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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-21 DTPC Packet DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION AGENDA Thursday, March 21, 2019 8:30 AM Conference Room 213, City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 21, 2019 MINUTES 4. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.01. Fee for Crosby Hotel valet parking 5.02. St. Croix Crossing Half-Marathon event parking 5.03. Union Alley parking restriction 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.01. Parking capacity study scope 7. UPDATES 7.01. Flood 2019: lot closures and status of parking ramp 7.02. Council decision on Historic Armory 7.03. Council decision on Cruisin’ on the Croix 8. ADJOURNMENT DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING February 21, 2019 Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m. Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Glynn, Hopfe, Johnson and Lettner; Council Liaison Junker Absent: Commissioner McAllister Staff present: Community Development Director Turnblad, Police Chief Gannaway, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of January 17, 2019 meeting There were no additions or corrections to the minutes of the January 17, 2019 meeting. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR Election of vice chair was tabled until the March meeting. NEW BUSINESS Crosby Hotel request for valet signage Community Development Director Turnblad stated that late last year the Crosby Hotel requested three valet parking spots on Main Street. The Parking Commission approved two 15 minute spaces, but did not authorize the use of the two spaces exclusively for valet purposes. The hotel has requested that the Parking Commission reconsider. They are asking for permission to place two A-frame valet parking signs at the curb of the two 15 minute parking spaces. The signs would read “valet parking” not “valet parking only.” They would be placed curbside daily from 8 am-11 am and from 3 pm-8 pm. Staff notes that related to the valet parking is snow removal. The bank of plowed snow that accumulates along the curbline is removed by the City as time permits. But, that is not frequent enough for convenient use by guests unloading luggage. So, as the Lora does, the Crosby will need to remove the bank of snow after each snowfall. Chairman Anderson noted that when the Commission agreed to the 15 minute spaces they were told no signs would be put up. Immediately afterwards, valet signs went up taking up three spaces. There is a sign up today in front of the building saying valet only. He questioned whether today’s decision will be adhered to. He would like to see proof that the valet parking spaces are needed. Officer Pasket suggested the spaces be either left at 15 minute parking or converted to valet parking. Otherwise they would be difficult to enforce. Chris Diebo, Crosby Hotel, apologized for the disconnect on the valet parking signs, saying they painted over the word ONLY on one sign and then the other sign came in. They were going to paint it yesterday but didn’t get to it. Being a full service hotel on Main Street, they feel they must offer valet parking to guests. If hotel guests arrive when there are already cars in the 15 minute spaces, they would have to try to valet in the middle of the street. Public Downtown Parking Commission Meeting February 21, 2019 Page 2 of 5 Works is great at clearing snow but the hotel will keep shoveling as well to clear the path for guests checking in. He appreciates all the concerns and wants to work with the City. Councilmember Junker noted that since the hotel opened, that block is busier than ever. He feels that to truly offer valet parking, the 15 minute parking spaces will not work because business patrons are parking there for longer, sometimes 30 minutes. Mr. Diebo added that Candyland and the barber shop have agreed to let the hotel use their parking after 7 p.m. if needed. The businesses are working with each other on parking. He agreed it is too confusing to have both 15 minute and valet parking in the same spaces. He would prefer it to strictly be valet parking. He is OK with a charge for the spaces but requested consideration for some sort of trade due to the amount of money being spent on snow removal. Mr. Turnblad suggested addressing the fee later to research the development agreement for the Crosby. Motion by Chairman Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Glynn, to remove the 15 minute signage from the two spots in front of the hotel and allow the spaces to be used exclusively for valet parking, with the fee for the two valet spots to be discussed at the next Downtown Parking Commission meeting. All in favor, 5-0. Cruisin’ on the Croix event parking