Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
2021-02-18 DTPC Packet
iliwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION AGENDA Thursday, February 18, 2021 8:30 AM Conference Room 213, City Hall PLEASE NOTE: During COVID-19 Downtown Parking Commission meetings will be held online via ZOOM. Commissioners and the public can participate by logging into https://stillwater-mn.zoomgov.com/j/1600249583 or by calling 1-312-626-6799. Either option requires entering the meeting ID number: 1600249583 For more detailed information, please visit the city website. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 17, 2020 MINUTES 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 4. OPEN FORUM 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1. Event permit for Opera on the River 5.2. 200 E Chestnut Building 5.3. 2021 Downtown Parking Maps 5.4. Rate in Lot 2 5.5. Revenue control system for Lots 1 and 2 5.6. Dashboard permits 6. CONTINUING BUSINESS 6.1. Work Plan 7. ADJOURNMENT i 1 1\‘' ate': 1IE NIRTNELOCE Of MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING December 17, 2020 Chair McAllister called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. Present: Chair McAllister, Commissioners Glynn, Johnson, LePage, Council Liaison Junker Absent: Commissioners Hopfe, Lettner and Anderson Staff present: Zoning Administrator Tait, Community Development Director Turnblad, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of November 19, 2020 meeting Motion by Commissioner Glynn, seconded by Commissioner LePage, to approve the November 19, 2020 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Brians' Bocce Ball event Zoning Administrator Tait reported that Brian's Bar is requesting permission to use the area behind the establishment and Lot 3 to hold a bocce ball tournament from on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Setup will occur from 6-8 a.m. the day of the event (though no parking signs need to be put up on Friday for sand delivery). Clean-up will be the morning after the event from 6-10 a.m. This event is expected to draw 250 to 400 people. Public Works would provide barricades and snow fencing will be placed around the edges of the tournament. Staff recommends approval of the use of 33 spaces in Lot 3 on Saturday and Sunday, and 4 spaces in Lot 3 on Friday, at a total cost of $105. Motion by Commissioner Glynn, seconded by Chairwoman McAllister, to approve the use of 33 spaces in Lot 3 on Saturday and Sunday, February 27 and 28, 2021, and 4 spaces in Lot 3 on Friday, February 26, at a total cost of $105. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. UPDATES COVID-19: 2nd Wave Council Decisions Community Development Director Turnblad stated that due to the second wave of COVID-19 impacting businesses, the City Council will continue to waive parking mitigation fees and allow the use of two parking spaces in front of establishments for curbside pickup, at no cost, through the end of May. Zoom Meeting Information Mr. Turnblad informed the Commission that beginning in January, the new Zoom link for Parking Commission meetings will be: https://stillwater-mn.zoomgov.com/j/1600249583 and ID: 1600249583. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting December 17, 2020 He also reported that the work plan for the downtown parking capacity improvement program is still on hold due to staff backlog because of COVID. He will send information out to the Commission well in advance of discussions later this winter. ADJOURNMENT Chair McAllister adjourned the meeting at 8:44 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink, Recording Secretary ATTEST: Beth Wolf, City Clerk Heidi McAllister, Chair Page 2 of 2 ijlwater FIF RIFITHPLACE CF YNSOT DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION DATE: February 18, 2021 APPLICANT: Obed Floan, St. Croix Valley Opera SUBJECT: Opera on the River 2021 LOCATION: Lowell Park (North) REPORT BY: Graham Tait, Zoning Administrator REVIEWED BY: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director BACKGROUND St. Croix Valley Opera (formerly Operatunity Theatre), is requesting permission to hold another Opera on the River event this year. The event is taking place on August 6th and August 7th (with August 8th as a reserved rain -day), between 12:OOPM and 9:OOPM. The set up for this event will occur the day of the event between 6:OOAM and 12:OOPM, and the clean-up is to take place the final evening of the event between 5:OOPM and 10:OOPM. The main stage concert is planned to take place on Saturday evening, however in the event of inclement weather this will be moved to a Sunday matinee. As proposed, with no flood -related issues, this event will take place entirely in Lowell Park and there will be no impact to the parking system. However, this is coming before the Parking Commission because in the event of flooding, they are going to implement "Plan B", which will impact the parking system for two to three days, depending on the weather. Plan B proposes shifting the liquor tents and portapotties a bit east into Lot 9 along the edge of Lowell Park. Additionally in "Plan B", the VIP seating area, main stage and artist's tent will be relocated to Lot 5. ANALYSIS As stated above, the parking system will only be impacted if flooding hinders the use of Lowell Park. In the case of flooding, both Lots 9 and 5 in their entirety, are proposed to be used. Lot 9 has 30 spaces that are free of charge and have a four-hour time limit; Lot 5 has seven spaces that are also free of charge with a four-hour time limit. Both Lots 9 and 5 charge $3.00 a day per spot, on weekend days in the peak season. Below are the calculations for the amount it would cost to reserve the parking spaces for this proposed event, in the case that there is flooding: Opera on the River 2021 Page 2 Lot Requested Spaces Number of Days Amount Per Spot / Per Day Total Cost to Charge 5 7 2 $3.00 $42.00 9 30 2 $3.00 180.00 TOTAL— $222.00 Below are the calculations for the amount it would cost to reserve the parking spaces for this proposed event, in the case that there is flooding, and also in the case that it rains on Saturday (postponing the concert to Sunday): Lot Requested Spaces Number of Days Amount Per Spot / Per Day Total Cost to Charge 5 7 3 $3.00 $63.00 9 30 3 $3.00 $270.00 TOTAL—* $333.00 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval for "Opera on the River 2021" to utilize Lot 5 and Lot 9 in the event of flooding, for 8/08/21 thru, for a cost of $222.00 or $333.00 (if there is inclement weather on Saturday 8/7, resulting in Sunday 8/8 impacting the parking system as well). Attachments: Applicant materials iilwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MIMMESOTA EVENTS PERMIT APPLICATION 216 North 4 th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 Telephone: 651-430-8837 Fax: 651-430-8810 Incomplete applications or applications received after deadline will not be accepted. See Event Instructions for application deadline and fees. Date of Application: 01/29/2021 Office Use Only Date Application Received Type: Event Special Event Event w/ Contract Event Information Title/Name of Event Opera on the River 2021 08/06/2021 8:00 am 12:00 pm Event Date/Time: Set up: Date Time to Actual Event: Date 08/06/2021 - 08/08/2021 Time 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm Clean up: Date 08/08/2021 Time 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Events after 10:00 p.m. require a variance from City Council) Location (Address) of Event: (If in Lowell Park please specify north or south Lowell park) North Lowell Park Description of Event (please be specific - this information will be used to promote the event on the City of Stillwater website) Opera on the River 2021: A Celebration of Music and Community - See attached description. Estimated Attendance (participants and spectators): 500+ Applicant Information (Person/Group Responsible) Sponsoring Organization Name: St. Croix Valley Opera Mailing Address: PO Box 2300 City, State, Zip Code: Stillwater, MN 55082 Primary Contact/Applicant Name: Obed Floan Phone Number: 612-404-9265 Fax: Cell Phone: 612-803-3688 Email Address: obed@scvopera.org Website Address: scvopera.org Name of contact person during event: Emily D H Olson Cell Phone: 651-353-3816 Alternate contact during event: Andrea Gillette Cell Phone: 952-210-0523 Refer media or citizens inquires to: Anna Gwaltney Phone: 612-404-9265 Site Plan: A site plan is mandatory for all events. Please provide a map of the site layout. Include any tables, stages, tents, fencing, portable restrooms, vendor booths, trash containers, etc. If event involves a parade, race or walk, please attach a route map highlighting route. Include rest stop stations, crossings, signage and indicate route direction with arrows. Event Features Will any signs/banners be put up No ■ Yes © Number and size: 10-20 varied - SCVO banner, sponsor banners, Signacades, liquor perimeter, Will there be any inflatables? No F3 Yes ■ Insurance certificate from rental vendor is required Live Fees for electricity may Will there be entertainment? No ■ Yes © What type: singers and orchestra apply see Instructions be will Will sound amplification be used? No • Yes MI Hours and Type: P°ovided by auved dorplBDation 24x32 Truck transformer, Will a stage or tent(s) be set up? No • Yes ■ Dimensions: (+ poss. ext), 10x10 Sounds tent, exhibitor tents, etc. Will there be temporary fencing? No • Yes MI How many Fees for electricity may Will merchandise/food items be sold.7 No • Yes 5-20 non-food vendors expected: apply see Instructions Will food be prepared on site? No © Yes • Contact Washington County Health Department, 651-430-6655 Will cooking operations be conducted? No 0 Yes • Contact Stillwater Fire Department, 351-4950 Will alcohol be served but not sold? No © Yes • See Alcohol Regulations in the Instructions Will alcohol be sold? No ■ Yes © See Alcohol Regulations in the Instructions Will there be a fireworks display? No F4 Yes ■ Permit required, contact Stillwater Fire Department 651-351-4950 Describe power needs and location of power source. Regular power boxes for stage/lighting/sound either from the cement platform or up on Lot 5 in case of flooding in the park (see planned layout). Describe level of advertisement (ie, radio, flyers, ads, tv, press release). Attach sample if available Planned marketing includes similar activities to those used to promote our 2020 concert: adds on the MPR radio app, press releases to local news organizations, social media, cross -posting with other local and national opera organizations, and emails to SCVO's contact list. Pandemic permitting, we will distribute flyers to local businesses and other posting places in 2021. City Services (After reviewing the event application, City services may be requried for the event.) Will event use, close or block any of the following: If yes specify location on site map. City Streets or Right-of-way No 0 Yes ■ Start/End Time: Date: City Sidewalks or Trails No © Yes ■ Start/End Time: Date: Public Parking Lots or Spaces No ■ Yes 0 Start/End Time: 5:00 am/11:55pm Date: 8/7/2021 Fees may apply Will event need barricade(s)? No ■ Yes ■ Number needed: 2-3 see Instructions Fees may apply Will extra picnic tables be needed? No MIYes ■ Number needed: N/A see Instructions Fees may apply Will portable restrooms be needed? No ■ Yes 0 Number needed: 2-3 single, 2-3 accessible see Instructions Fees may apply Will extra trash receptacles be needed? No ■ Yes M Number needed: 2-3 see Instructions Describe trash removal and cleanup plan during and after event: Trash cleanup provided by promoters Will event need traffic control? No © Yes • Contact Stillwater Police Department for assistance, 651-351-4900 Describe crowd control procedure to ensure the safety of participants and spectators: Park will remain open as it is everyday. Private security personnel will be contracted - we have not secured a contract for 2021, but in 2020 we had a contract with Off -duty City Officers & Security Specialists Inc. We will either contract with them again or with a comparable service. Fees may apply see Instructions Will "No Parking Signs" be needed? No 4 Yes ■ Number needed: N/A Show location(s) on site map Will event need security? No ■ Yes a If event is overnight, security will be required. If using private secruity, list Security Company and Contact Information: See crowd control answer above. Will event need EMS services? No ■ Yes M Contact Lakeview EMS, 651-430-4621 Describe plans to provide first aid, if needed: EMS city ambulance Describe the emergency action plan if severe weather should arise: We are planning to have the park reserved for Sunday, August 8 for a matinee performance if there should be inclement weather on Saturday, August 7. The weather will be monitored closely by SCVO staff, who will make a decision on a potential weather delay on August 7. List any other pertinent information: We will also supply a 2-day insurance rider listing the city of Stillwater as the additional insurer. The sponsor(s) of this event hereby agrees to save the City, its agents, officials and employees harmless from and against all damages to persons or property, all expenses and other liability that may result from this activity. Depending on the size of and scope of the event a "Certificate of Insurance" may be required. If insurance is required, the policy must be kept in force during the event of at least the statutory limits for municipalities covering claims that might be brought against the event that arise out of the events authorized and to name the City as an additional insured on their policy "as their interest may appear." As the sponsor or authorized representative, 1 certify that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge and agree to pay the permit fee for this event based upon the information provided in this application. 