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5.3.E. SR 05-14-2007 REQUEST FOR ACTION To City Council Agenda Section W orksession Meeting Date May 14,2007 Item Number 5.3.E. Prepared by Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Develo ment Reviewed by Scott Clark, Community Development Director Reviewed by Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator Item Description Authorize Carl Walker, Inc. to Complete a Downtown Parking Study Action Requested The Council is asked to authorize Carl Walker, Inc. to complete a Downtown Parking Study as described in the attached proposal. B ac kgro undiD i sc u ss ion At its April 9th meeting the Council authorized staff to expedite the process for completing a study on the feasibility of a downtown parking ramp. In addition, it was briefly discussed by the Parking Focus Group and at the City Council meeting that an accurate analysis of the current and future downtown parking demands may best be conducted by an outside agency with greater expertise, rather than basing recommendations and decisions on public perception of parking needs. Over the past month a staff work group (Engineering, Planning, Community Development, and Finance) have explored options for completing the study and met with two parking (planning/ engineering) firms, based on recommendations by various cities, to discuss a process for completing a parking needs and alternatives analysis. The following firms were considered: . Carl Walker, Inc. (I<alamazoo, Michigan) . Vedi Associates, Inc. (11inneapolis, MN) Following a tour of the core downtown area, the firms were asked to submit a proposal for p.rofessional services and to outline a process they would recommend to achieve the city's goal to: 1) Identify current and future parking demands 2) Identify alternative parking solutions 3) Conduct a parking ramp analysis including timing, sizing, issues and estimated costs The proposals primarily differ in their approach and process for completing the analysis, which can be discussed in greater detail at the Council meeting. The staff work group and Chief of Police Beahen have reviewed and discussed the attached proposals. In addition, the Downtown Parking Focus Group will discuss the proposals and staff recommendation at its May 14th morning meeting. Staff recommends the approach proposed by Carl Walker, Inc. appears to best meet the city's goal and objectives in determining an actual amount for current and future parking needs, identifying a series of Authorize Carl Walker, Inc. to Complete Downtown Parking Study :NIay 14, 2007 City Council Page 2 of 2 alternative solutions based on those needs, and their evaluation of the appropriate timing, sizing, concept options, planning and costs associated with a future parking structure. Carl Walker, Inc. has indicated to staff a timeframe of 10 to 12 weeks to complete the scope of services identified in the proposal. This timeframe appears to align very well with the Downtown Redevelopment Planning process that the Taskforce is undertaking, both from the timing of identifying future downtown land uses as part of the 20-year vision, and in the timing for gathering public input on the draft plan and vision concepts. Financial Impact The total fee for professional services for Carl Walker, Inc. to complete the downtown parking study described above is $22,100. Staff recommends that the study be paid out of the city Capital Projects Fund. The city's Capital Projects Fund has been used for capital projects in the past. The primary funding sources for this fund has been the remaining special assessments after bonds have been paid off and the debt service fund has been closed. At its May 7th meeting the HRA briefly discussed ho\v this study would be funded. One of the concerns is that the HRA budget may not have sufficient funds for this expense after taking into account the current Redevelopment Planning project and purchase of the Houlton buildings. In addition, it is the HRA's goal to capitalize a reserve fund to be able to potentially payoff the Houlton contract-for-deed before the 5-year term, or to be able to acquire other key redevelopment parcels in the redevelopment study area. Attachments · Carl Walker, Inc. - Proposal for the City of Elk River Downtown Parking Study, May 4, 2007 · Vedi Associates, Inc. - Proposal for the City of Elk River Focus on Downtown Parking, May 8, 2007 Action NIotion by _ Second by _ Vote Follow Up C:\Documents and Settings\jrniller\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK3E\5 14 07Action Requested.doc C:::GIII rl Parking ""c::JIlk~r Plan ning Engi nearing RQStoration ATLANTA · CHARLOTTE · CHICAGO · DALLAS · DENVER · INDIANAPOLIS · KALAMAZOO · PHILADELPHIA · PHOENIX · TAMPA www.carlwalker.com May 4, 2007 Catherine Mehelich Director of Economic Development City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Re: City of Elk River Downtown Parking Study Proposal Dear Catherine: Carl Walker, Inc. is pleased to submit the enclosed