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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-21 DTPC MIN11 lwater TME 7INTNâ–șLACE OF MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 21, 2016 REGULAR MEETING Chairwoman Pelletier called the meeting to order at 8:36 a.m. Present: Chairwoman Pelletier, Commissioners Glynn, Hopfe, Lettner, Council Representative Junker Absent: Commissioners Anderson and Johnson Staff: Community Development Director Turnblad, Police Chief Gannaway, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of March 17, 2016 meeting minutes There were no changes to the minutes of the March 17, 2016 meeting. CURRENT BUSINESS Ramp Ads contract Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the second draft of the proposed contract with Ramp Ads Marketing LLC for advertising in the City's parking ramp. Commissioner Glynn suggested that paragraph 1.4 of the contract, Approval of Signs, be amended to require approval of copy for each ad by the ad committee. This suggestion received support from all commissioners present. Mr. Turnblad suggested that the ad committee be comprised of all commissioners, who could review each proposed ad electronically and grant approval by email. Chairwoman Pelletier suggested that each ad would have to receive four of the six committee members' votes to be approved. Council Representative Junker added that the five-day language in paragraph 1.4 should be five business days. Commissioners agreed the contract should be forwarded to the City Council for consideration with the changes to paragraph 1.4. NEW BUSINESS JX Event Center loading zone request Downtown Parking Commission April 21, 2016 Community Development Director Turnblad stated that Judd Sather, JX Event Center owner, is requesting four designated drop-off spaces on Second Street and four designated event parking spaces on Commercial Street. Mr. Sather has removed the existing loading dock, which will enable the City to complete the Commercial Street pedestrian improvements. Mr. Turnblad added that in each instance where the Council has previously approved this sort of license arrangement, it has cut in half the yearly fee for the reserved parking spaces. Mr. Sather informed the Commission that the event center is scheduled for an early June opening. He further explained he would like to install pedestrian ramps in the curb area of the former loading dock, that would slope up to the doors. He emphasized the caterers need to unload a lot of things, and added that it is costing $5-15,000 to remove the loading dock and rebuild the concrete needed. Chairwoman Pelletier said she felt uncomfortable with the cost of removing the loading dock being a negotiating item, but she feels it is fair to leave the area as offloading area until the City reconstructs the sidewalk. Council Representative Junker acknowledged that consideration is needed to get trucks into the event center, but that the City plan for extension of the pedestrian walkway appears to almost close the block off entirely to parking. He feels something should be done to enable loading and unloading for the event center. Community Development Director Turnblad said perhaps some type of sidewalk could be used that would be colored differently to indicate it is still a loading area. Commissioner Hopfe noted the Commission has denied a number of other business owners who wanted to reserve public parking spaces. Chairwoman Pelletier said she would be open to two 15 -minute loading spaces, but is opposed to losing any more public parking. Commissioner Hopfe acknowledged the enforcement of 15 -minute spaces is difficult especially on weekends. Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket noted the City has denied other business owners who asked for private parking, because it opens a can of worms. He is not opposed to designating a loading/unloading space but feels putting 15 -minute spots on Second Street will not work. Council Representative Junker emphasized the City is eager to get the pedestrian plaza connection. Community Development Director Turnblad said the plaza development is perhaps three to five years in the future. Motion by Chairwoman Pelletier, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to 1) recommend approval of designating the two northerly spaces on Second Street as loading zones (24 x 7 x 365); and 2) recommend leaving the southern two spaces on Second Street as they are, which is three-hour parking 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 3) recommend allowing the current curb alignment on Commercial Street adjacent to the Event center to remain as is, but with the pedestrian ramp improvements; and 4) recommend leaving all four spaces on Commercial Street as they are, which is three-hour parking 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. All in favor. Page 2 of 3 Downtown Parking Commission Cashman Tuk Tuk license April 21, 2016 Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Commission that Jim and Marilyn Cashman are proposing operating a tuk-tuk service in downtown Stillwater. Drivers would offer free rides and mini tours all over downtown in two vehicles between April and October. Revenue to cover vehicle and driver costs would be generated from rider donations and advertising placed on the tuk-tuks. Mr. Cashman is requesting a license to operate the transportation service and two reserved parking spaces. He has identified four possible spots. Mr. Turnblad reviewed staff comments regarding each of the possible reserved spots. Police Chief Gannaway noted there would probably be more parking conflicts with space #2. Even though signed, people still park there. Chairwoman Pelletier expressed reluctance to give up another parking space downtown to this business. She asked if Mr. Cashman has spoken to private lot owners. Mr. Cashman noted he spoke to Frank Fabio of Maple Island, who may be open to providing a space in his lot in exchange for advertising. Spaces in the Desch building are all reserved for tenants. He also has spoken to the owner of Let There Be Light. Council Representative Junker stated the only possible space he would consider is space #3 near the trolley. Commissioner Hopfe recognized the area of the trolley is already congested and boat season has not started yet. She would rather see Mr. Cashman pursue space in a private lot. Motion by Chairwoman Pelletier, seconded by Commissioner Glynn, to recommend denial of the reservation of any public parking spaces for the proposal. All in favor. SPECIAL EVENTS Lumberjack Days event permit Commissioner Glynn explained the current plan for Lumberjack Days setup which will be basically the same as last year. Staff recommends approval. Commissioner Glynn recused himself from voting, therefore reducing the number of voting members to three. Since four votes were required for action, no action was taken. However the other three commissioners voiced support for the proposed parking lot use plan to be recommended to the City Council. ADJOURNMENT Chairwoman Pelletier adjourned the meeting at 9:58 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink, Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3