1 realize my submittal of this application request constitutes a contract between myself and the City of Stillwater and is a release of Liability. 1/29/21 Signature of Applicant or Authorized Agent Date Opera on the River 2021: A Celebration of Music and Community. Join St. Croix Valley Opera for its cornerstone vocal event, Opera on the River —the best of outdoor summer entertainment and SCVO's most popular concert! There is something for everyone throughout this special weekend at Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater. Friday, August 6, 2021 Performing Arts Fair, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Connect and mingle with Upper Midwest arts organizations, colleges and universities, and other music education and arts professionals —to learn about all the possibilities of careers in the performing arts and music! Saturday, August 7, 2021 Performing Arts Fair, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. VIP Overture Dinner, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Opera on the River Concert, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m Come wine and dine with the SCVO Founders, Obed Floan and Megan Wagner, as you feast before the Opera on the River concert. Included in the Overture Dinner ticket price are VIP seats for the concert event and a special pre -show music 'appetizer'. Experience the biggest outdoor opera concert in the St. Croix Valley, with engaging singers, an outstanding orchestra, and an exciting community of 400+ attendees and music lovers! In addition to musical theatre and opera favorites, the 2021 OOTR will debut the winner of the SCVO Vocal Competition. In case of rain, the concert will be rescheduled to Sunday, August 8 at 2:00 p.m. Please regularly check the website for the latest information on OOTR headliners and updates to the weekend schedule. Tickets and more information available at www.scvopera.org/ootr We look forward to seeing you on the banks of the St. Croix River for Opera on the River 2021! ST. CROIX VALLEY OPERA OPERA ONTHE RIVER Our Plan in Lowell Park for 2021 Plan A Original Layout OPERA PE� o i RIVER 1 ma'am nu Downtown Stillwate, Event Venue Map Free Seating Throughsul the Park! - Into Tel '*E.ol' 10'x10' 0,- Sound Tel Free Seating 10 x10' .- Artist's Tel 20'x20' .- Main Stay 14'x32' Throughout the Park! Free Seating Throughout the Park! YIP Seatin 40'x40' Ms. lm..ur sn - liquor Tel 20'x20' '- PO 0rg. Booth 10'x10' �- Port-a-tlottie x2 - Barricad x1 !-Shuttl rmIkU Oro. x2 Plan B Flood Plan Layout uun OPERA PERA2ovRiVER !!1 LI 11JJJ? J1]JJi Free Seating Throughout the Park! Free Seating Throughout the Park! Free Seating Throughout the Park! Downtown Stillwate Event Venue Map !�- Into Tel 10'x10' 0- Sound Tel 10'x10' •- Artist's Tel 20'x20' ill-- Main Stag `1 - VIP Seatin 1 40'x40' -uo. rrr�ui s WIIUuOr20Tel 20'x20' •-Pit Org.eo0th 10'xio' Port-a-uottle x2 Barricad xl (7rt.- ShYNkr1utti - . 4 PE Aaii ST. CROIX VALLEY OPERA Presents RA ONTHE IVER Crowd continues to assemble for Opera on the River 2019 - Photo courtesy of Pictures Over Stillwater 2021 Proposal for Stillwater City Council Obed Floan Executive Director St. Croix Valley Opera info@scvopera.org (6i2) 803-3688 SCVOpera.org ST. CROIX VALLEY Liii OPERA OPERA ONTHE RIVER St. Croix Valley Opera, formerly Operatunity Theatre, is excited to once again ask the City Council for its approval of our proposal to present Opera on the River in August, 2021. We continue to be grateful for the steadfast support that this community has provided to our organization and specifically to Opera on the River, our flagship event. During this last tumultuous year, we have been constantly uplifted by the consideration and support of our event expressed not only by the community at large but especially by the City Council and other city officials. We intend to return Opera on the River to its home on the bank of the St. Croix in Lowell Park, and are optimistic that by next August we will once again be able to gather in person for not only a wonderful Saturday evening concert of opera and musical theatre presented by talented young professionals, but also for a performing arts fair beginning Friday afternoon, featuring other performing arts organizations, non -profits, and schools from around the region. The performing arts fair accompanying our Opera on the River plans this year serves two community -focused purposes: irst, to provide a platform for members of our community to explore all of the arts offerings that our vibrant region has to offer, and second, to encourage attendees at our concert to make a longer visit to Stillwater and help provide visibility and visitors for Stillwater's downtown community of businesses and restaurants. After the success of "Opera on the `Virtual' River", our 2020 concert, presented via livestream due to social distancing guidelines, we also expect to livestream our concert, even if we can once again perform in front of a live audience as well. Additionally, we are planning a vocal competition earlier in the summer for young local singers, with the winner's prize including an appearance during the main stage concert. To accomplish these goals, we are seeking to reserve Lowell Park from the morning of Friday, August 6 2021 until the evening of Sunday, August 8 2021. Friday morning would be dedicated to set up for vendors and the arts fair, which would begin Friday afternoon. Weather permitting, the main stage concert would occur on Saturday evening, allowing us to release the park for Sunday. In the case of inclement weather Saturday, we would plan to have a matinee concert Sunday afternoon. We are continuing to work as a staff on fleshing out the details of Opera on the River in 2021, including the selection of headlining performers and a final proposed budget. We are also planning additional conversations with other performing arts organizations based in the city and the region, as well as Stillwater business owners to find other ways that we can ensure that Opera on the River has the greatest possible impact, not only for our mission, but also for the vibrancy of our overall community. Thank you again for your continued support! We're looking forward to another successful Opera on the River in zo2i! Sincerely, Obed Floan Executive Director St. Croix Valley Opera 2 illwati THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DATE: February 10, 2021 APPLICANT: 200 Chestnut Street Partners, LLC REQUEST: 39 space parking variance for new apartment building LOCATION: 200 E Chestnut Street REPORT BY: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director BACKGROUND 200 Chestnut Street Partners, LLC has purchased the 200 East Chestnut block. It is currently the site of a mixed -use commercial building, together with its parking lot and parking structure. The new owners are developing a plan to demolish the block and construct a market rate apartment building with 61 apartments and 73 underground parking spaces. Given the size of this Downtown project, approval is required by the City Council. Therefore, the Downtown Parking Commission's role will be to review and formulate a recommendation on the parking aspects of the development. CODE REQUIREMENTS The 1960s era parking standards found in the City's Zoning Code require 1.5 stalls per apartment (regardless of number of bedrooms) and 1 stall of guest parking for every three apartments. So, by these standards, 112 parking spaces are required (92 for residents and 20 for guests). Since the property has 73 spaces, the Zoning Code would say a 39 space deficit exists. SPECIFIC REOUEST The developer's traffic engineer calculates that the parking demand for the building will be less than the 73 spaces being provided. Therefore, the developer is requesting that the City grant a variance of 39 spacesl. 1 If a variance is granted, no parking mitigation will be invoiced for the use of the public system. 200 E Chestnut Page 2 COMMENTS The developer's engineer calculates that the average peak demand for the property will be less than the 73 parking spaces that will be provided in the underground garage. This is based upon the current edition of the International Transportation Engineers' (ITE) book on parking, which is considered the "gold standard". The engineer's analysis is attached. However, the analysis is no longer current, as the number and mix of units has changed. The number of apartments has been reduced from 73 to 61. And, the apartment mix will now include 13 alcove units (down from 22), 19 one -bedroom (down from 23), 6 one -bedroom plus den (down from 10), and 23 two -bedroom units (up from 14). Prior to the elimination of 12 units and the revision to the mix of unit types, the developer's engineer calculated that the average peak demand for parking would be 64 spaces. The City's traffic engineering consultant (SRF) reviewed the analysis of the developer's consultant and agrees that on average, the 64 space peak demand for the 73 units was accurate. However, the City's consultant suggests that the average peak demand is not necessarily the appropriate standard to use for this situation. City staff agrees. It would be more appropriate if the peak parking demand were identified as a range of 64 — 108 spaces for the 73 units. (See attached SRF analysis.) Without the benefit of a revised ITE analysis, staff suggests using 108 as the parking need in this case. While it is true that the number of total units was reduced by 12, the number of two -bedroom units increased from 14 to 23. This increases the likelihood of two -car households. If 108 is used as the parking standard for this building, then the project's 73 on - site spaces would be in a deficit of 35 spaces. The number of on -street parking spaces on Myrtle abutting the north side of the project will be increased. Since the entrance to the apartment building's garage will be on Union Alley, the two curb cuts on Myrtle for the existing parking lot and ramp will be removed, resulting in four new on -street spaces. If the Parking Commission and City Council think it appropriate, the on -site parking deficit of 35 spaces could be credited these four new on -street spots, resulting in a project deficit of 31 spaces. It is also noteworthy that though the parking standards found in the Zoning Code are specifically for public parking facilities, the proposed dimensions are somewhat tight compared with those. The proposed spaces are all 8.5 feet wide by 18 feet long. In public lots we like to see 9 feet wide by 18 feet. And the drive aisle is 22 feet wide, whereas in public lots we like to see 24 feet of width. Finally, of 73 spaces, 24 are compact (same width as the other spaces but on 15 feet deep). Impact upon public parking system If the City Council accepts staff's 108 space recommendation, then the 35 space deficit (or 31 space deficit if the new on -street parking spaces are used as credit against the deficit) would need to be accommodated within the public parking system. 200 E Chestnut Page 3 Of interest to the Parking Commission is the cumulative number of mitigation spaces already approved for the Downtown system. This indicates what portion of the public system is already committed to "non -transient" vehicles and would be unavailable to other motorists. The table below shows the current number of mitigation spaces in use. Mitigation spaces currently invoiced Spaces % of total public system* Currently invoiced: off-season months 183 9.4% Currently invoiced: warm season months 238 12.2% *1,946 spaces, including the 38 new spaces in Lot 14, but excluding the 51 spaces in Lot 8a ("River Market" Lot) Parking capacity has improved somewhat Downtown in the last few years. The City has added quasi -public spaces in the Crosby Hotel ramp. It also expanded Municipal Lot 14 by 38 spaces. And the actual size of events in the JX Event Center has normalized at far fewer than originally projected, which means pressure on the municipal parking ramp is not as great as expected. Also, several businesses have down -sized or changed to uses that have less impact upon the parking system. If the 35 deficit spaces are mitigated by using the public parking system, then the off- season committed spaces would increase to 218 (11.2%) and warm season would increase to 273 (14.0%). The policy has been to consider mitigation requests until mitigation projects have hit the 20% threshold. Also critical is whether there is available capacity in the immediate vicinity to accommodate the requested deficit. Given the municipal parking ramp less than a block away, such capacity currently exists. Only on weekends when the JX Event Center has a large gathering would there be capacity issues in the ramp. But, during those times, the event center could use the current excess capacity in the upper level of the Crosby Hotel's ramp. Options The Parking Commission could take any of the following actions: 1. Recommend that the City Council grant a variance to the Zoning Code's parking requirements. 