proposal for professional parking consulting services associated with the City of Elk River's downtown parking study. Carl Walker, a national award-winning parking consulting firm specializing in parking planning, design, operations and restoration, has extensive experience in the design and restoration of hundreds of parking structures throughout the country. Our staff has completed over 300 parking studies, designed over 1 ,000 new multi-level parking facilities, and restored over 500 parking structures. We have eleven offices. We are excited about the opportunity to work with the City of Elk River on a successful project. If this proposal is acceptable please let us know and we will prepare an agreement incorporating the scope of services described in this proposal. If the scope of services needs modifications to provide a better fit with your needs, we will make those modifications. It is our hope that through this effort we can become a part of your larger team, one that will work together toward common goals. Sincerely, CARL WALKER, INC. flilLLL William Surna Studies Specialist 5136 Lovers Lane, Suite 200 Kalamazoo, MI49002 P. 269.381.2222 F.269.349.0782 www.carlwalker.com TABLE OF CONTENTS I. PROJECT UNDERSTANDING II. SCOPE OF WORK III. COMPANY OVERVIEW IV. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE V. PROPOSED KEY STAFF VI. REFERENCES VII. FEE I. PROJECT UNDERSTANDING The two new redevelopment projects currently under construction, The Bluffs of Elk River and Jackson Place, will significantly change downtown Elk River. In addition, the expansion of the Bank of Elk River building is increasing the vitality of the downtown. The Rivers Edge Commons Park, also currently under construction, will enhance the downtown environment for both visitors and downtown residents. These developments will energize downtown, increase number of downtown residents, draw people downtown for events, and add retail and commercial businesses to the mix. The increased activity level downtown will also increase and change the demand for parking spaces. "-y'lf"ff "~"".~ i ~#>\ ,: ..~,~J Currently the existing supply of spaces is a combination of privately controlled surface lots, city controlled lots and on-street parking spaces. The new redevelopments described above both include below grade parking, presumably intended to serve the residential units. The city has established time limits on the parking spaces and now sells parking permits that allow downtown employees to park all day in designated spaces. Some of the city lots, providing long-term parking, located north of the railroad tracks are perceived as being inconvenient. This proposal is for a study of parking in downtown Elk River so that the parking system is able to satisfy the existing and future demand for parking spaces. The scope of services is divided into three phases. The first phase is a supply/demand analysis. The second phase is management and alternatives analysis. The third phase summarizes and consolidates the study results into a final report. The process includes defining the existing demand for spaces, estimating the future demand, obtaining input from stakeholders in downtown parking, and developing alternative solutions to satisfy the future demand. II. SCOPE OF WORK Phase 1 - Existina and Future Parkina Conditions Task 1- Review Existing Data. Review pertinent parking and traffic studies, master plans, statistical data, annual reports, base maps, etc. provided by the city. Task 2- Initial Meeting. Meet with city officials to clarify study objectives, confirm the study area, and to discuss the work plan and study schedule. We will also walk/drive the study area in order to develop a first-hand understanding of the parking and traffic systems. Task 3- Verification of Parking and Review of Policies. Verify the inventory of the current parking supply by type, allocation, restrictions and rates. Parking polices will be reviewed to determine if they restrict the maximum usage of the parking supply. Task 4- Interviews. Interview key property and business owners, developers, organizations, and city staff to determine key parking issues and concerns, determine and probable future development activities. It is anticipated that the city will identify the persons to be interviewed and will set the meetings to be conducted over the course of a single business day in conjunction with another scheduled visit to Elk River, ideally following the start up meeting. Task 5- Parking Surveys and Existing Parking Conditions. Prepare and coordinate parking occupancy surveys to be completed on an hourly basis for the parking within the study area. The data on parking occupancy will be adjusted as necessary to reflect conditions during a normally busy period downtown and compared to the effective parking supply. Parking demand ratios will be developed by land use category for the downtown area. This analysis of existing conditions will provide the base from which future parking conditions can be determined. Determine parking duration and turnover for all marked on-street spaces and city controlled off-street spaces within the study area. We will perform a turnover survey of parked vehicles on an hourly basis. From the data, we will determine the following: 1. The number of vehicles parking on street. 