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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-20 DTPC MINDOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 20, 2018 REGULAR MEETING Chair Andersen called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Chair Anderson; Commissioners McAllister, Glynn, Johnson and Hopfe; Council Liaison Junker Absent: Commissioners Pelletier, Lettner Staff: Community Development Director Turnblad, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Anderson accepted the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Glynn moved approval of the November 15, 2018 minutes accepted as presented, which was seconded by Commissioner McAllister. Approved unanimously. General discussion occurred about the Crosby Hotel’s approved drop-off spaces on Main Street. It was noted that the minutes reflect approval of two 15 minute parking spaces, but not valet parking. The reason was that the Commission wanted the two spaces for anyone in the area to use for quick turnaround parking spaces. Chair Anderson noted that sidewalk signs are placed in two, and sometimes three spots, for valet parking. Turnblad said he would ask Public Works to add installation of two 15” parking signs to their spring work list. The two signs would be installed in the first two parking spaces south of the driveway for Johnny’s TV. Turnblad also stated that staff would talk with the Crosby Hotel manager about the Commission’s decision. Downtown Parking Commission Dec 20, 2018 Page 2 of 3 NEW BUSINESS Bus, RV & Trailer Parking Turnblad explained that Parking Enforcement Officers have struggled a bit this past summer with buss, trailer and RV parking. We currently allow this type of parking either in Lot 12 or the informal overflow area south of the St. Croix Boat & Packet. We have had a growing number of instances where it is occurring in the pay lots. To discourage this, parking enforcement staff has been posting temporary signs in Lots 1 and 2 which say that this type of parking is not allowed. Turnblad suggested that we add language prohibiting this type of parking to the permanent signage already installed next to each of the pay stations. Commissioner McAllister suggested adding language to the signs which refer to the parking system map on the City’s website. Council Liaison Junker suggested that the parking system map be revised to show where this type of parking can occur. It was also suggested that the ADA parking spaces on 3rd Street in front of the Episcopal Church should be added to the parking system map. As well as the addition of the boundary of the official downtown parking district. Chair Anderson asked if the current parking system map is on the City’s website, and how many hits it gets. He also asked if the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s website has the current city parking map and how many hits it gets. Turnblad said he’d look into this. Commissioner Glynn moved to approve the request to add appropriate language to the existing signs at the Lot 1 and 2 pay stations, and to update the parking system map, which was seconded by McAllister. Motion passed unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Parking Capacity Study – Background info Turnblad summarized the staff report. Chair Anderson asked about the city lots that did not meet ADA standards for the number of required handicapped parking spaces. Lot 8A does not meet the standard, but Lot 8a and 8b are really just one lot. And, as one lot they meet the standard. He suggested combining the two for ADA purposes. Also, Lot 13 is actually a part of the municipal parking ramp, and together with the ramp we more than meet the ADA standard. So, in reality, it is only Lots 2, 16 and 18 that are short on handicapped parking spaces. Turnblad said that he would ask Public Works to add Lot 2, 16 and 18 ADA striping to their work plan for the spring of 2019. He said he’d also update his 12/1/18 staff report to reflect Chair Anderson’s comments. Downtown Parking Commission Dec 20, 2018 Page 3 of 3 MISCELLANEOUS Parking Enforcement Office Pasket mentioned that at the next Parking Commission meeting he would like to discuss the possibility of converting the pay machines in the parking ramp to credit and debit cards only. ADJOURNMENT Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Bill Turnblad, acting secretary