Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-20 DTPC MIN DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING May 20, 2021 Chair McAllister called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Chair McAllister, Commissioners Glynn (left at 9:35), Hopfe, LePage, Council Liaison Junker Absent: Commissioners Anderson, Johnson and Lettner Staff present: Parks Superintendent Grode, Zoning Administrator Tait, Community Development Director Turnblad, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of April 15, 2021 meeting Motion by Chair McAllister, seconded by Commissioner LePage, to approve the April 15, 2021 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Event permit for Maple Island Brewery’s Bands for the Brave Zoning Administrator Tait explained that Bands for the Brave is a free family friendly event hosting a variety of bands to raise money for Helping Out Our American Heroes (HOOAH). The event will take place Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Setup will begin at noon Friday and cleanup will wrap up around noon on Sunday. The property at 225 Main Street North has 27 on-site parking spots. If approved, this event will reduce the private parking system by 27 spots for three straight days, which will put extra strain on the public parking system. However, to date, there are no other events scheduled in Stillwater for that weekend. Motion by Commissioner LePage, seconded by Commissioner Hopfe, to recommend approval of the event permit for Maple Island Brewery’s Bands for the Brave on September 11, 2021. All in favor. Parking mitigation plan for Zephyr Theater outdoor performances Public Works Director Turnblad stated that Zephyr Theater has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit amendment to allow outdoor performances annually May through October, offering up to 18 performances a month in their south parking lot. Seating for up to 250 guests would be provided, which would likely require blocking off the entire south parking lot. If indoor services/activities are offered to no-one other than the 250 guests on-site for the open air performance, then 83 parking spaces would be needed (1 space per 3 guests). The total number of parking spaces currently serving the theater is about 80 including about 25 unmarked spaces in the north lot, about 48 in the south lot and 7 others scattered around the property. If a performance is Downtown Parking Commission Meeting May 20, 2021 Page 2 of 6 planned for the total 250 guests, all 48 parking spaces in the south lot would be taken out of service as parking spaces. All of these cars would need to park in the public parking system. Lot 12 has 101 spaces that typically are not all used during evenings and weekends. There is also on-street parking in the area. If the Downtown Parking Commission finds it acceptable to displace 48 parking spaces routinely during the summer, then mitigation in the public parking system is possible. The standard fee for use of public parking spaces for deficit parking would be $10/space/month. So, if the entire south lot is taken out of service for the majority of a month, the full mitigation fee of $480 is applicable. Even with COVID spacing, about half the lot probably could be used for parking if necessary. The Commission should discuss this with the applicant. Councilmember Junker pointed out that the DTPC is not addressing the CUP, only the parking mitigation. Chair McAllister noted that the past week has brought rapid changes in COVID guidelines. She asked if the applicant must decide at this time whether the entire season will be indoor or outdoor. Calyssa Hall, Executive Director of The Zephyr Theatre, said last year because they were not allowed to be at more than 25% capacity indoors, they built an outdoor stage and held regular performances outdoors. They feel this performance model is appealing especially for patrons who are not comfortable being inside. They would like the ability to have outdoor performances on a somewhat consistent basis in the future, possibly continuing after they have built the 330 seat auditorium. They will revisit the issue at that time. Councilmember Junker remarked that Lot 12 is very busy on Saturdays and Sundays. He would like more details about plans for the longer term. The Council must consider the impact of outdoor performances based on a firm number. He acknowledged the Theatre is working very hard to contain sound, but continuing outdoor performances is a big change in the business plan. Chair McAllister agreed, adding that a key consideration is which days of the week the performances would happen. She also would like more information about what will be done if COVID rules change and they can consolidate the seating - how many parking spaces does that free up? She asked if the request