2. Recommend that the City Council accept 108 spaces as the number needed for this project, and further recommend approving mitigation of 35 parking spaces (or 31 if the new street parking spaces are credited against the deficit) through the use of the public parking system. The current monthly parking mitigation fee is $10 per space per month. With this recommendation, the following conditions should be included: • The parking mitigation fee will be invoiced quarterly by the City. The fee is to be paid upon receipt of City invoice. • Failure to pay fees within 30 days of invoice will be certified for collection with real estate taxes. The applicant waives any and all procedural and substantive objections to the parking mitigation fee in -lieu of on -site parking requirements, including but not limited to a claim that the City lacks authority to impose and collect the fees. The applicant agrees to reimburse the City for all costs incurred 200 E Chestnut Page 4 by the City in defense of enforcement of this provision. 3. Recommend that the City Council deny both the variance and mitigation requests. 4. Table the case for an updated ITE 85th percentile analysis. STAFF FINDINGS Staff believes that 112 spaces is likely more than necessary for this project and recommends that 108 spaces be considered the actual need. Further, staff finds that the total number of mitigation spaces Downtown with this project would remain under the 20% limit that has been applied in the past. Therefore, the 35 potential mitigation spaces could be accommodated in the public system, especially given the close proximity to the Municipal Parking Ramp. Attachments: Project plans STS Traffic Analysis SRF Draft Analysis esc REUTERWA LTON DEVELOPMENT ZOO CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN SITE PLAN eSG REUTERWALTON DEVELOPMENT 200 CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN SW CORNER VIEW UPDATED 1.41•1 e. 1.14 V.I•1 %Zia smnlft -irtaLa' 'MIL.'" ift• 151.r. .1.1% esG REUTERWALTON DEVELOPMENT 200 CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN LOOKING NORTH ON UNION ALLEY UPDATED eSG REUTERWALTON DEVELOPMENT 200 CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN NE CORNER VIEW UPDATED MYRTLE STREET SOUTHEAST 2'-5" TO P.L. �4 - 5' - 0 5/8"/ TO P.L. 1 2 BED 1,307 SF ALCOVE 540 SF ALCOVE 540 SF 1,262 SF GARAGE ACCESS II II I II II I RAM P DOWN PARKING 1,7161 F 1 BED + DEN 1,028 SF - SCREENED TRANSFORMER 1 BED 895 SF 1 BED 887 SF UNION ALLEY 1 BED 856 SF 1 BED 986 SF TERRACE 2,938 SF 1 BED 856 SF CIRCULATION 2,586 SF 2ND STREET SOUTH 1 BED 986 SF ALCOVE 602 SF 1,249 SF 1 BED 887 SF 7 ALCOVE 602 SF 1 BED + DEN 1,028 SF 1' - 4 1/4" TO P.L. LOBBY/LEASING 1,642 SF FITNESS 540 SF ALCOVE 540 SF 1,252 SF 1' - 0" TO P.L. r0 Scale: 1" = 20'-0" CHESTNUT STREET SOUTHEAST PLAN NORTH e SG REUTERWA LTON DEVEL•PMENT 200 CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN STREET LEVEL PLAN Al r cn 1,309 SF ALCOVE 540 SF ALCOVE 540 SF 1,249 SF 66' - 0" 115' - 0" 66- 0" 1,409 SF 1 BED + DEN 1,028 SF 1,342 SF 1 BED 887 SF 41'-0" 1 BED 864 SF CIRCULATION 2,403 SF 1 BED 986 SF 33' - 0" 1 BED 864 SF 1 BED 986 SF 1,251 SF 1 BED 887 SF 41' - 0" 2 BED 1,409 SF 1 BED + DEN 1,028 SF 66' - 0" 2 BED 1,309 SF ALCOVE 540 SF ALCOVE 540 SF 66' - 0" 1,249 SF Scale: 1" = 20'-0" 1 A5A PLAN NORTH e SG REUTERWA LTON DEVEL•PMENT 200 CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN LEVEL 2-3 PLAN A2 66' - 0" 115' - 0" 66' - 0" PATIO TPlilir- 2 BED • 1,779 SF CIRCULATION 1,710 SF 'ATIO U 2 BED 1,456 SF J PLANTERS POTI' TERRACE 3,138 SF El 2 BED 1,398 SF 0 0 AMENITY 749 SF1, 100' MAX COMMON PATH Scale: 1" = 20'-0" PLAN NORTH e SG REUTERWA LTON DEVEL•PMENT 200 CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN ROOF PLAN A3 247'-0" • GARAGE EXHAUST LOUVER 23'-0" 18'-0" 25'-0" PARKING J U 27,958 SF a 0 Eo 3 0 N N 10 3 RAMP UP 11 c 3.90% 9 17,2 9 N N 0 Eo 0 �n jr 8'-6" jr TYP CO 3 8'-6" TYP 3 TRASH r 3 0 0 Sri i 8'-0" 8'-0" NVA 0 25'-8" 18'-0" 8'-6" 0 0o S - STANDARD STALL = 8'-6" WIDE X 18'-0" DEEP C - COMPACT STALL = 8'-6" WIDE X 16'-0" DEEP 1'-41/4" TO P.L. Scale: 1" = 20'-0" PLAN NORTH e SG REUTERWALTON DEVELOPMENT 200 CHESTNUT STREET Stillwater, MN MINUS 1 LEVEL PLAN A4 A STS Swing Traffic Solutions November 22, 2020 To: Robert Loken, AIA, Principal, ESG From: Vernon Swing, PE Re: Parking Analysis for 200 Chestnut Street East —Residential Development, Stillwater, MN Per your request, Swing Traffic Solutions, LLC has conducted a parking demand analysis for the proposed development of a 73-unit Multi -Family residential development in Stillwater, MN. The site is located on the northeast quadrant of Chestnut Street E and 2nd Street 5. It is bordered by Myrtle Street E to the north, 2nd Street S to the west, Chestnut Street E to the south and Union Alley to the east. The proposed plan will include a mix of alcove, one bedroom, and two -bedroom units and an internal parking garage with 73 parking spaces. The parking garage will provide one space per housing unit (see the attached site plan). The purpose of this study is to estimate peak parking demands for the proposed use and determine if sufficient parking capacity will be provided within the development. Parking Demand The parking demand analysis for the proposed 200 Chestnut Street E residential development utilized Parking Generation, 4th Edition, published by ITE, the Institute of Transportation Engineers. The ITE information for Land Use Code 221 associated with Mid -rise multi -family residential buildings indicates the number of parking spaces needed to address the demand associated with this land use can be estimated based on the number of bedrooms included in the project. In this case, there are 20 alcove units which are included as one -bedroom units for this analysis, 24 units identified as one bedroom units, 10 one -bedroom plus den units which are included as two -bedroom units for this analysis, and 19 units identified as two bedroom units for a total of 102 bedrooms. For the parking demand calculation, the fitted curve equation was utilized as the regression analysis indicates this is the most accurate method for estimating demand (see attached sheet from ITE). The Parking Demand is calculated as follows, with P representing Parking Demand, and X representing the number of bedrooms: P = 0.82 (X) — 20.37 P = 0.82 (102) — 20.37 P = 64 Spaces As mentioned earlier the proposed development is planning to provide 73 spaces for residents, exceeding the anticipated demand. liPage 200 Chestnut Street E, Stillwater, MN Pw Ar;0- STS Swing Traffic Solutions Conclusion In conclusion, the proposed 200 Chestnut Street E residential development will provide sufficient parking for the anticipated demand. The parking supplied as part of the overall development exceeds the anticipated needs. Please contact Vernon Swing at vswingtraffic@gmail.com or 612-968-4142 with any questions. Attachment: ESG Site Plan ITE Parking Demand Sheet 2IPage 200 Chestnut Street E, Stillwater, MN .ps4 STS Swing Traffic Solutions Multifamily Housing (Mid -Rise) (221) Peak Period Parking demand vs: Bedrooms On a: Weekday (Monday - Friday) SettingfLmatian: General Urban/Suburban (no nearby rail transit) Peak Period of Parking Demand_ 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. Number of Studies: 35 Avg. Num. of Bedrooms: 294 Peak Period Parking Demand per Bedroom Average Rate Range of Rates 33rd 185th Percentile 95% Confidence Interval Standard Deviation (Coeff. of Variation) 0.75 0.41-1.00 0.6510.87 0.70-0.80 0.15(20%) Data Plot and Equation 41Page X Study Site Fitted Curve Equation: P = 0.S2(X) - 24.37 Land Use Descriptions end Dala Plots &7 200 Chestnut Street E, Stillwater, MN Off -Street Parking Review (Draft) The parking analysis completed as part of the Parking Analysis for 200 Chestnut Street East — Residential Development, Swing Traffic Solutions (December 2020), was reviewed to determine if sufficient parking capacity will be provided at the proposed development. Results of the review indicate that the ITE parking demand analysis was based on a "suburban" setting (the site is located within the Downtown Stillwater District), the number of proposed bedrooms, and the fitted curve equation. While these assumptions may be appropriate, the report only accounts for the average peak period parking demand, and does not evaluate other comparable information, such as the ITE 85th percentile parking demand (often considered an appropriate design -level) or City Code. The comparable information, while sometimes conservative, provides a range for parking demand to help determine if parking supply is sufficient. In addition, ITE also provides parking demand estimates based on dwelling units, which is consistent with the City of Stillwater parking requirements. Therefore, to provide a range for the parking demand, an additional parking analysis was completed using a combination of the 1'1 E Parking Generation Manual, 5th Edition, and the City of Stillwater parking requirements. Results of the parking demand and supply analysis, which include analysis based on dwelling units and bedrooms, are summarized in Table X. The City of Stillwater parking requirements state that multifamily apartments shall have "1.5 spaces per unit; with one covered, plus one space per three units for guest parking". Therefore, based on the City Code requirement, the expected demand equates to nearly 134 spaces, which results in a 61-space deficit. Note that City Code parking requirements are based on dwelling units, not bedrooms. When looking at the ITE data for similar land uses, the parking demand (which includes the fitted curve, average rate and 85th percentile parking demand) is expected to range from approximately 64 to 89 spaces based on bedrooms, and approximately 90 to 108 spaces based on dwelling units. Therefore, the total ITE parking demand is expected to range from approximately 64 to 108 spaces, which results in either a 9-space surplus or a 35-space deficit. Table X. Parking Demand and Supply Analysis (Dwelling Units vs. Bedrooms) Land Use (ITE Code) Size Average Parking Demand ITE 85th Percentile Parking Demand City Code Parking Requirements ITE Fitted Curve ITE Average Rate Mid -Rise Multifamily (221) 73 DU 90 96 108 134 Proposed Off -Street Parking Supply 73 Off -Street Parking Surplus Mid -Rise Multifamily (221) / (Deficit) 102-bedrooms (17) 64 (23) 77 (35) 89 (61) N/A Proposed Off -Street Parking Supply 73 Off -Street Parking Surplus / (Deficit) 9 (4) (16) N/A Expected parking demand based on the STS Parking Analysis for 200 Chestnut Street East - Residential Development. Note: The STS Parking Analysis for 200 Chestnut Street East - Residential Development, assumed 99 parking spaces. However, this assumption included the 73 proposed off-street parking spaces plus 26 on -street parking spaces which were not assumed in this analysis. Abbi Wittman From: Kristina Marshall <kristina@kristinalynnphoto.com> Sent: Wednesday, December 2, 2020 1:58 PM To: Abbi Wittman Subject: Re: FW: Concerns regarding the Chestnut Building project Attachments: 20201014_142930.jpg; 20201022_112618jpg; 20201014_142916jpg [CAUTION] *** This email originated from outside the organization. *** Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Abby! I had a chance to look over the proposed plans and would like to officially submit the following concerns as a downtown business owner: My first concern is the height of the project they are proposing. I know they are asking for a height variance to be able to build a 4th story onto the project, making it about 13 ft higher than what the current height restriction allows. My studio is located right up the road on Chestnut (118 Chestnut Street East), I'm on the 2nd story and have windows that look out to the East. According to the builders, the current Chestnut Building height is estimated to be around the current height restriction, and I'm really worried that building a 4th story onto that is going to be a monster of a building, and will definitely be impacting surrounding buildings. I'm including some photos taken looking out my windows, and you can see where the current Chestnut building height is. I cannot imagine having another 13 ft of building on top of that. While the 4th story would be set back, I think it will really tower over the surrounding buildings. Especially the 1 story buildings on the corner. Having a 3 story building alone built on that full lot will really change the landscape of the block as it will be a big tower on a space that has mostly been open parking or courtyard space. I understand it's their right to build up to the 37' height, but I am concerned about them getting the 4th story variance and setting a precedent for future developments. A lot of their renderings they showed during the presentation were from higher vantage points, looking down on the building. As a photographer I know that perspective is everything, and from a downward viewpoint size is minimized and can be deceiving. My second concern is their request for the parking variance. I know they are requesting to