construction schedule Community Development Director Turnblad stated that most of the downtown construction will be finished this year. On the south end, Corps engineers missed major utilities which Page 2 of 3 Downtown Parking Commission October 17, 2013 delayed construction. As a result, the City won't be able to build the bathroom in the south end of Lowell Park until this spring. ADJOURNMENT Chairwoman Pelletier, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 a.m. All in favor, 3 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3