2. The average parking duration. 3. The average turnover of each space during the survey period. 4. The number of short-term parkers (3 hours or less) versus long-term parkers (more than 3 hours). 5. The number/percentage of parkers violating time limits. Task 6- Future Parking Conditions. Parking demand ratios will be used to determine the demand for parking associated with new, planned, and proposed projects and any other changes within the study area. The future demand for parking will be compared to the adjusted supply, parking surpluses and deficiencies calculated, and the best location(s) for parking expansion determined. Prepare an analysis of the amount of additional downtown development can be accommodated with the existing supply of spaces. Task 7- Interim Report. Prepare an interim report detailing existing and future parking conditions for review and comment by city officials. After review and approval of the interim report, we will proceed to Phase II - Parking Management and Conceptual Design Alternatives. Phase 2- Parkina Manaaement and ConceDtual Desian Alternatives Task ,- Based on the review of current parking conditions in the study area, future projections, and the information provided during the discussions with the stakeholders and city staff, we will prepare alternative approaches to meeting existing and/or future deficits. The alternative approaches may include a combination of changes to current parking management policies, procedures, and control of the spaces, lot reconfigurations, as well as the development of additional parking facilities. Task 2 - Evaluation of Parking Structure Sites. Potential sites for parking structures will be identified and evaluated. Evaluation criteria will include, but not necessarily limited to, the following: . Parking Needs . Distance to Primary Destinations . User Groups Served . Size, Current Use and Topography of the Site . Parking Efficiencies and Spaces Replaced . Site Access and the Intermixing of Vehicles and Pedestrians . Visual Impact/Architectural Com patibility /Historic Integrity . Shared-Use Capabilities . Development Potential of the Site . Mixed-Use Possibilities Task 3- Site Selection. Based on the Task 2 evaluation, preferred sites for further study will be'selected. Task 4 - Conceptual Parking Layouts. Concept designs for parking facilities will be developed. The concept designs will depict the parking structure footprint and relationship to the site, number of parking bays, space layout, circulation, ramping, elevators and stairs, entry/exit locations, parking control equipment, accessible spaces, and commercial space (if applicable). Task 5 - Final Designs and Cost Estimate. Review the plans with you via telephone and discuss any modifications to be incorporated into final concept designs. Provide conceptual cost estimates for each design. Task 6 - Interim Report. An interim report will be prepared outlining the Phase 2 tasks above. Phase 3 - Final Recort and Presentation of Study Findinas Task 1 - Draft Final Report. A draft final report will be prepared covering Phases 1 and 2. A meeting will then be held with city staff to discuss findings and recommendations in the report. Task 2 - Final Report. A final report will be prepared detailing the supply/demand findings, parking management recommendations, and alternatives analysis. Issues discussed in the review meeting will be incorporated into the final report. Copies of the report will be issued to the city. Task 3- Final Presentation. Prepare a summary presentation of the findings of the study. Make one final presentation and discuss the findings. III. COMPANY OVERVIEW Carl Walker, Inc. brings to your project the reputation and experience of one of the nation's longest operating parking consulting firms. Our overall goal is to give you professional, responsive service and assist in developing creative, feasible and economic solutions to your parking challenges. The organization originated in 1983. Recognized as one of the most respected and experienced companies in the parking industry, Carl Walker operates ten offices nationwide, staffed with parking consultants-planning specialists, structural ehgineers, restoration specialists and more-and we continue to grow. We offer professional parking consulting services in three primary service sectors: Parking Studies & Operations Consulting, New Parking Structure Design and Restoration & Renovation Engineering. Based on the premise that parking is about people, our overall goal is to provide a pleasing, comfortable and efficient parking solution that satisfies the owner, user and community while maintaining a balance between functional design, aesthetics and cost. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Parking Demand Studies Verification of Parking Inventory Utilization & Occupancy Counts Estimation of Current/Future Demand Parking Duration & Turnover Analyses Shared Parking Demand Studies Site Feasibility Analyses Functional Planning Entry /Exit Locations & Ramping Systems Internal Traffic Flow & Parking Geometries Securi ty Code Conformance Security, Access, Revenue Control Systems Trailblazing & Wayfinding Sign age Parking Access & Revenue Control Equipment Parking Master Planning "Guiding Principles" & Mission Statements Stakeholder & Focus Group Intervie\vs Managemen t & Operations Reviews Program Planning & Implementation Customer Services Improvements Marketing & Promotions Land Use Analyses Financial Feasibility Analyses Design & Engineering Services Prime Design Services Design/Build Services Project Planning & Programming Concept & Schematic Design Structural Engineering Project Cost Estimates Design Development Construction Document Preparation Construction Administration Services Parking Operations Evaluation of Existing Operations Operations Procedures Development Revenue Control Procedures/Auditing Redesign Interior Layout & Circulation Maintenance & Building Inspection Densification Redesign Operating Expenses Red uction Structural Engineering & Restoration Structural Analysis Condition Evaluation Restoration Engineering Renovations Fa<;ade Restoration Expert Witness Services Maintenance Programs THE CARL WALKER ADVANTAGE We offer you the Carl Walker experience. Carl Walker continues to proudly uphold the namesake and reputation that put us at the forefront of the industry by exceeding your expectations and managing a teaming relationship and product delivery in a respectful, trusting way. Your project, large or small, is important for our success. We realize that parking structures are expensive so our Studies & Operations Consulting department focuses on delaying capital investments in parking structures by helping you improve and maximize your current system. You'll receive timely, Dersonalized response and project management services. We are empowered to serve our clients and make appropriate recommendations and decisions without an encumbered internal operating structure. You will not find a bureaucratic hierarchy at Carl Walker. We are not a commodity company who provides cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all services. We specialize in innovative, customized solutions to help you enhance customer satisfaction, improve return-on-investment, anticipate change, avoid dead-end options, identify pitfalls and evaluate options and alternatives. Parking consulting is not for the "occasional designer." Parking design, restoration and study practices have evolved greatly over the decades. We continuously hone our expertise to embrace the technology and improvements unseen to the inexperienced eye. We're flexible and attuned to your needs. We've been described as having "adeptly assumed the owner's perspective and produced results that exceeded client expectations." We believe in "collaborative relationships" and constructively embrace the views and services of others to provide ultimate value to the client and project. We believe in working together to come up with "win-win" solutions for everyone. We have defined our Study & Operations Consulting department by providing creative study assessments and value propositions not previously seen in the studies market. This allows you to make highly informed economic decisions and plans related to your parking enterprise. IV. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Carl Walker has conducted parking studies in a wide range of environments. Our clients are typically medical centers, universities, municipalities, airports and developers. An extensive list of municipal parking study projects is included for your review. A short list of recent Carl Walker municipal parking study projects includes: + + + + + + + + + + + City of Portland, Oregon + City of Rochester, Minnesota + City of Lincoln, Nebraska + City of Long Beach, California + Charlotte City Center Partners + City of Fargo, North Dakota + City of Albuquerque, New Mexico + City of Greeley, Colorado + City of Denver, Colorado City of Fort Collins, Colorado City of Des Moines, Iowa Old Pasadena Management District City of Boulder, Colorado City of Tempe, Arizona City of Sioux City, Iowa City of Shreveport, Louisiana City of Meridian, Mississippi Capital City Development Corp., Boise, Idaho City of Asheville, North Carolina In evaluating the complex parking needs in a downtown environment, parking, transportation and traffic issues should be evaluated as integral infrastructure components of the larger municipal environment. Carl Walker offers the consulting and planning services needed to understand and address the issues involved in this environment. We also understand that municipalities must function differently from private developments and that parking is an essential component supporting a vital downtown which is in direct competition with suburban developments that do not have the same constraints, especially in the area of parking. City of Minneapolis, Minnesota Carl Walker completed an evaluation of several conceptual schemes incorporating a bus transit center for the Minneapolis Transit Commission in the lower 2 levels of a 2200-car parking structure. The transit hub facilitates suburban/regional bus users, transfers to taxis and CBD bus service. City of Mankato, Minnesota A parking system analysis was completed. Results of the analysis and subsequent recommendations provided critical input during development of a strategy to support Downtown revital ization. &:?'