do only 1 parking spot per unit, not the 1.3 spots the city currently requires. If they only did 1 space per unit (73), instead of the 95 they would need at the 1.3 multiplier. That's 22 spaces they are shorting per current city requirements. I'm also concerned about the parking variance because it is quite possible for 2 adults to live in even the 1 bedroom apartments which could equal 2 cars for just those units alone (not to mention more for the 2 bedroom units). If only one car can fit in the underground parking, where will the other car(s) be parked? I'm worried that these cars will take up valuable parking spaces elsewhere in downtown. We're already losing quite a few open parking spots (about 14 if my math is correct) with this project with the loss of the small parking lot on the property (not including the lower and upper parking garage space that's currently designated for Chestnut Building business). It appears from their parking study they are saying the peak parking demand will be from lOpm - 5am. However, in their other document they noted that "The emerging trend toward more frequent telecommuting among the workforce is likely to create increased demand for housing in places like Stillwater" which if that's the case and more people are working from home means those cars will likely be in Stillwater throughout the day and not just in that 1 Opm-5am timeslot. Something to take into consideration. i Again, mainly wanted to voice my concerns as a way to spark conversation and make sure the city is looking at all aspects of how this project might impact the downtown area. If anyone would like to see my space to really get a feel for how this building could change the viewpoint from this perspective I'd be happy to arrange that. Thanks so much! KRISTINA MARSHALL Kristina Lynn Photography & Design I Owner & Photographer www.kristinalynnphoto kristina@kristinalynnphoto.com • (651) 968-1635 Minnesota Studio • 118 Chestnut Street East, Stillwater, MN 55082 Iowa Studio • 106 1st Ave SE, Clarion, IA 50525 On Tue, Dec 1, 2020 at 12:00 PM Kristina Marshall<kristina@kristinalynnphoto.com> wrote: Hi Abbi! Thanks so much for sending those over. I glanced through them and they are definitely more in depth than what was presented back in October. Very helpful! I'll take a peek at them and then resubmit my concerns :) THANK YOU! 2 Constance J. Paiement, Attorney Joseph M. Paiement, Attorney January 1R, 202n vidE ' ENT/ LAW OFFICE Licensed Attorneys in Minnesota and Wisconsin Stillwater City Council Members; Stillwater Planning Commission Members; & Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission 216 4th St N Stillwater, MN 55082 221 East Myrtle Street Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 T 651.967.5050 F 651.967.5055 www.paiementlaw.com RE: 200 Chestnut St East Property — Case CPC 2020-60 Dear Stillwater City Council; Planning Commission; & Heritage Preservation Members: This letter is in response to the December 15th and November 22, 2020 Memorandums from Swing Traffic Solutions regarding parking analysis for 200 Chestnut Street East. In reviewing the memorandums three rather significant issues jumped out at us. First, the analysis of the parking demand is based on national data and not specific to Minnesota or Stillwater. Habits and trends on modes of transportation will of course vary depending on the local climate. We would think mere would generally be a higher demand for indoor off-street parking in colder snowy climates vs warmer climates. Second, the report compared the property to suburban areas nationally, parking for an apartment building in downtown Stillwater we would assume would be different then even Woodbury or Lake Elmo, where there is space for street parking and parking lots on the property. Third, the study assumes parking demands are the same for all types of apartment dwellings or is using an average of all types of apartment dwellings. We would assume that a higher more expensive rental unit would likely draw tenants who demand parking spaces for each adult in the unit whereas a lower end apartment building there may be more shared vehicles for adults in a single unit. The 200 Chestnut property is being promoted as a high -end rental unit. It is reasonable to expect that many of the units will have 2 adult drivers, including the one -bedroom units. Anything short of the current Stillwater current regulations on the number of parking spaces required for the property is going to create parking issues not only for the proposed tenants at 200 Chestnut but also for all of us in neighboring buildings. We are again asking the City to deny the variances to the parking and the height on the currently proposed apartment complex at 200 East Chestnut Street. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us at 651-967-5050 or ioe(c�PaiementlIaw, cconnieCcr�paiementlaw.com. oseph Paiement & Co r i'e'nce Paieme Constance J. Paiement, Attorney Joseph M. Paiement, Attorney December 12, 2020 vpJE LAW OFFICE -- Licensed Attorneys in Minnesota and Wisconsin Stillwater City Council Members; Stillwater Planning Commission Members; & Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission 216 4th St N Stillwater, MN 55082 RE: 200 Chestnut St East Property 221 East Myrtle Street Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 T 651.967.5050 F 651.967.5055 www.paiementIaw.com Dear Stillwater City Council; Planning Commission; & Heritage Preservation Members: This letter is regarding the proposed apartment building on the city block at 200 Chestnut St East, Stillwater, MN. The undersigned own the property at 221 East Myrtle Street (Paiement Law Office) and as neighboring property owners we strongly object to the proposed apartment structure at 200 Chestnut Street East for the following reasons. Parking Issues — Based on the Pioneer Press article on the project dated December 11, 2020, the apartment complex will be a 73-unit building, with 44 one -bedroom, 10 one -bedroom plus, and 19 two - bedroom apartments, with only 73 on -site parking spots. For the size of the project the parking ordinances require 134 parking spaces, almost double what the proposed plans have. As for on -street parking, there are currently 22 parking spaces around the property: 10 spaces on 2nd Street, 3 on Chestnut, and 8 on Union Alley. The spaces on Union Alley and Chestnut are always at least 90% occupied 24/7. With the Chestnut building now empty, even during COVID with many businesses in the area shut down and people working remotely, people are routinely using the Chestnut building parking lot as overflow parking, and there is generally half a dozen or more cars in the lot during the business week. When businesses are not shut down for COVID and in nice weather the parking is even more in demand. In the last two years we have already seen the parking in our area shrink. First, the City decided to make the east side of Union Alley all no parking for 5 months of the year and now there appears to be a semi- permanent loss of several more parking spaces on Chestnut Street between Main Street and Union Alley. There are businesses and apartments on Main Street between Myrtle and Chestnut that the closest parking is the Union Alley and Chestnut Street on -street parking spots and there are already too few spots to accommodate current needs. The surrounding streets can no accommodate the additional demands of a 73-unit apartment building with not enough parking for all their tenants and guests. City of Stillwater Page 2 We also own a unit in Terra Springs, and the units in Terra Springs all have one underground parking spot and many have two, yet the outdoor parking on the property is generally full all the time. The proposed apartment complex for the Chestnut building needs to have on -site parking to accommodate, at a minimum, all their residents. Variance for Height — The Heritage Preservation Commission has developed over the years very specific strict rules for the downtown area to attempt to preserve a historic downtown look. We recall the two hour meeting/debate we had with the Commission simply to convert the non -working torn roll -out awning on Union Alley side of our building with new aluminum fixed awnings before it was finally agreed that we could replace the awnings so long as we kept all the mechanics of the roll -outs. The proposed apartment complex is looking for a major variance of 9 feet on half the site size, or one-half of a full city block. They claim it doesn't block any views. We disagree, for the most part our windows look to the west and will be directly looking at the new structure. The new structure will block all our views of the beautiful historic buildings we see that are on Chestnut Street, 2nd Street, and 3rd Street, in addition to some beautiful large homes sitting up on the hill. The additional height will cause even further loss of natural lighting into our building. For the reasons stated above, we are asking the City to deny the variances to the parking and the height on the proposed apartment complex at 200 East Chestnut Street. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us at 651-967-5050 or ioe{a�.paiementlaw.com and connie(c paiementlaw.com. Sincerely, Jo ph Paieme Co stance Paie �1� Jenn Sundberg From: James S. Redpath <JRedpath@redpathcpas.com> Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 12:13 PM To: Planning Dept Subject: Chestnut Project My name is Jim Redpath. My address is 640 Main St N-unit 6, Stillwater, MN I support the new project on Chestnut proposed by the current land owner because... a. ....The two variances being asked for are small compromises to bring 75-80 new residents to become patrons to the charming Stillwater businesses that need them now more than ever. b. ....The height variance being requested will have minimal view impacts, but will allow a very important project to move forward and add additional tax paying residents to Stillwater c. ...Based on this project being located in "the bowl", the additional height variance will have no adverse effects to existing residents that the allowable 3 stories wouldn't already impact d. ...This project will be Union built and will create thousands of work hours for carpenters and other construction trades workers that will pay wages and benefits to support a middle class living e. ...Given the excess parking stalls in nearby ramps and surface lots, the parking variance should be approved James S. Redpath, CPA Partner 0 651.407.5802 m 612.991.2882 e JRedpath@redpathcpas.com I14!UJiIaLISfS1. PPULBUSHOSS 14 1111101 best places REcipRTH to work 2020 redpathcpas.com 55 5th Street East, Suite 1400 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 Fi WE aR E an ,.OEP'.. ENT H I HEER OF HLB THE GLOBAL A'DV SORY AND _ACCOUNTING NETWORK This email has been scanned by the Securence Email Security System on behalf of Netrix IT . If this email is SPAM please report it by clicking ##SUBMIT_SPAM_LINK## i illwati THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DATE: January 14, 2021 SUBJECT: 2021 Parking System Maps REPORT BY: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director BACKGROUND Each year the Parking Commission adopts two updated maps of the Downtown parking system. One is intended for the public and the other is a more comprehensive map that the Commission uses for administration and planning purposes. Staff has updated and attached the two maps for 2021. The changes this year include: 1. Removing Chestnut Street between Main and the Lift Bridge from the roadway and parking system. 2. Expansion of Municipal Lot 14. 3. Designation of Lot 13 as a residential permit lots. 4. Revising the limited time on -street spots to reflect how they are actually signed. 5. Reconfiguring Lot 4 to reflect construction work completed last year. 6. Relocating the handicapped parking spots in Lot 1. 