Mr. Turnblad stated that Frank Fabio has made application for the 2019 Cruisin’ on the Croix event permit. He has requested the use of all the spaces in Lots 4, 5, 8b, 9, 10 and 11 for a total of 234 parking spaces. Last year 94 spaces were approved. Mr. Fabio also is proposing the use of two on-street parking spots, one at Water and Myrtle and one at Water and Mulberry, for event registration tents. These were denied last year. Eight event dates are requested, every other Wednesday June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21, and September 4 & 18. This is the same number of dates as last year. Staff recommends approving the use of 12 spaces in Lot 4, all spaces in Lot 9 and the 45 spaces in Lot 11 for a total of 87 spaces. The lift bridge reconstruction won’t be finished by mid June so half of Lot 4 will still be used for construction staging. Staff does not recommend the use of Lot 5, Lot 8b or Lot 10, or any on-street parking. The reservation fee would be $1.50 per space per day, totaling $1,044. Police Chief Gannaway said the St. Croix River is forecast to reach major flood stage which would bring water to the top of the levee wall. If flooding occurs, Public Works will have to erect barricades and some of the parking lots could be used for flood protection. Frank Fabio, event organizer, explained more spaces are being requested because the event keeps growing in popularity. In 2015 they had 159 spots and last year they had 94. He is aware that use of Lot 8b next to River Market is problematic for River Market because they claim that they lost revenue on car show nights. He feels the loss could be weather dependent because there were 4-5 Wednesdays last year when it was storming or threatening bad weather. He heard that Lot 8b is the favorite parking spot for employees of River Market and nearby offices. Commissioner Hopfe voiced concern that this event is too big for downtown and that closing off parking lots for the entire day, for eight days out of the summer is unfair to the other merchants. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting February 21, 2019 Page 3 of 5 Chairman Anderson asked if Mr. Fabio has thought of a creative solution to having to shut down the lots early in the day. He also said Mr. Fabio always says this is a great benefit for the entire downtown but there’s been no evidence or data showing that other businesses benefit. Mr. Fabio said he polled car show participants and out of 45 responses, 91.1% said they frequently go to establishments in downtown Stillwater when they come to the car show. Some business owners have told him business is up 20% up on those Wednesdays. Councilmember Junker noted the City Council has always had issues with the use of Lots 10 & 11 because they are designated as residential parking. He applauds Mr. Fabio for sticking to the 8 dates, but feels the jump to 234 requested spaces is a big jump. He regularly receives letters from building owners complaining about the use of that many spaces for the car show. Mr. Turnblad pointed out that the City allows employees and employers to buy parking permits for Lots 4, 5, and 8b, and therefore has an obligation to provide them a place to park. Lots 4 and 5 aren’t usable due to construction. To take the only remaining permit parking area out of use during the car show is unreasonable. Commissioner Hopfe acknowledged that events are good for downtown but they must work for the other businesses too. Shutting down that many lots for 8 days is too much. Mr. Pasket stated that last year, there were no enforcement issues other than complaints about why lots are closed when no one is parked there. Chairman Anderson stated use of Lot 8b is un-negotiable. He suggested Mr. Fabio work with the Desch Building for more spaces. Mr. Fabio replied car show participants who park at the Desch Building tend to camp out there and do not walk down to patronize the other businesses downtown. Chairman Anderson said Mr. Fabio will have to limit the event somehow because he cannot take over any more parking spaces. Mr. Fabio proposed that River Market block off their spots in Lot 8b and let the event have the rest. Lots 9, 11 and part of 8b could all be monitored from one tent. He would make sure there are no public cars there for safety reasons. Chairman Anderson asked if the City gives Mr. Fabio more spots, would he cut the number of event dates down to four? Mr. Fabio said in 2016, 159 spaces were allowed; in 2017 - 141; in 2018 - 94. 120 spaces is a good compromise for him. Originally there were 13 shows; this has been dropped down to 8. Police Chief Gannaway commented there are more and more event requests, and at some point the City Council will have to say no. The City is up to 75 events a year now. Councilmember Junker said if the City grants him 120 spaces, he would like some type of commitment that Mr. Fabio won’t seek more overflow parking in private lots. Mr. Fabio replied he would seek more private spaces only if there is a demand. 