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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1996-08-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 21, 1996 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Davidoff, Ehrhardt, Reeves, Seligmann, Smith, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Mackesey, Superintendent Gray, Assistant Superintendent Ferrel and Fabbroni. Commissioner Reeves chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Keguest for Use of Stewart Park Water Front Comm. Reeves told the board that she has requested information from the Attorney's Office regarding Cornell's request for use of the Fall Creek waterway at the boat house in Stewart Park. She noted that permission was never given for use in the past. The consensus of the board was that a letter be sent explaining that the attorney's recommendation is being waited on and that use of the area is at their own risk since approval is not yet granted. 2. Parking - Rates and Usage at Ramps, Lots and Meters Mayor Cohen told the board that there are two main issues which he would like to discuss, metered parking and odd /even parking. Comm. Reeves added that she'd like recommendations from the board regarding meter rates for 1997. Discussion followed concerning current use including the number of issued permits. Mayor Cohen explained that council has concerns regarding the difference in rates between the downtown garages and the Dryden Road garage. It was explained that the demand for the Dryden Road garage is greater. Supt. Gray noted that the operating expense for the garage is very high and that the garage does not pay for itself. It was noted that the garage is used less during the summer months and that less nightly permits are sold. Discussion followed concerning long term storage of vehicles and enforcement of the 24 hour parking policy. Discussion also included how people are able to park for free with the current system. Civil Engineer Lynne Yost explained that with the proposed automated system, it will be very difficult to park for free during revenue hours. Discussion followed concerning the proposed system and how it works. It was explained that a debit card may be used and that there will be more accountability for how many vehicles use the facilities. Discussion turned to metered parking. Mayor Cohen told the board that he'd like to see the downtown business area provide free parking. He explained that a survey has been taken and that consumer's number one problem with shopping downtown is parking. He proposed that meters be bagged for a trial period. He added that he planned to allow two hour parking and that a reduced fee be given for first time offenders that parked for more than two hours. A two hour regulation would force long term parkers into the garages. Comm. Seligmann pointed out that consumers may shop at the malls because of the perceived free parking. He suggested that the city not take a loss in revenue by giving free parking but that the BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Committee of the Whole Meeting August 21, 1996 downtown merchants subsidize the parking. It was suggested that possibly the BID could include an arrangement for the merchants to run the parking facilities. Comm. Davidoff stated that he didn't have an opinion on removing meters but he felt that there were other issues involved. He suggested that the business community contribute more, such as more convenient evening hours. He added that he wasn't comfortable with quick fixes. Discussion followed concerning free parking during the holidays. Comm. Ehrhardt questioned if the city would make up for lost revenues through sales tax? Mayor Cohen asked the board to give input on what areas should be free during the holidays, as well as for how long and time restrictions. Comm. Reeves questioned if the board wanted to change the rates for 1997. The board agreed that they would go through the budget review first. Ms. Yost pointed out that the parking equipment companies have noted that increases in revenues will be seen with the new equipment. The discussion of odd /even parking was tabled for a future meeting as well as further discussion of bagging meters for downtown parking. The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. C± Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary Page - 2