7. Updating the inset table that itemizes the number of spaces in each lot and gives the total number of spaces in the system2. SPECIFIC REQUEST Staff asks the Commission to review the maps and either adopt them or direct staff to make desired changes. Attachments: 2021 Commission Map 2021 Public Map ' Rivertown Commons folks tend to leave cars here — so charging them a monthly permit fee makes sense 2 38 off-street spaces were added for the expansion of Lot 14. The number of limited time spaces were adjusted to reflect the actual signage on the street. Lot 13 Lot 18 Crosby Hotel ramp Lot 12 Lot 11 of 8a Lot 7 Lot 10 Stiliwater - 910To PACE 0< MIHH1 t, A Public Parking Downtown Stillwater 2021 Legend Downtown Parking District City Parking Lot City Parking Ramp PrA Public - upper level (Crosby Hotel) m \\\ Trailhead Parking (Lot 12) PrA Private parking only (Lot 8a) Street parking Permits valid Permit parking only (Lot 12) Trailers & large vehicles (Lot 12) On -street handicapped 15 minute parking limit 30 minute parking limit - Loading/unloading Valet Bus loading/unloading - Bus parking Monthly Permits Business Permit Valid - DT Resident Permit Valid (allows overnight parking) • Free parking lot (year round) • Pay parking lot (Free Nov 1-Apr 30) Available to public aft 6 pm + weekends • Numbers in circles = hour limits on free parking On -street parking is free, but limited to 3 hrs unless posted for less Lot 1 (pay lot)(Free Nov 1 - Apr 30) - 98 spaces Lot 2 (pay lot)(Free Nov 1 - Apr 30) - 84 spaces Lot 3 (free lot - 3 hr) -- 33 spaces Lot 4 (free lot - 4 hr) -- 33 spaces Lot 5 (free lot - 4 hr) -- 7 spaces Lot 6 (free lot - 3 hr) -- 16 spaces Lot 7 (free lot - 3 hr) -- 16 spaces Lot 8a ("private"*) -- 51 spaces Lot 8b (free lot - 4 hr) - 75 spaces Lot 9 (free lot - 4 hr) -- 30 spaces Lot 10 (free all day; overnight by permit) - 48 spaces Lot 11 (free all day; overnight by permit) - 45 spaces Lot 12 (part free all day; no ovemight here) - 78 spaces (part permit only; overnight allowed here) - 23 spaces Lot 13 (free lot - 4 hr) - 14 spaces Lot 14 (free lot - 4 hr) - 85 spaces Lot 15 (free lot - 4 hr) - 97 spaces Lot 16 (free after hrs) - 60 spaces Lot 17 (free after hrs) - 75 spaces Lot 18 (free lot - 24 hr) - 22 spaces Public Ramp (pay) -- 248 spaces Public level, Crosby (pay) 52 spaces * Free public lot after 6 PM 1,290 off-street parking spaces: 1,249 general public 41 handicapped spaces 459 marked on -street spaces: 416 general public 18 handicapped spaces 8 15 minute spaces 5 30 minute spaces 17 Loading spaces 239 unmarked on -street spaces (Includes 91 on 2nd St no. of Mulberry) 1,997 total public spaces 1,494 free public spaces (74.8%) Map produced by Community Development Dept for Downtown Parking Commission January 2021 - iliwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA r Public Parking Lots Downtown Stillwater 2021 Legend City Parking Lot City Parking Ramp Permit parking ONLY Trailhead Parking Crosby Ramp - 2nd St level public Private parking until 6 PM Bus, RV, Trailers Bus loading/unloading Bus parking Lots where Monthly Permits are Valid * Business Permit Valid* - DT Resident Permit Valid** " Allows vehicle in lot longer than the posted limit (but not overnight) ** Allows Downtown Resident to park overnight, but move car every 24 hours • Free parking lot (year round) • Pay parking lot (Free Nov 1 - Apr 30) O Available to public after 6pm+ weekends al Public restroom ® Numbers in circles = hour limits for free parking lots On -street parking is free, but limited to three hours unless posted for less Downtown Parking Commission January 2021 illwati THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DATE: January 14, 2021 SUBJECT: 2021 Parking System Maps REPORT BY: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director BACKGROUND Each year the Parking Commission adopts two updated maps of the Downtown parking system. One is intended for the public and the other is a more comprehensive map that the Commission uses for administration and planning purposes. Staff has updated and attached the two maps for 2021. The changes this year include: 1. Removing Chestnut Street between Main and the Lift Bridge from the roadway and parking system. 2. Expansion of Municipal Lot 14. 3. Designation of Lot 13 as a residential permit lots. 4. Revising the limited time on -street spots to reflect how they are actually signed. 5. Reconfiguring Lot 4 to reflect construction work completed last year. 6. Relocating the handicapped parking spots in Lot 1. 7. Updating the inset table that itemizes the number of spaces in each lot and gives the total number of spaces in the system2. SPECIFIC REQUEST Staff asks the Commission to review the maps and either adopt them or direct staff to make desired changes. Attachments: 2021 Commission Map 2021 Public Map ' Rivertown Commons folks tend to leave cars here — so charging them a monthly permit fee makes sense 2 38 off-street spaces were added for the expansion of Lot 14. The number of limited time spaces were adjusted to reflect the actual signage on the street. Lot 13 Lot 18 Crosby Hotel ramp Lot 12 Lot 11 of 8a Lot 7 Lot 10 Stiliwater - 910To PACE 0< MIHH1 t, A Public Parking Downtown Stillwater 2021 Legend Downtown Parking District City Parking Lot City Parking Ramp PrA Public - upper level (Crosby Hotel) m \\\ Trailhead Parking (Lot 12) PrA Private parking only (Lot 8a) Street parking Permits valid Permit parking only (Lot 12) Trailers & large vehicles (Lot 12) On -street handicapped 15 minute parking limit 30 minute parking limit - Loading/unloading Valet Bus loading/unloading - Bus parking Monthly Permits Business Permit Valid - DT Resident Permit Valid (allows overnight parking) • Free parking lot (year round) • Pay parking lot (Free Nov 1-Apr 30) Available to public aft 6 pm + weekends • Numbers in circles = hour limits on free parking On -street parking is free, but limited to 3 hrs unless posted for less Lot 1 (pay lot)(Free Nov 1 - Apr 30) - 98 spaces Lot 2 (pay lot)(Free Nov 1 - Apr 30) - 84 spaces Lot 3 (free lot - 3 hr) -- 33 spaces Lot 4 (free lot - 4 hr) -- 33 spaces Lot 5 (free lot - 4 hr) -- 7 spaces Lot 6 (free lot - 3 hr) -- 16 spaces Lot 7 (free lot - 3 hr) -- 16 spaces Lot 8a ("private"*) -- 51 spaces Lot 8b (free lot - 4 hr) - 75 spaces Lot 9 (free lot - 4 hr) -- 30 spaces Lot 10 (free all day; overnight by permit) - 48 spaces Lot 11 (free all day; overnight by permit) - 45 spaces Lot 12 (part free all day; no ovemight here) - 78 spaces (part permit only; overnight allowed here) - 23 spaces Lot 13 (free lot - 4 hr) - 14 spaces Lot 14 (free lot - 4 hr) - 85 spaces Lot 15 (free lot - 4 hr) - 97 spaces Lot 16 (free after hrs) - 60 spaces Lot 17 (free after hrs) - 75 spaces Lot 18 (free lot - 24 hr) - 22 spaces Public Ramp (pay) -- 248 spaces Public level, Crosby (pay) 52 spaces * Free public lot after 6 PM 1,290 off-street parking spaces: 1,249 general public 41 handicapped spaces 459 marked on -street spaces: 416 general public 18 handicapped spaces 8 15 minute spaces 5 30 minute spaces 17 Loading spaces 239 unmarked on -street spaces (Includes 91 on 2nd St no. of Mulberry) 1,997 total public spaces 1,494 free public spaces (74.8%) Map produced by Community Development Dept for Downtown Parking Commission January 2021 - iliwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA r Public Parking Lots Downtown Stillwater 2021 Legend City Parking Lot City Parking Ramp Permit parking ONLY Trailhead Parking Crosby Ramp - 2nd St level public Private parking until 6 PM Bus, RV, Trailers Bus loading/unloading Bus parking Lots where Monthly Permits are Valid * Business Permit Valid* - DT Resident Permit Valid** " Allows vehicle in lot longer than the posted limit (but not overnight) ** Allows Downtown Resident to park overnight, but move car every 24 hours • Free parking lot (year round) • Pay parking lot (Free Nov 1 - Apr 30) O Available to public after 6pm+ weekends al Public restroom ® Numbers in circles = hour limits for free parking lots On -street parking is free, but limited to three hours unless posted for less Downtown Parking Commission January 2021 illwati THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DATE: January 14, 2021 SUBJECT: 1) Rate in Lot 2 2) Revenue System in Pay Lots MEMO FROM: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director BACKGROUND This memo covers both agenda item 4.3 (Rates in Lot 2) and agenda item 4.4 (Revenue Control System for Lot 1 and 2). Though the Commission and Council are clear that only Lots 1 and 2 will be pay lots in the foreseeable future, it may be time to re -consider raising the rate in Lot 2 from $3/day to $5/day to be consistent with Lot 1. Several years ago the increase in Lot 2 was considered as part of a larger program to add several more pay lots to the system. But, adding the other pay lots garnered so much opposition that the Commission and Council dropped consideration of any rate increases. It may however be timely now to consider raising the rate in Pay Lot 2. It may also be timely to begin a discussion on the revenue collection systems for Pay Lots 1 and 2. Parking enforcement personnel believe there is advantage to switching from the current pay stations in these two lots to the AirGarage system that is used in the parking ramp. SPECIFIC REOUEST Staff asks the Commission to consider: 1) making a recommendation to the City Council to raise the rate in Lot 2 to $5/day, and 2) to begin a discussion on potentially changing revenue systems in the pay lots. bt illwati THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DATE: February 10, 2021 SUBJECT: Dashboard permits for monthly customers REPORT BY: Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director Since COVID protocols adopted by the City Council have suspended payment for the monthly parking permits, staff has not begun issuing revised permits for 2021 yet. Before we do that, we would appreciate the Commission's review of the permit format. Generally speaking, the permits are printed on card stock, three to an 8.5 x 11 sheet. On the front side of the permit is the information specific to the customer and on the reverse side is a map that shows which lots the permits are valid in. Attached are copies of the current permits and map, as well as the revised map for 2021. Please review the format and content and share your thoughts at the Commission meeting on February 18th Attachments: Business Permit Residential Permit Current map for reverse side of permits Proposed map for riverside side of permits 1 /1 /2021 - 3/31/2021 Permit # PKG-0323 i 11water THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA -.144) 2021 - Stillwater Business Parking Permit Surface Lots Only Permits are required monthly I 1 /1 /2021 - 12/31/2021 Permit # PKG-0429 Apt #4 i1hva THE BIRTHPLACE OP MINNESOTA 2020-2021 Stillwater Residential Parking Permit Surface Lots Only Permits are required monthly Lot 12 Parking Ramf Lot 13 iliwater FHF • MINNE$61• Parking Permit Lots Downtown Stillwater Lots where Monthly Permits are Valid * Business Permit Valid* DT Resident Permit Valid ** * Allows vehicle in lot longer than the posted limit (but not overnight) ** Allows Downtown Resident to park overnight (City Code Ch. 51) Feb 2019 Lot 12 Lot Lot-\_11 10 Parking Ramps Parking Permit Lots Downtown Stillwater Lots where Monthly Permits are Valid * Business Permit Valid * • DT Resident Permit Valid ** * Allows vehicle in lot longer than the posted limit (but not overnight) ** Allows Downtown Resident to park overnight (must move car once every 24 hours) February 2021 DT Parking Capacity Work Plan 2021-2024 2021 2022 2023 2024 Commission comments Project ' . Resources Project Resources . Project Resources Project Resources Strategy 1 Utilization counts Low to medium priority Create count program IStaff 2 hrs; DTPC approval Conduct count 1Planning staff 4 hrs; 12 DTPC hrs Conduct count 1Staff 4 hrs; 12 DTPC hrs Conduct count 1Staff 4 hrs; 12 DTPC hrs Strategy 2 Wayfinding & signage Medium priority Contract for wayfmding sign system Install wayfinding sign system Develop mobile friendly app identifying (available) parking spaces/lots design Strategy 3 On -street time restrictions High priortiy - favor reducing hour limits at least in certain zones to push users to perimeter lots Jan -March: public outreach; April install 2 hr parking signs on Main. Sign manufacturing cost; sign contractor installation costs Strategy 4 Enforcement & technology High priority Research LPR system for on -street enforcement Staff 4 hrs Install LPR system on one vehicle $40,000 Strategy 5 Parking ordinances & requirements Low priority Update Downtown parking standards in Zoning Code Strategy 6 Customer service On -going, medium priority Develop marketing materials informing drivers where to park Consider a public valet service for Downtown Strategy 7 Employee parking High priority; considerable outreach needed during off-seasons Update business parking program by restructuring permitted lots and time limits Implement business parking program Strategy 8 Pricing Support only for raising Lot 2 to $5 Public outreach March -April; replace signage in Lot 2 with $5 rate; reprogram pay machines with new rate Sign manufacturing cost; sign contractor installation cost; machine vendor cost for reproramming rate Strategy 9 Event parking Medium priority; work on during off-season Establish event parking plans for event organizers to use when making application for event permits Implement required event parking plans . . 