is just for this season or does the Commission need to put in a clause for renewal? Ms. Hall referred to the seating chart, saying she doubts that any performances will exceed 250 guests. They have submitted an event permit which is scheduled to be heard by the Council on June 1. If they spend money to get a sound system to mute the noise, then it would be worth it to pay the $450/month to have the ability to use the entire lot. They chose 18 dates looking at the library patio as a template and did not specify which dates because they can be flexible. The request is focused on this year but also going forward. Mr. Turnblad suggested looking at this as a two step review - first, just for this year, then looking again at it next year when there will be a better feel for how many spaces really would be taken out of the private system after COVID restrictions are lifted. Commissioner LePage disclosed he is on the Zephyr Theatre Board. It seems fair to consider this application for one year. The Zephyr is willing to pay the $480 per month mitigation fee. It is different than reserving a public lot. Commissioner Hopfe agreed this should be a one year approval at this point and the City should work with The Zephyr on what dates to hold the outdoor performances, for instance avoiding the car show Wednesdays. She feels these outdoor performances are great for downtown. Councilmember Junker asked, for the 18 performances throughout the month, would there be any parking at all in the Zephyr lot? Downtown Parking Commission Meeting May 20, 2021 Page 3 of 6 Ms. Hall replied it is to their advantage to offer close parking, so if attendance is small, they would use the rest of the private lot for parking as much as possible. Commissioner Glynn asked how this is different than Maple Island’s event request and the City’s limit of three events per year in their private parking lot. Mr. Turnblad explained this is different in that if a business does more than three events per year, it’s changing the business model and the way to change the business model permanently is to apply for a Conditional Use Permit. This is a business model change, it’s not a three-for-free event request. Chair McAllister acknowledged the time factor in making a recommendation, adding that pandemic impacts this summer are yet unknown, and the City’s new trail system could alter the number of visitors as well. Commissioner Glynn agreed, things are changing. The Commission should approve the request for this year only and then review it again next year when more is known. Councilmember Junker commented that despite COVID, the City still had big parking crowds last summer. He loves what The Zephyr is doing but recognized there are 315 homes within one block of The Zephyr so he would like to do a one year test from the parking mitigation standpoint. Motion by Chair McAllister, seconded by Commissioner Glynn, to approve the request for mitigation for 48 spaces for the 2021 season with review the following year, adding that if there is a change in the seating arrangements that would add more spaces back into the private lot, the $480 will stand and not be re-calculated. All in favor. Parking mitigation plan for River Siren (currently Maple Island Brewery) Mr. Tait reported that the property at 225 Main Street North (formerly Maple Island Brewing), is changing to a new business called River Siren Brewing Company. In 2014 this property obtained a variance (CPC-2014-3) to the parking regulations, which allowed Maple Island Brewery to operate with 27 parking spaces, although 45 were required. To compensate for this on-site parking deficiency, the property owner was required to purchase 18 public monthly parking permits. The property’s use is remaining the same so there will be no change in parking demand due to change of use. However, the new owner intends to use the mezzanine, 480 square feet of additional space, and therefore would be required to mitigate four additional spots to compensate for this expansion. City staff recommends that River Siren Brewing Company continue to pay for 18 public monthly parking permits, plus an additional four monthly parking permits due to the use of the mezzanine, totaling 22 monthly parking permits. Motion by Commissioner Glynn, seconded by Commissioner LePage, to approve the parking mitigation of 22 spaces for River Siren Brewing Company, per the staff recommendation. All in favor. Parking mitigation plan for Short Term Home Rental at 118 1⁄2 N Main Mr. Tait reviewed the application. Sunny and Anil and Alyxandia Moosai applied for a Type B Short Term Home Rental (STHR) license. With one bedroom available, allowing for up to three guests, this property would be required to provide one on-site parking spot. However, the required off-street parking is not available. The applicant is requesting to pay parking mitigation fees in lieu of providing one on-site parking spot. Staff finds it acceptable to allow 118 1⁄2 Main St North to pay parking mitigation in lieu of providing an off-street parking stall. Staff recommends charging the mitigation fee for one parking spot at $10/month, $120 a year. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting May 20, 2021 Page 4 of 6 Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket stated the problem with giving those permits is they are viewed by the guests as permission to park wherever they want. They still have to park in a 4-hour or longer lot. Chair McAllister commented the problem is communication between the business owner and the guests. Mr. Turnblad said it is a two-part issue. Mitigation is just approving permission to use the public system. The property owner still has to buy a permit, so there is the monthly mitigation fee plus the cost of using the system. The STHR owners are not always communicating clearly with their guests. Chair McAllister said it is important to make sure the process is followed consistently and that the City is working with the applicants to explain the policy and to make sure they know they are responsible for informing their guests of where they can use the permit. Motion by Chair McAllister, seconded by Commissioner Glynn, to approve the parking mitigation plan per the staff recommendation for a Short Term Home Rental at 118 1⁄2 N Main. All in favor. Event permit for Maple Island Brewery's 4th of July Parking Lot Party Mr. Tait reviewed the application. Maple Island Brewery is proposing to hold a Fourth of July party in their private parking lot from 12-10 p.m. on July 4. They will have a tent, music, yard games, and beer. The music will be on Maple Island’s patio between 5-8 p.m. There will also be one or two food vendors. The event is expected to draw 500-1,000 people. Setup will begin at 6 a.m. the previous day and cleanup is expected to wrap up around 10 a.m. on Monday. The property has 27 on-site parking spots. If approved, this event will reduce the private parking system by 27 spots for two weekend days and a weekday morning, which will put extra strain on the public parking system. Fourth of July is one of downtown Stillwater’s busiest days, and any extra burden to the already over-stressed parking system will force more people to find street parking in the neighboring residential areas. Mr. Turnblad confirmed there are no fireworks for the Fourth of July this year due to lack of supply. Councilmember Junker stated there will still be bands in the park and other festivities, possibly cannons in North Lowell Park and a jazz orchestra in Pioneer Park. Motion by Commissioner Glynn, seconded by Commissioner LePage, to approve the request for Maple Island to hold a Fourth of July party in their private lot on July 4, 2021. All in favor. Event permit for Zephyr Theatre Parks Superintendent Grode reviewed the request. The Zephyr Theater has applied for an event permit for Lowell Park for a Broadway By the Bridge production of the musical Mamma Mia from Thursday through Sunday, July 22 through 25 from 7-10 p.m. Dress rehearsals are proposed to be held Tuesday July 20 before 5 p.m. (to avoid Summer Tuesdays), Wednesday July 21 before 3 p.m. and after 8 p.m. (to avoid the car show) and Thursday July 22 before 3 p.m. Up to 1,000 people are expected at each of the four performance nights. The event area will be delineated by a lightweight fence. He showed a site plan. They are asking to reserve seven spaces in Lot 5 for the four days, which would total $42. If there is a cancelled performance they will ask to reschedule for Monday July 26 7- 10 p.m. Chair McAllister asked if there are any other approved events going on that weekend. Mr. Grode replied not on the weekend. The only other two events that week are those mentioned, Summer Tuesdays and the car show. Lumberjack Days will be the weekend prior to this one. Calyssa Hall, The Zephyr Theatre, stated this is a ticketed event with seating for 1,000 at each show. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting May 20, 2021 Page 5 of 6 Officer Pasket noted that Mr. Grode quoted the off season rate of $1.50 per space. The City charges $3 during peak season. He also asked who would block off Lot 5. Mr. Grode clarified the charge would be $84 for the four days. Typically, in the past, the event organizers have blocked off parking spaces. Commissioner Hopfe said she loves the idea, but she also voiced concern about approving events this large, because it is a business district. Having events all week is a big stress on the parking system. Officer Pasket noted there are some permit parkers who buy permits for Lot 5. Chair McAllister asked that an ongoing calendar of events be in the