120 spaces would accommodate about half the cars that show up. Councilmember Junker said he would rather have the event use Lots 11 and 9 and utilize the Desch lot, not Lot 8b. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting February 21, 2019 Page 4 of 5 Mr. Fabio said he doesn’t think he can get a commitment from Mr. Desch to use the lot every week. Motion by Chairman Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to approve the use of 12 parking spaces in Lot 4 and all of Lots 5 (conditional upon the lot being available), 9 and 11 with a fee of $141 per event for each of the eight event dates. All in favor, 5-0. Opera on the River event parking Community Development Director Turnblad stated that Rouse Legacy and Operatunity Theater of Forest Lake are requesting permission to hold a concert on August 10 in front of the Lowell Park Pavilion. Event setup, concert and take down would all occur on Saturday, August 10. They would like to reserve Lots 5 and 9. Lot 5 would be used for service of alcoholic beverages and Lot 9 for vendors and portable restrooms. Lot 9 has 30 spaces and Lot 5 has 7 spaces. Staff recommends approval of those two lots on August 10 with a fee of $3 per space for the day, or a total of $111. Oben Floan, applicant, explained the event. It would have free seating with roped VIP seating for sponsors and a roped liquor area. The stage will face north. About 20 food and artisan vendors will be in the park from noon through the evening concert. They would like to use Lot 10 for vendor parking. He anticipates a crowd of up to 1,000 people. If successful, they would like to make it an annual event. Chairman Anderson stated typically when there is an art fair, vendors park further away from the location. Lot 10 is the only other fire exit. Mr. Turnblad suggested using Lot 12, a multiple use lot, for vendor parking. Mr. Floan agreed it would be alright to use Lot 12 for vendor parking. Commissioner Hopfe if they would consider having fewer vendors. Chico Rouse, co-applicant, said they want to drive as much commerce to downtown as possible. Vendors are not an important factor. They would like to support the local businesses. Mr. Floan added that they are meeting with the Chamber tomorrow. Commissioner Hopfe suggested they also meet with the MainStreet IBA. Police Chief Gannaway noted that Lumberjack Days has 23-25 vendors, so 20 vendors for a 1,000 person event seems like a large number. He also suggested they have a Plan B for river flooding. Mr. Rouse replied they have Trinity Church as a backup location. Motion by Chairman Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Lettner, to approve the use of Lot 5 for Opera on the River on August 10 for a fee of $21. All in favor, 5-0. 2018 Parking Enterprise Fund Report Community Development Director Turnblad provided revenue and expense figures for the surface lots from 2015 to 2018. Despite a lot of construction and disruption, parking lot revenue stayed healthy with a $137,116 transfer to the parking enterprise fund. Parking permit revenue increased dramatically in 2018, possibly due in part to successful collection of quarterly parking mitigation fees and increased sales of commercial parking permits. The revenues generated by Lot 1 are falling steadily. The City should explore why this loss of Downtown Parking Commission Meeting February 21, 2019 Page 5 of 5 revenue is occurring. Perhaps there was a significant period of time that the revenue equipment was not functioning. Officer Pasket acknowledged there were no attendants in Lot 1 for a good part of the year. Mr. Turnblad stated that revenue from parking tickets was substantially higher than in 2017. Revenue for the parking ramp covers operation costs but not capital costs. Therefore, the Parking Enterprise Fund has to cover capital needs for both the ramp and the surface lots. The next capital expenditures are scheduled for 2020 and include replacement of revenue equipment, computers and software. The revenue from monthly parking passes is stagnant. Revenue from transient sales (“cash and credit cards”) has increased steadily each year since the ramp opened. Lots 13, 14 and 17 will be redone in 2019 and Lot 4 will be reconfigured to accommodate the closing of Chestnut Street to traffic. After this summer, all parking lots in the system will have been reconstructed or resurfaced. The next lot improvements will not be necessary until 2028. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Parking capacity study scope This item was tabled until the March meeting. UPDATES Council decision on Historic Armory Community Development Director Turnblad stated that the conditional use permit was denied partly based on the parking plan. The applicants have already reapplied with a different parking plan. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Anderson adjourned the meeting at 10:43 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink, Recording Secretary TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: March 11, 2019 RE: Crosby Hotel valet parking INTRO Last month the Parking Commission recommended approval of converting the two 15 minute parking spaces in front of the Crosby Hotel into two valet parking spaces. The discussion on the fee for the two spaces was tabled until this month’s commission meeting. The recommendation on dedicating the valet spaces, along with its fee, will then go to the City Council for their consideration on April 2nd. COMMENTS On every street except Main Street, the City’s Fee Schedule establishes the on-street parking fee per space at $9 per day May through September, and $3 per day October through April. A Main Street fee is not included in the schedule, because reserving spaces on Main Street is prohibited by City policy. In the case of the Lora Hotel, the Council waived the policy and used the same fee for Main Street as is established for the other streets downtown. In essence, the Parking Commission is recommending to the City Council that the prohibition be waived for the Crosby Hotel as well. So, staff would recommend using the same fee structure as that used for the Lora. The cost would then be $2,013 per space per year. During this first year, the fee would need to be pro-rated to the date of the Council decision on this request. For comparison purposes, the resolution approving the license for the Lora to use on- street parking spaces on Main Street for valet parking is attached. ACTION The Parking Commission is asked to consider a fee recommendation to forward to the City Council. bt TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: February 12, 2019 RE: St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon INTRO Stacy Einck of Run Stillwater has submitted a permit application for the St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon. It is planned to be run on Saturday, July 27th. The majority of the race would be in Western Wisconsin, but the last leg will cross the new bridge into Minnesota and head north along State Highway 95, ending on Chestnut Street near the Lift Bridge. As proposed, the parking spaces on the east side of Hwy 95/Main Street will be coned for race use until 11:30 am the day of the race. This would result in the reservation of 70 on-street parking spaces for the half day. PARKING RESERVATION & COMMENTS The reservation fee for on-street parking spaces Downtown on a summer weekend is $9 per space. If all 70 of the requested spaces are approved for reservation, the fee would be $630. However, City policy prohibits the reservation of on-street parking spaces on Main Street. Therefore, altering the course of the race may be appropriate. Perhaps it ought to turn east at Nelson Street and follow the east side of Water Street northward to Chestnut Street. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends limiting the number of parking spaces on Main Street that are impacted by the race. And, whichever parking spaces are approved for reservation should be charged the $9 fee. cc: Stacy Einck attachments: application form bt Coning East side of Hwy 95/Main St./ No Parking from Oasis Café to Chestnut until 1100. Finish Line Public Safety/Race Marshals to control intersection and parking access as needed (TBD) St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon, July 27, 2019 – Downtown approach to finish DRAFT Stillwater, MN Prepared by Run Stillwater, Inc. –11/12/18 Coning Road closed Finish line Recovery food and medals Crowd barriers Portapotties PA announcer (tent, no stakes) Emergency Vehicles (lot east of Water Street Inn) St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon – Preferred Finish Area Layout V1, Pg. 1 (Utilizing access to Sam Bloomer.) Stillwater, MN Emergency Vehicles only between Chestnut St. and Myrtle, and Water St. and Main St. Concourse Prepared by Run Stillwater, Inc. –11/12/18 Coning for runners Road closed Trail rerouted with signage 0700-1030 Finish line Recovery food and medals Crowd barriers Reroute bicycles Portapotties PA announcer (tent, no stakes) Emergency Vehicles (lot east of Water Street Inn) St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon – Preferred Finish Area Layout 1 V1, Pg. 2 (Utilizing access to Sam Bloomer.) Stillwater, MN •Emergency Vehicles only between Chestnut St. and Myrtle, and Water St. and Main St. •Reroute bikes/peds