1 . . . . . . . PD = Police Department; PW = Public Works 1/20/2021 M*7.;,•: DOWNTOWN STILLWATER PARKING EFFICIENCY & MANAGEMENT PLAN • July 2020 DOWNTOWN STILLWATER PARKING ENTERPRISE FUND Downtown Stillwater's district -wide parking approach best mirrors the Enterprise Fund. Funds are collected from various revenue streams that are in turn, invested back into the downtown's parking improvements and ongoing operations/maintenance. I.2019 Revenues Account 720 (Surface parking lots): (unaudited end of year) 1. Permits (residential, business, mitigation, misc.) $66,832 2. Sales for Parking Lot 1 $91,630 3. Sales for Parking Lot 2 $94,116 4. Parking enforcement ticket totals $53,573 5. Parking, events $4,600 6. Interest $6,010 7. Total parking lot revenue $316,761 Account 725 (Parking ramp): (unaudited end of year) 1. Parking permits: 61 permits (25 residential; 36 commercial) $15,341 2. Parking Permits — Lowell Inn $12,952 3. Ramp revenue (Credit Card and Cash) $86,833 4. Total parking ramp revenue $115,126 Total revenue, ramp and lots (unaudited) $431,887 II. Operating Costs 1. Parking Ramp (unaudited, no depreciation) $58,420 2. Parking Lots (unaudited, no depreciation) $159,274 3. Total operating costs $217,694 III. Balance The unaudited revenue collection in 2019 appears to have exceeded the unaudited operating costs by about $214,000. This does not including depreciation, which covers facilities replacement costs, i.e. Capital Improvements. IV. Reserve (Capital Improvement Program) As of 12/12/19 the reserve in the parking enterprise fund was $991,806.59. Approved capital expenditures for 2020 total $280,800.00. PARKING STUDY I STRATEGIES & RECOMMENDATIONS Each district -wide parking model discussed in the previous section is designed to achieve similar goals by reducing parking demand and maximizing its resources. At this time, the City of Stillwater does not need to select a preferred approach or modify its Enterprise Fund. Instead, the City should consider the various strategies used in each model to help better manage parking to support parking efficiencies. Each strategy discussed throughout this section is designed to help better manage the downtown's parking supply and demand. More importantly, the strategies were selected to help align parking needs with the various users of downtown. These strategies should be explored to their fullest potential prior to investments that focus on adding more supply. Today, there are many players that can help advance the parking strategies through direct or indirect efforts. Many of these efforts are currently tied to long-range planning, business support, parking enforcement, and the facilitation and approval of development proposals.These groups include both the public (i.e., City) and private (i.e., business) sector. Both groups should have a vested interest in implementing the study's recommendations. In that respect, the roles and responsibilities for carrying out a particular strategy are identified in each strategy. Each strategy is also paired with a paradigm (see Sidebar) generalizing implementation costs, business support, and impact in reducing demand. Diagram Summary Example: SUPPORT ti 0 UPFRONT COST This diagram would suggest the strategy being proposed is highly supported by the business community and may have a low to moderate impact in shifting parking demand. General upfront and ongoing costs associated with this strategy are low. RECOMMENDATION PARADIGM • Support: The strategies were presented to the business community. Some strategies received overwhelming support (scores towards HIGHEST), while others may need further discussion (scores towards LOWEST). • Ongoing Cost: Some strategies may require on- going costs. These cost are typically associated with staff time and resources or on -going operations and maintenance needs. Each strategy will have some form (e.g., direct or indirect) of an ongoing cost. • Upfront Cost: There is an upfront cost to implementing every strategy. These cost are typically associated with design, capital investments, staff time and resources, or startup dollars to initiate the strategy. Upfront costs can be minimal, while others may be larger investments that require long-range capital programming. • Impact: Each strategy is designed to maximize today's parking supply more efficiently and effectively. The goal is to implement strategies that have the highest impact, while being cognizant of ongoing and upfront costs. H V a SUPPORT HIGHEST MODERATE LOWEST UPFRONT COST I 11113 tillwater. Strategy #1 - Utilization Counts Stillwater should continue to monitor parking utilization in all areas of downtown. This will provide a better baseline of data for determining when a particular parking strategy should be explored or implemented. The City should establish a set schedule for when utilization counts are collected to ensure consistent reporting on an annual basis.The recommended times include 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m on weekdays and weekends. Counts should be collected throughout the year and during downtown events. In the long term, use of parking sensors could provide better data. This type of technology has a higher upfront cost to implement. Saturday 9:00 a.m. The demand for parking typically increases in Downtown Stillwater throughout the day. Saturday 6:00 p.m. • • • Recommendation: Implement a program to continue . parking counts at specific times and • during different seasons. • • • • • • • • . • • • • • UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: There is very little cost associated with this strategy, but has no direct impact in reducing parking demand. The strategy is primarily used to monitor parking utilization rates and to inform other strategies. Roles & Responsibilities: Utilization costs can be done by City staff and at very low cost. City's will use seasonal help, interns, or parking enforcement to conduct counts. STUDY GOALS Each strategy is designed to help achieve the following study goals. Embrace a district - wide parking approach Maximize current investments Identify low-cost/ high -benefit solutions Maximize today's parking supply PARKING STUDY I Strategy #2 - Wayfinding & Signage Wayfinding systems serve a key role well beyond responding to the need for basic navigation, identification, and information. Wayfinding elements, such as monuments, directional systems, directories, interpretive, and even regulatory signs can enrich and enhance the users experience in Downtown Stillwater and help with traffic congestion. More importantly, signage can help direct people to underutilized or unknown areas available for public parking. The study has recommended a shift in parking demand from the core to underutilized or unknown areas available for public parking. This shift should focus on wayfinding signage that directs people to the Municipal Ramp/Lot 13. To some degree, wayfinding signs are visible at the Main Street/Commerce Street intersection that direct people to the ramp. By the time a parking user reaches this intersection they have already been exposed to a number of parking options, including three hour on -street parking and large surface lots. It is important to recognize the first lots to fill up as one enters downtown are Lots 1 and 2, which both charge a nominal fee. Wayfinding signage should be strategically located near these lots that direct drivers to 2nd Street. Shifting travel patterns to 2nd Street will direct people towards the ramp and expose drivers to Lot 14, which is expanding by 39 spaces in the summer of 2020. A shift to these parking facilities will help maximize parking investments and alleviate parking stresses in the core. Overall, wayfinding signs are a simple high -benefit solution that help direct vehicles to underutilized parking facilities. Wayfinding signs for parking should also work together with other wayfinding needs that move people and not just cars. Stillwater should consider developing a wayfinding plan that helps identify pathways between key destinations and large parking reservoirs. A wayfinding plan should also evaluate existing sign clutter, while finding ways to maximize the effectiveness of wayfinding signage. COMM kink SPAC.8 TRACE STkEpT DECK ri Y /ARSA r AVE_ DECK s-1 1 Precedent Examples of Parking Wayfinding Signage Recommendation: Strategically locate wayfinding • signage that direct people to 2nd Street where they will be exposed to underutilized lots (e.g., Lot 14 and • the Municipal Ramp), while elevating parking and traffic stresses in the core. • • • • • • • • • • • • SUPPORT 0 Z O0 0 UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: This strategy will help shift parking demand in the core to underutilized lots at a minimal cost. Roles & Responsibilities: • The City of Stillwater is the primary agency who would implement this strategy. Coordination may need to • occur with other roadway agencies, such as MnDOT or Washington County if signs are placed within • their right-of-way. • • • • • • 11113 illwater. Technology & Mobile Applications Long-term wayfinding strategies may include information signs that display the number of available parking spaces at a parking lot/ramp entrance. This type of technology can also be tied to mobile applications that inform a driver before they enter the downtown on where parking is available. These type of wayfinding applications are typically applied in settings where parking is being heavily utilized on a year-round basis and tied to parking facilities with controlled entrances/exits (e.g., gate arms). This type of technology can also have high upfront costs. There may be opportunities to retrofit the ramp with this type of technology, but should be viewed as a mid to long-term initiative. Other long-term initiatives may include mobile applications that monitor the downtown's available parking supply. These types of applications also rely on parking sensors, parking facilities that use entrance/exist controlled devices, or GPS data obtained from cellphones to report out "real-time" parking availability for a specific area. These types of applications are typically implemented in downtown settings that charge a fee for public parking. At a minimum, the City should consider using mobile friendly websites or materials that provide information on downtown's parking locations. Long-term initiatives should consider"real-time"parking availability information, but is not being recommended at this time. Recommendation: Develop mobile friendly applications that provides parking location information. G a i SUPPORT UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: This strategy will help better inform • downtown users were parking is located. . • • Roles & Responsibilities: . • The City of Stillwater is the primary • agency who would implement this strategy, but may need support . from a private entity to assist in • the development of a mobile application. PARKING STUDY I Strategy #3 - On -Street Time Restrictions Research determined Downtown Stillwater is the only downtown with widespread three hour on -street parking compared to 12 other precedent examples (see Table 4). Reducing on -street time restrictions will help improve parking turnover rates and better align parking spaces with the various users of downtown. For example, a service oriented district (e.g., dry cleaner, post office, and coffee shop) typically requires a higher turnover rate to accommodate customers; resulting in parking restrictions ranging between 15 minutes and 1 hour. An entertainment district, such as Downtown Stillwater, typically sees a lower turnover rate during the evening hours. Time restrictions in these types of areas can range between 2 and 4 hours. Office and business districts also experience lower turnover rates. These areas usually result in an 8 hour or more time restriction to accommodate a standard 8 hour work day. On -street parking in Downtown Stillwater should accommodate those who are looking for a quick meal or the ability to run a few errands within a short period of time. A time restriction of three hours caters to the long-term parking user in which there is ample parking options available to meet their needs. On -street parking in Downtown Stillwater should be viewed as an amenity and managed in a way that creates higher -turnover. The lack of on -street parking turnover is also contributed to the lack of parking enforcement. Today, parking enforcement ends at 6:00 p.m. A car parked on the street at 3:00 p.m. would not be subject to a ticket after 6:00 p.m. and is likely to stay parked for a longer period of time if they are familiar with the system. Some businesses have expressed concerns that downtown employees who work late shifts (e.g., 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) will take advantage of the situation resulting in negative impacts to on -street parking turnover. The business community supports a reduction in on -street time restrictions to better accommodate the short-term uses. This recommendation will also need to be balanced with stronger parking enforcement, while balancing the parking needs of employees (see Strategy #4: Enforcement &Technology and #7: Employee Parking). • • • . • • • . • • • • • • Today, the majority of on -street parking in the core is limited to three hours. Recommendations: Reduce on -street parking time restrictions from three hours to two hours. a 2 SUPPORT UPFRONT COST Increase parking enforcement beyond 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. SUPPORT a UPFRONT COST 0 Z Diagram Summary: This strategy will help create higher parking turnover and better align parking users with their parking needs. Roles & Responsibilities: The City of Stillwater will be responsible for implementing this strategy, which will require additional resources to increase parking enforcement. I 11121 ©8 "tiljwatei Strategy #4 - Enforcement & Technology Many of the strategies discussed throughout this study emphasize the use of parking enforcement and technology to better manage parking utilization. In particular, Strategy #3 discusses the need for stronger on - street parking enforcement to manage turnover rates. If the City of Stillwater takes a more active role in enforcement, it should consider the use of new technology to monitor violations and turnover rates. License Plate Recognition (LPR) software provides these benefits. LPR software includes a camera that is mounted on a parking enforcement vehicle that captures license plate numbers. The license plate number is time stamped and its location is logged with the corresponding