~~ ;/ MAturO :.rV) .~~5~) ~tl"~#J. '.'~' p,i~~... f : 1 .~( it,.!....... .~~ I; U\\~ .~ \...~ " M ..--^~~>S\I' .~l'I~ .. . ...~ . ..ii,. ~ ,,- - MINNESOTA Fort Wayne Redevelopment Authority Fort Wayne, Indiana The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana has a very active cultural district in the heart of downtown. Major venues include the Grand Wayne Center Convention Center, the Wayne County Public Library, the historic and beautifully-restored Embassy Theater, the Botanical Gardens, a Marriott Hotel, and a number of restaurants. The area also includes regional headquarters for American Electric Power, a large public utility company and major downtown employer. The need for this downtown municipal parking study was prompted by planned expansions of both the public library and the Grand Wayne Center. Both facilities were slated to begin their expansion projects simultaneously. The parking study was to verify current parking demand, and estimate new parking demand created by the planned expansions. Shreveport DDA Shreveport, Louisiana Carl Walker, Inc. was selected by the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority to complete a Parking Supply/Demand Study and Alternatives Analysis to address the growing parking demand associated with two riverboat casino/hotels, retail, dining, and leisure offerings in the Red River Entertainment District. The Downtown Development Authority and the City of Shreveport believe that providing additional parking will be a key element in the continued revitalization of the downtown area. The study identified a net demand of approximately 450 additional spaces to meet peak demand periods. The peak parking demand in Shreveport is not typical of most downtowns due to the strong impact of the entertainment district and the casinos. Special events in the downtown, such as "Revel" and "Mudbug Madness" also create significant parking challenges. City of West Hollywood West Hollywood, California Santa Monica Blvd. is one of West Hollywood's busiest streets. The purpose of the parking study was to estimate the parking demand generated on the north and south block faces of Santa Monica Blvd., between Hayworth Ave. and Fuller Ave. Due to the elimination of on-street spaces to streetscape improvements and the loss of off- street spaces to recent development {including a new community center}, the City was concerned there was insufficient parking in the area. This study utilized "standard" parking demand ratios that were adjusted downward to reflect variations in parking activity by time of day and day of the week, the use of alternative modes of transportation, and the use of more than one land use in a single vehicle trip. Parking demand was approximately 1 ,800 parking spaces over the 21-block study area, compared to a parking supply of approximately 1 ,200 spaces. We recommended 484 more parking spaces on Santa Monica Blvd. between Hayworth and Fuller. The number of parking spaces to be provided at each of the four parking development sites was based on the combined parking surpluses/deficits for the blocks within capture areas and an estimated capture rate, which represents the number/percent of patrons who will likely be "captured" or park in a proposed facility. The recommended parking ranged from a low of 50 spaces at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Sierra Bonita Ave. to a high of 217 spaces at Santa Monica Blvd. and Orange Grove Ave. Milwaukee Entertainment District Milwaukee, Wisconsin This Milwaukee Entertainment District Parking Study and Analysis was undertaken at the request of Wispark, LLC.' The purpose of the study was to observe general parking supply and demand conditions in the entertainment and cultural area of downtown Milwaukee. The study was prompted in part by the proposed 1.6 million square foot "Pabst City" mixed-use redevelopment project. Specifically, Carl Walker, Inc. was requested to analyze the potential impact of Pabst City on the existing entertainment district parking and to observe general parking supply and demand conditions in the study area. City of Augusta Augusta, Georgia The City of Augusta has been experiencing growth in both activity and development in its downtown area, in part as the result