to/from path via Sam Bloomer Way Prepared by Run Stillwater, Inc. –11/12/18 Coning Road closed Finish line Recovery food and medals Crowd barriers Portapotties PA announcer (tent, no stakes) Emergency Vehicles (lot east of Water Street Inn) St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon –Finish Area Layout V2 (to be used if Sam Bloomer is underwater.) Stillwater, MN Emergency Vehicles only between Chestnut St. and Myrtle, and Water St. and Main St. Reroute bikes/peds around loop to allow recovery space for runners Prepared by Run Stillwater, Inc. –11/12/18 TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: March 12, 2019 RE: Winter parking restrictions – Union Alley INTRO This winter has reminded the Public Works Department just how little room is available in Union Alley for snow plowing and snow storage. Plow passage is especially difficult between Myrtle and Chestnut because there is parking on both sides of this one-way alley. And, even though on-street parking is not allowed during the winter between 2 am and 6 am (for snow removal), when we have a winter like this one, cars parked on both sides of the narrow alley even during the day cause a snow removal problem. DISCUSSION Public Works Director Shawn Sanders will be at the Parking Commission meeting in March to discuss winter parking restriction options in this block of Union Alley. bt TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director DATE: February 13, 2019 RE: Scope of Parking Study INTRO The Downtown Parking Commission is preparing to undertake a study of the downtown parking system. The purpose of the study is to identify strategies for improving the capacity of the parking system without major capital investments. To that end we have engaged Lance Bernard of HKGi to draft a scope for the study. The draft scope is attached. COMMENTS The attached scope identifies two phases of work. The first is the study, the second is implementation of the study. Tasks in the first phase, the study itself, include: 1) Project coordination, by the parking consultant 2) Three meetings with the Parking Commission a) Findings of analysis (as outlined in Task 3 below) b) Discussion of study results c) Review of final report draft and of scope of Phase 2 activities 3) Analysis of the existing system a) Mapping of utilization data b) Examination of the system’s regulatory and financing framework i) Zoning Ordinance ii) Revenues and expenditures c) Review of 5 similar cities’ parking systems d) Employee survey e) Parking generation model development i) This tool will help Parking Commission to analyze impact of each downtown proposal for its potential impact upon the public parking system Parking Study Scope February 12, 2019 Page 2 4) Strategies and recommendations a) Event parking b) Employee parking c) Revenue d) Regulatory and/or revenue changes 5) Final deliverables a) Draft report b) Present to Parking Commission and City Council More details can be found in the attached scoping document. ACTION The Parking Commission is asked to consider the scoping document and make changes as desired. Once there is consensus on the scope, it will be brought to the City Council for approval. Following that we will distribute it to parking consultants for cost estimates and project proposals. cc: Lance Bernard attachment: Draft scope bt January 21, 2019 | Downtown Stillwater Parking Study | DRAFT SCOPE Phase One Tasks Task 1 Project Coordination Task 1.1: Project Coordination  Task 1.1 provides time for HKGi to coordinate study tasks with City Staff. Deliverables  Bi-weekly check -ins with City Staff via phone or email. Task 2: Engagement Task 2.1 Parking Commission Meetings  HKGi will attend and facilitate up to three (3) meetings with the Parking Commission. City staff will be responsible for coordinating and scheduling the meetings. The purpose and intent for each meeting is described below: o Meeting #1: HKGi will meet with the Parking Commission to discuss key findings from the utilization counts and peer review research (see Task 3). o Meeting #2: HKGi will present draft recommendations to the Parking Commission for their consideration. The purpose of this meeting is to reach a consensus on the study results. o Meeting #3: HKGi will meet with the Parking Commission to review the final deliverables and scope Phase II activities. Deliverables  Preparation and attendance for up to three (3) Parking Commission meetings. Task 3: Exploration Phase Task 3.1: Data Collection and Mapping  Data collected under this task will determine parking utilization rates by parking facility and provide a baseline for confirming parking concerns. HKGi will utilize existing utilization counts (provide by the City) to build base maps depicting the study area’s parking attributes and