agenda packets for future meetings. The Commission has an obligation to consider displaced permit parkers and others who use these lots and the amount of friction that events are creating on the system. Councilmember Junker noted that the City Council has an upcoming Strategic Planning session with Department Heads. He will bring up the concerns about the increasing number of events. Chair McAllister asked that it be shared that the DTPC is inviting feedback. Mr. Turnblad said he is not sure the Strategic Planning session is where that discussion should occur, but the Commission’s thoughts will be passed on to the Council. There was no vote taken as Commissioner Glynn had left, leaving no quorum. CONTINUING BUSINESS Parking Capacity Work Plan This will be continued to next month so the Commission can vote on the draft work plan as revised. The next step is for the Commission to approve the plan and recommend that the City Council adopt it. UPDATE Council action on Reuter Walton project Mr. Turnblad reported that the City Council supported the Commission’s policy that new residential construction should mitigate their parking deficits at $20,000 per space. However, the Council differed from the recommendation in the following: 1) two gauges were used for how much parking is required. The Zoning Code (39 space deficit) versus the International Traffic Engineer’s Bible (17 space deficit). The Council chose to follow the Zoning Code meaning the developer would owe the City $780,000. The Council approved the mitigation plan for 39 spaces. $40,000 will be paid up front and the remainder will be paid through a tax increment financing agreement. 2) The Council differed from the DTPC’s recommendation that all required residential spaces should be required to be provided on site and only the guest parking could be mitigated. The Council instead approved the mitigation plan for all 39 deficit spaces. The DTPC’s recommended mitigation policy will go before the City Council on June 1. He noted that Councilmember Junker represented the DTPC well during the Council debate. Councilmember Junker noted that every Councilmember and the Mayor voiced major concerns about the parking load of the project. The mitigation of $780,000 over 39 spaces passed 4-1 and was not taken lightly by any of the Councilmembers. It was a difficult decision. Walking home after the Council meeting that night, he saw one car on Main Street for all of the Mills, Lofts and Terra Springs residential units. He feels many cars will be parked on streets with this new development, which he feels is not adequately providing parking. Commissioner LePage asked if there was any discussion about changing the policy for future residential developments. Downtown Parking Commission Meeting May 20, 2021 Page 6 of 6 Councilmember Junker replied the residential mitigation that the DTPC has been working on is that residential developments would provide 100% of the present ratio of 1.5 spaces per unit, allowing guest parking to be mitigated. This development did not meet the required 1.5 spaces per unit but the Council allowed all 39 deficit spaces to be mitigated. He believes the City will see more and more housing developments proposed that will not be able to provide adequate parking on site. Mr. Turnblad pointed out that there was a very large step taken with this project, of charging a developer $20,000 each for parking deficit spaces. So the DTPC’s work had an impact. Councilmember Junker asked, even with developmental money, if the City builds a second parking garage, will the 10% limitation remain regarding how much may be allotted to permit parking? Mr. Turnblad replied that depends on the financing tool used and applicable tax increment financing agreements. Other updates Chair McAllister noted that she will attend the June meeting remotely. She also reminded Mr. Turnblad and Mr. Graham that there is a vacant seat on the DTPC and she hopes there will be another Commissioner soon. She acknowledged this is Mr. Turnblad’s last meeting with the Commission, thanking him for his efforts. Councilmember Junker said the Council recommended that City Council and Commission meetings will be in person starting June 1. Mr. Turnblad added that Commissioners will be asked to be present but the public can still use Zoom. Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket stated since May 1, the two pay lots have been monitored and enforced. He intends to monitor all parking lots and the ramp beginning June 1. Commissioner Hopfe asked that the 15 minute spaces also be rigorously enforced. Councilmember Junker said the longest tenure of a dumpster has ended with the removal of a dumpster behind Brian’s. ADJOURNMENT Chair McAllister adjourned the meeting at 10:03 a.m. Heidi McAllister, Chair ATTEST: Beth Wolf, City Clerk