of local initiatives to continue riverfront enhancements and improve the overall activity level and appeal of the existing buildings and streetscapes. Like many successful revitalizations across the country, these initiatives have been based on protecting the character of existing architecture and a desire to return an active, livable quality to the downtown, reminiscent of the kind of vibrancy that most downtowns enjoyed in the 50's and 60's. Included in these changes is an increase in downtown residential development in the form of condominiums and upper level loft apartments. Understanding that an increase in parking demand will accompany continued growth, the City determined that an updated survey of current parking conditions, along with an assessment of future parking needs, should be incorporated into the overall development plans for downtown Augusta as that development progresses. The study is intended to provide guidance as to the conditions that should prompt action to initiate an increase in the parking supply so that parking remains adequate to support the growing need without premature obligation of capital resources. City of Stillwater, Oklahoma Downtown Plan Progressive Urban Management Associates and its partners, Civitas, Carl Walker, Inc. and Corbin Design were selected to provide Core Commercial Area Planning and Engineering Services to meet the following objectives: 1) employ a market-based approach to identify opportunities to improve, manage and sustain the downtown business district; 2) create a distinct identity that strengthens downtown Stillwater as a unique niche destination within the regional marketplace; 3) identify development sites, new businesses and environmental improvements that will enhance downtown's appeal as a destination; 4) develop a business plan and initiate steps to strengthen a self-sustaining marketing and management program for downtown; and 5) engage downtown property owners, businesses and civic leaders in a participatory process that builds ownership in and a shared vision for future development, collaborative marketing initiatives and improvements. City of Littleton, Colorado Downtown Parking Study The parking study evaluated both the current and future parking conditions of the city's downtown area. It was determined that the construction of a commuter light-rail station and the elimination of surface parking lots, coupled with additional development along Main Street, would necessitate the development of additional public parking in surface lots in the future. A turnover and duration of stay survey was also completed as part of the study. Included in the study area was a community college with over 1,600 separate parking spaces. City of Dubuque, Iowa Downtown Parking Study A comprehensive parking study of the Central Business District and adjacent areas was completed. A parking supply/demand analysis that included both existing and future parking demands was completed for a 102-block area. A review of existing parking policies and zoning ordinances and recommendations for parking system improvements were also provided. Potential parking structure sites including estimated construction costs were also identified. City of Billings, Montana Downtown Parking Study A parking study was completed to determine the impact on parking availability in the new portion of the Central Business District following the construction of a new federal building. The parking study assessed the need for parking expansion and alternatives available for satisfying the additional parking needs, including recommendations for improving the overall parking management system. Projections of future growth were estimated and the parking impacts evaluated. City of Kirklal1r1. " Was h 1, TJD~9}JJiEE City of Kirkland, Washington King County Library - Parking Management Report A review of the existing downtown parking system was completed to determine how the proposed King County Library Parking Structure would support and integrate with the management system. Operational strategies and costs were developed for the new parking structure. City of Geneva, Illinois Central Business District Parking study A comprehensive Central Business District parking supply/demand study for a 57-block historic area within the community included the determination of existing/future parking demands, a review of existing parking policies and zoning ordinances, and recommendations for parking system improvements. The study also addressed the parking system's financial capability to implement recommended parking program improvements. City of Fairbanks, Alaska Parking Feasibility Analysis ~HI CUVGF fAI.IINKS M ~ ~ I..........H,"'II,,' ...Jt.,\~/ A supply/demand analysis was conducted in the core area of downtown. The analysis determined a future need for 400 to 500 parking spaces and a parking structure with a minimum of 400 spaces was recommended for Block 39, a site owned by the City of Fairbanks and long recognized as a suitable location