time restriction. As parking enforcement patrols an area, the software notifies the parking officer if a violation has occurred. This type of software is commonly used by public safety or law enforcement to track stolen vehicles or persons of interest. LPR software can also be used to track and monitor parking permit users. For example, if a lot is permitted only for employee parking, LPR software can determine which vehicle is authorized to be in the lot without having to verify physical permits (e.g., window tags or stickers). This approach should be explored as part of Strategy #7: Employee Parking. The City does not owns this type of technology.The City should consider purchasing LPR software to be mounted on parking enforcement vehicles to enforce on -street time restrictions (see Strategy #3). This technology will help create efficiencies in parking enforcement and will limit the number of parking enforcement officers needed to regulate time restrictions. If the City chooses not to use this technology for parking enforcement, additional parking enforcement staff will be needed to efficiently enforce on -street time restrictions to create higher turnover rates. CHALKING - COURT CASES Recent court cases have challenged the constitutionality of "tire chalking" or putting a physical mark on a tire to measure if a car has been parked in a location longer than allowed. In the most relevant court case, Taylor v. City of Saginaw, the court ruled that chalking represents a physical trespass and an unreasonable search prohibited under the 4th Amendment without meeting the burden required for a reasonable search. While this ruling was in the 6th Circuit, and only applies to Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, it may be prudent to move in the direction of non -marking techniques. • Recommendation: • Utilize LPR software for on -street parking enforcement. • • • • • • • • 1- 2 SUPPORT UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: This strategy will help create higher parking turnover rates. The City already owns LPR software, so there is little upfront cost. Roles & Responsibilities: The City of Stillwater is the responsible agency for implementing this strategy, which will require additional resources to increase parking enforcement. Parking enforcement is an important tool to helping balance parking turnover rates for on -street parking. PARKING STUDY I Strategy #5 - Parking Ordinances & Requirements The City of Stillwater recently updated its Comprehensive Plan, which provides direction and guidance for the future of Downtown Stillwater. As the City revisits its ordinances to come into compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, it should also examine them for alignment with desired parking policies. Updates to the zoning ordinance should take into consideration the parking components that embrace a district -wide parking approach. Items for consideration include: • Conditional Use Permit: Allowing a development to be eligible for a conditional use permit, which if approved by City Council would allow a given parcel to accommodate some of their required parking in a municipal lot. Many existing developments rely on municipal lots and on -street parking. A parking study would need to be submitted by the applicant demonstrating its need and the availability of off - site parking to accommodate those needs. Parking Overlay District: Minimum and maximum parking requirements can be established through an overlay district. Stillwater has established a Downtown Parking Districts that uses parking maximums. Parking maximums are used to ensure parking is not being over built and negatively impacting the urban form.The City's parking maximums should be evaluated to determine if they align with industry standards and current parking demand (using the utilization counts) in Downtown Stillwater. • Travel Demand Management Plans (TDMP): ATDMP outlines measures to mitigate parking demand as part of the development permit process, which can result in innovative solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of an area. ATDMP would be required of the developer or property owner as part of their development application. TDM strategies for Downtown Stillwater may look to shift trips from peak period (high -demand) hours to times of the day when more parking is available or enter into shared parking agreements. Strategies for businesses may include incentives to carpool or take other modes of transportation. Strategies for residential uses may include incentives for not owning a car. Liquor Licenses and other Land Use Considerations: New land uses may generate more parking demand or increase the demand at certain hours.The City should support development that is in alignment with a long-term, successful, and vibrant downtown. This also sometimes means allowing businesses that will create more of a draw that could add more parking demand. In the short-term the City may consider methods to control the flow of these developments until parking can catch up. For example, establishments that provide liquor can generate higher peak parking demands during the evening hours. Establishing regulations that control the number of liquor licenses helps manage the current parking demand until parking strategies or building more parking catches up with demand. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Recommendation: Analyze and revise the City's zoning, subdivision, and parking ordinances to ensure they are in -line with improving the parking experience in downtown SUPPORT 1- i UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: 0 Z o v.-I 0 0 In general, revisions to the zoning ordinance that embrace a district - wide parking approach will have a positive impact in helping manage parking more efficiently and effectively. The overall support and cost associated with a particulate ordinance update will vary. Staff time and resources will likely be needed for any of ordinance updates suggested in this strategy. Roles & Responsibilities: This strategy will need to be closely coordinated with downtown businesses and the private sector to determine the appropriate ordinance update. The City of Stillwater is the responsible agency for implementing this strategy. ©© lllwater. ©a Strategy #6 -Customer Service A visitor's first experience starts from the moment they park their car and walk to their destination. Therefore, parking should be viewed as a customer service. Offering a positive experience from a parking perspective involves a combination of strategies, such as a wayfinding signs (Strategy #2: Wayfinding), maintained parking facilities, and availability. It requires marketing materials to help inform patrons on where they can park and what the downtown has to offer. It may even include curbside valet service to allow cars to be stored further from the destination without requiring a longer walk for patrons. Recommendations for improving the parking user's experience include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Marketing Materials: The City and local business organizations (e.g., • Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Stillwater . Independent Business Alliance') should work together to develop marketing materials that indicate key destinations (e.g., businesses, • restaurants and trailheads) and parking locations that are for certain users (e.g., short-term vs. long-term). This approach is a low-cost/high . benefit solution to help educate visitors on where to park. This can also • be used as an opportunity to promote and market the downtown's • businesses on those materials. . • Valet Parking: A valet service provides downtown patrons a . convenient option for parking. If managed accordingly, this strategy • can help elevate the parking pressures being experienced in the . core. Options for valet storage could occur in Lots 12 or 14, which . are underutilized during the evening hours. A shared parking • agreement would need to be administered between the business and • City. This strategy is an effective means to helping manage parking . during evening hours, while providing visitors an enhanced parking • experience. Valet service is provide by a private entity, which enters into • an agreement with the business and city. The business typically initiates this strategy • • Ongoing Maintenance: Public and privately owned parking facilities should provide a safe and clean environment. Routine maintenance (e.g., sweeping, refuge collection, crack sealing, pavement overlays, snow removal, and lighting) schedules should be followed to enhance the customer's experience (drawing visitors back into the area) and beautification of the city. Additionally, routine maintenance schedules will help extend the life -span of a parking facility before a major replacement or repair is needed. This also holds true to the users experience between a parking facility and their final destination. Regular maintenance schedules need to be made to sidewalks, in addition to shoveling after winter weather events. • • • • • • • • • • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••..•..•.••••••• Diagram Summary: Marketing materials and valet parking can help manage parking more efficiently at a low-cost. Ongoing maintenance is important, but does not have any impact to parking efficiencies unless a facility becomes in such disrepair people will no longer able to park in that facility. Roles & Responsibilities: These strategies require private and public partnerships. Businesses association should take a stronger lead in developing marketing materials and initiating a valet service, if these are desired strategies to pursue from the businesses. Recommendation: Develop marketing materials that educate people on where to park. 1- a SUPPORT i UPFRONT COST Establish valet parking services with businesses that generate a higher parking demand during the evening hours. 1- u i SUPPORT UPFRONT COST 0 r, _ 00 -I o Adhere to ongoing maintenance schedules for parking facilities, in addition to sidewalks and pathways between parking facilities and destinations. SUPPORT UPFRONT COST PARKING STUDY I Strategy #7 - Employee Parking This study has recognized that some trade-offs will need to occur in order to improve the efficiencies of Downtown Stillwater's parking supply. Moving forward, the City and business community will need to accept that some people will have to park further away if they plan on spending longer periods of time in downtown. This balancing act should start with employee parking. It should be expected that employees will park further away and not in parking lots that deter from a customer's ability to park in the core. Implementing this strategy will require a strong commitment and understanding from the businesses that this shift should occur. This partnership can begin by working together to find designated areas for employee parking that alleviate parking demand in the core. A recommended approach to helping jump-start this initiative can begin by modifying the business parking permit program. Businesses and downtown employees have the option today to purchase a parking permit. Permit holders are allowed to park in designated lots longer than the posted time restriction. These lots are scattered throughout downtown. However, several permitted lots are located in the core that experience heavily utilization, while lots that are underutilized outside the core are not permitted. Permits should be restricted in lots located in the core that experience heavy utilization during peak demand. This would include Lots 4, 5, and 8 only on weekdays after 5:00 p.m. and during weekends. Employee parking by permit would still be allowed in these lots during normal weekday hours (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). In return, the Municipal Ramp would be open to permit holders.This would require access codes that allow the permit holder to enter the ramp without having to pay an additional fee to park. In order to effectively implement this strategy, the City will need to increase parking enforcement beyond 6 p.m. (see Strategy #4: Enforcement &Technology) in the surface lots. Lots should also be designed for free employee parking during evening hours for those who do not wish to purchase a parking permit. Opportunities for these free areas could occur in Lot 12 and Lot 14. Lot 14 will be expanded by 39 parking stalls in the spring of 2020.The City could also offer discounted parking permit passes to businesses that typically see an influx of employees during the evening hours (e.g., restaurants and bars). EMPLOYEE PARKING PROGRAM PRINCIPLES. An employee parking permit program should be built around the following principles: • The program is monitored and managed by the Stillwater Parking Commission. • Businesses must make a formal request annually to the Stillwater Parking Commission to be part of the program. • The number of permits issued would be based on the size, type of business, or number of employees. • A business would agree to the following conditions: - The business must prove their operations occur during peak parking demand (i.e., evening hours and weekends). - The business owner is responsible for reporting lost or stolen access cards to the Municipal Ramp. - Access cards can be terminated by the City