utilization rates. Findings will help identify potential parking reservoirs that are underutilized. The parking reservoirs may present opportunities for employee parking or mitigate the parking needs/requirements for new uses or redevelopment initiatives. Task 3.2: Review existing regulatory structure and funding strategies  Zoning ordinance  Funding/financing policy o Capital expenditures o Ongoing operations and maintenance Task 3.3: Peer Review  HKGi will research up to five (5) comparison downtowns for comparing their parking requirements, district-wide parking models, pricing structure and financing mechanisms. Findings from this task will help inform potential modifications to the City’s parking requirements and district-wide parking approach. Task 3.4: Employee Survey  HKGi will work with City Staff to prepare an online survey to better understand the number of employees working in Downtown Stillwater during specific days and times. The survey results will help inform Task 3.2 and 4.2. The City will be responsible for distributing the survey. Task 3.5: Parking Generation Model  Data collected under Task 3.1 will be integrated into a customized “parking generation model.” The purpose of the model is to help determine the parking needs for new uses or future redevelopment efforts. Model assumptions will utilize the city’s parking requirements and policies to determine the study area’s current and future parking demand. The model will be used to run future parking scenarios based on future land use and redevelopment assumptions and parking reduction factors (e.g., parking demand rates that reflect current utilization, best practices, or multimodal goals).  The “parking generation model” will help determine when a new use or redevelopment initiative is unable to meet parking demands without building new off street park ing supply. Deliverables  Base maps depicting the study area’s parking utilization and attributes.  Memorandum documenting existing conditions and findings from the peer review.  Development of an on-line survey for the City’s use.  Parking generation model developed in Microsoft Excel. Task 4: Strategies and Recommendations Task 4.1: Event Parking  HKGi will develop recommendations for managing parking needs during large events (e.g., Lumber Jack Days and Harvest Fest). Various parking strategies may include shared parking opportunities, shuttle services, and travel demand management strategies. Task 4.2: Employee Parking  HKGi will develop recommendations for managing parking needs for downtown employees. Various parking strategies may include shared parking opportunities, shuttle services, and travel demand management strategies. Task 4.4: Enterprise Fund Evaluation  HKGi will develop a funding tool that compares Downtown Stillwater’s Enterprise Fund (fee-in-lieu payments for parking requirements) against other models. The model’s assumptions will be based on findings from Task 3.3. Task 4.5: Parking Framework  Our main objective throughout the planning process is to focus on an action/phasing plan that outlines recommendations and strategies that maximizes downtown’s parking supply. The recommendations and strategies will focus on the following: o Employee parking o Event parking o Parking solutions for new uses or redevelopment initiatives o Modifications to the parking ordinance (i.e., requirements and Enterprise Fund model) Deliverables  Memorandum documenting the proposed parking strategies and recommendations.  Development of an on-line survey for the City’s use.  Financial model developed in Microsoft Excel. Task 5: Final Deliverables Task 5.1: Draft Report  HKGi will provide a technical memorandum documenting the study’s process and findings. Supporting materials used throughout the process (e.g., GIS files, spreadsheets, maps, and power points) will be provided as part of the final deliverables. Task 5.2: City Council  HKGi will prepare and attend one (1) City Council meeting. We will present the study’s findings and recommendations. Deliverables  Consolidation of the Task 3 and 4 memorandums into a final report.  Preparation and attendance at one (1) City Council meeting. Phase Two Tasks Once Phase I activities are complete, HKGi will prepare a detailed scope of work and budget for Phase Two which will focus on implementation measures, while formalizing a preferred district- wide parking approach. This will be done in close collaboration with City Staff and the Parking Commission. Potential activities may include:  Stakeholder engagement to reach a consensus on the study’s recommendations  Zoning amendments  Design guidelines for parking structures  Wayfinding and signage plan  Design criteria for siting a new parking facility  Cost estimates for the recommendations  Shared parking agreements