any given time if they are being used in inappropriately. Access cards to the Municipal Ramp would only be active during the evening hours (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Recommendation: Update the business parking program by restructuring permitted lots and time restrictions. a i SUPPORT UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: This strategy will help balance today's parking supply with downtown customers and employees. This strategy will need further support from the business community before moving forward. Roles & Responsibilities: The Stillwater Parking Commission will take on a new responsibility in monitoring the program, while City staff will be asked to administer the program. The business community also needs to play a role in helping educate their employees on where to park. ©© lllwater. i ©8 . Strategy 8 - Pricing The bulk of Downtown Stillwater's parking supply is free, located in the core, and structured around the long-term user's need (4 or more hours).They are heavily utilized for those reasons, which has impacted the utilization of the Municipal Ramp and other lots on the fringe. People will chose free parking and convenience over other options. This model should be flipped by pricing parking in the core where it is more convenient, while providing subsidized (free) parking outside of the core. There are precedent examples of parking lots in downtown where people are willing to pay and park. This is evident in Lots 1 and 2, which experience heaving utilization rates and charge a minimal fee. This finding serves as a precedent example for the City to consider when exploring parking fees in other areas of downtown. During the planning process, there was some appetite to retrofit surface lots in the core to pay lots. This strategy would help achieve the following benefits: • Influence consumer/parking behavior. • Shift parking demand to underutilized lots that are currently free (e.g., Lots 12 and 14). • Capture revenue to offset costs associated with parking operations and maintenance needs or reinvest those revenues back into the downtown. This strategy will continue to be an ongoing discussion. Advancing this strategy will require larger discussions with the business owners and residents of downtown. As part of these discussions, the City should consider a phased approach by converting one or two lots in the core to paid lots. Lots 3, 4 and 5 are potential options given their proximity to Lots 1 and 2, which are already pay lots. Converting a surface lot to a pay lot can be managed through various means, including controlled gates with pay stations or through mobile applications that do not require gate arms. Any one of these options can help the City control when parking rates are in effect. For example, the City may want to only change for parking during events or when parking is at its peak. It is important to recognize a pay lot should provide people the option to pay by cash, as not everyone owns a smart phone or has access to a credit or debit card. Pay Lots 1 and 2 are heavily utilized during the summer months. • • • • Recommendation: Implement a phased approach to paid parking in the surface lots located in the core areas of downtown. a i SUPPORT UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: Parking fees should be used in the core to help shift parking demand to the fringe and underutilized lots. Costs associated with this strategy are associated with retrofitting lots to include entrance controls and pay stations. Roles & Responsibilities: This strategy will need to be closely coordinated with the City and downtown businesses. PARKING STUDY I Strategy 9 - Event Parking Festivals and events play a large part in supporting downtown businesses. Iconic events such as Lumber Jack Days and Cruisin'on the Croix Car Show attract thousands of people to the area on an annual basis. The number of special events are growing and many of them use parking lots to accommodate vendor booths, staging areas, and food trucks. Lots 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are commonly used for events. Requests to temporary close these lots are done through an application process and reviewed/approved by the Stillwater Parking Commission. In many cases, the downtown's parking supply can handle a smaller event that requires the temporary closure of a lot. Larger events that require the closure of more than one lot and attract a large number of eventgoers have utilized shuttle services between the downtown and off site parking lots located at nearby schools parks, or churches. At times, event parking has spilled into adjacent neighborhoods. Residents have grown accustom to these impacts. Event parking has been managed fairly well over the years. However, the St. Croix River has been subject to more spring floods that result in the closure of parking lots. These lots are typically relied on for spring events. As a result, event organizers are being asked to have an alternative plan in place. Establishing an alternative can be a challenge for the applicant. Ideally, the alternative keeps the event near businesses and with a view of the St. Croix River. Unfortunately, events that coincide with a flood may be forced to relocate to areas that do not provide these opportunities. Alternative event areas include other public and private parking lots near City Hall and the Historical Court House, or to a larger extent, the Washington County Government Center. Keeping an event downtown with limited parking options (as a result of flooding) will need to be balanced with other parking/traffic mitigation plans. For example, an event may need to include off site parking and shuttle service. These responsibilities should be placed on the event organizer. There are multiple factors to consider when developing a parking/traffic management plan for an event: • Number of parking spaces required and available for the event. • An alternative plan if event space is not available because of flooding or other unforeseen circumstances. • The reduction in parking as a result of the event. • Traffic control/enforcement/signage required for the event. • Educational/marketing materials to promote alternative parking options/traffic routes. This information may be challenging for the applicant to obtain. In some respect, smaller event organizer may not be or have even considered these items. City staff and the Stillwater Parking Commission can be a resource in providing options or ideas. The City should develop formalized event plans for different types of events for the Stillwater Parking Commission's consideration when reviewing/ approving event request. Events are common activities that occur in Downtown Stillwater . . • • Recommendation: Establish event parking plans for applicants to use when proposing an event. SUPPORT UPFRONT COST Diagram Summary: The event type and parking/traffic mitigation plan will vary from a impact and cost perspective. Roles & Responsibilities: The City and Stillwater Parking Commission will be responsible for providing guidance to applicants when developing event parking plans. Implementing the parking plan during an event will primarily be the responsibility of the applicant or City fees will be associated with the event to assist in their needs. Mal NEXT STEPS The parking strategies discussed throughout this study were agreed upon by the Stillwater Parking Commission as viable options in helping manage today's parking supply more efficiently. Some strategies are more viable options today, while others may require further study or consideration. Below provides a summary of these findings and recommendations for next steps. The next steps have taken into consideration, to some degree, the recent public health crisis (as of July 2020) that has impacted parking demand in Downtown Stillwater. Strategy #1 - Utilization Counts Strongly Disagree I Disagree I Neutral I Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps Continue to monitor parking utilization on an annual basis to inform the other strategies. Findings will provide a foundation for making adjustments to time restrictions, business parking programs, and pricing. Time Horizon Conduct utilization counts on an annual basis. Strategy #2 - Wayfinding & Signage Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps Strategically locate wayfinding signs that direct people to 2nd Street where they will be exposed to underutilized lots (e.g., Lot 14 and the Municipal Ramp). A more strategic wayfinding and signage plan should be developed for Downtown Stillwater. This plan will need to balance wayfinding and signage needs for not only parking, but for key destinations (e.g., businesses, trails, parks, and attractions). An effective wayfinding and signage plan will also look for ways to reduce sign clutter, while taking into account Downtown Stillwater's historical features. Time Horizon Install parking wayfinding sings within 6 months. Develop a comprehensive Downtown Stillwater wayfinding and signage plan within the next 1 to 2 years. Strategy #3 - On Street Time Restriction Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps At a minimum, convert three hour on -street time restrictions to two hours. There is some appetite to reduce areas to one hour, but further study is needed to determine the appropriate locations. Time Horizon Implement two hour on -street time restrictions within the next 6 months. PARKING STUDY I Strategy #4 - Enforcement & Technology Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps Parking enforcement is viewed as a positive and negative strategy in helping manage parking. It is viewed as a viable options in helping manage on -street parking and turnover, while some view parking enforcement as deterrent to attracting visitors. It is important to recognize parking enforcement is part of the solution in helping mange parking efficiencies and should continue to be used as a measure to ensure on -street parking spaces are turning over. At a minimum, the City should invest in License Plate Recognition (LPR) software to help with parking enforcement efficiencies. Changing the City's current policies on parking enforcement will require further discussion. Time Horizon Purchase and implement LPR software within the next year. Strategy #5 - Parking Ordinances & Requirements Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral I Agree I Strongly Agree . Next Steps A second phase of the study should consider a more detailed analysis of the City's zoning, subdivision, and parking ordinances to ensure they are in -line with improving the parking experience in downtown. This analysis should take into consideration curb side management and the unknowns in parking demand, as a result of the recent public health crisis. These unknowns have impacted how people travel to and from downtown. Time Horizon To be determined. . Strategy #6 - Customer Service Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps Develop marketing materials that educate people on where to park. Implementing this strategy should be led by local business groups (e.g., Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Stillwater Independent Business Alliance°). Marketing materials should leverage online tools and mobile friendly applications. Time Horizon Coordinate next steps with local business groups, as businesses return to normal after the public health crisis. Strategy #7 - Employee Parking Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps The business parking permit program should be refined to better address employee parking needs during the evening hours. Implementing this step will require on -going coordination and collaboration with businesses. At this point in time, the public health crisis has impacted business operations. As a result, Downtown Stillwater has been experiencing lower than normal parking utilization rates, which suggests from a parking perspective , there is no parking issue at the moment. Time Horizon Begin coordination and collaboration efforts with businesses when parking demand returns to normal. Strategy #8 - Pricing Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps There is support to expand parking fees throughout Downtown Stillwater, if it is done at incremental steps. Implementing this strategy will require public outreach and education to demonstrate how collected fees will be used. Revenue collected from parking fees should be redirected back into the downtown for capital improvements and maintenance needs.This approach will help support a district -wide parking model. Implementing this strategy should be put on hold until parking demand returns to normal. Time Horizon To be implemented a year after parking demand returns to normal. Strategy #9 - Event Parking Strongly Disagree I Disagree Neutral Agree I Strongly Agree Next Steps The City should create a series of event plans (based on the event size and type) that address their parking needs. These plans would include a contingency for flooding events that may result in parking lots being offline. Developing these plans will help the Parking Commission and event organizers understand their options and the mitigation measures needed to address loading/unloading zones, traffic, and parking Time Horizon Develop plans within 1 to 2 years. . . PARKING STUDY I