for multi-level parking. Carl Walker developed plans for a five-level parking structure containing approximately 400 spaces. A financial feasibility analysis was conducted and it was determined that a large capital appropriation was needed for a debt service coverage ratio of 1.10 the first year, a minimum requirement for government-backed bonds. v. PROPOSED KEY STAFF Dennis Burns - Principal in Charge Mr. Burns will provide quality assurance reviews and consultation on parking management issues. He is Vice President of Studies and Operations Consulting for Carl Walker. He has over 25 years of parking management and consulting experience. He has led innovative parking study and management review programs for municipalities across the country, including "townhall meeting" sessions on the "20 Characteristics of Effective Parking Programs" and "Using Parking as an Economic Development Too!." A board member of the IDA and IPI, he has also directed workshops for the International Downtown Association on developing "Best in Class" parking systems. His knowledge and expertise regarding the relationship of parking and downtown development will be an invaluable tool in assessing overall parking system efficiency and effectiveness. Bill Surna - Project Manager As Project Manager, Mr. Surna will be responsible for coordinating our work for the study. He will be the primary point of contact. He will supervise the data collection and analyses and participate in all meetings and discussions with city staff. He has 20+ years experience providing consulting services to public and private sector clients, including municipalities, airports, hospitals, universities, developers and more. Scot Martin - Studies Assistant Mr. Martin will provide assistance for the study in areas of data tabulation and analysis and conceptual structure design. VI. PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Max Clark Parking and Facilities Director Capital City Development Corporation 805 West Idaho street, Suite 403 P.O. Box 987 Boise, Idaho 83701-0987 Telephone: (208) 384-4264 Fax: (208) 384-4267 mclark@ccdcboise.com Randy Hensley Transportation Planning & Parking Manager City of Fort Collins, CO 215 North Mason Street P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 Telephone: (970) 416-2058 Fax: (970) 221-6239 rhensley@fcgov .com Andy Kilpatrick Assistant Transportation Engineer City of Lansing 219 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933 Telephone: (517) 483-4240 Fax: (517) 483-4395 Email: akiloatr@cLlansing.mLus Clayton Johnston President Downtown Toledo Parking Authority 215 N. st. Clair Street Toledo, OH 43604 Telephone: (419) 243-8299 Fax: (419) 243-2775 Email: CJohnston@oarksmart.org VII. FEE Our fee to provide the scope of services described in this proposal is as follows. We propose lump sum fees for our labor plus customary reimbursable expenses for out-of-pocket costs. The fees and estimated expenses by phase are: Phase 1 Personnel Estimated Expenses $7,700 $2,000 Phase 2 Personnel Estimated Expenses $7,900 $0 Phase 3 Personnel Estimated Expenses $3,000 $1 ,500 TOTAL FEE: TOTAL EXPENSES: $18,600 $3,500 GRAND TOTAL: $22, 1 00 PROPOSAL FOR: City of Elk River -- Focus on Downtown Parking PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO: Catherine Mehelich Director of Economic Development City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, Minnesota 55330 PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY: Vedi Associates, Inc. 1129 Washington Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 Phone: 612.333.4670 Fax: 612.333.6797 Contact Person: P.S. Vedi, AlA -- Email: ps@vediassociates.com Puneet Vedi, Associate AlA -- Email: puneet@vediassociates.com May 8, 2007 Catherine Mehelich Director of Economic Development City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 RE: Focus on Downtown Parking Dear Ms. Mehelich: On behalf of V edi Associates, Inc. (VA), we thank you, Tim Simon, Finance Director, Terry J. Maurer, City Engineer, Jeremy Barhnhart, AlCP and Scott Clark, Community Development Director for the time you extended to discuss your parking growth needs. As we prepared this proposal, we reviewed available City of Elk River correspondence, photos and developments in regards to the City's overall parking needs. You will see that we refer to specific documents and points of information throughout our proposal. Accordingly, we respectfully submit this proposal to the City of Elk River that establishes a professional plan to develop a master plan that achieves the ultimate parking goals and parking needs as determined by the City Council, the City Staff: Development Projects, residents and business owners. We look forward to your favorable review. Sincerely, VEDI ASSOCIATES, INC. P.S. Vedi, AlA President Puneet Vedi, Assoc. AlA Senior Associate TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND / HISTORY 3-5 PARKING STUDY SCOPE OF WORK 6-7 OPTIONS FOR GROWING PARKING THROUGH CITY 8-9 TAX BASE INCREASES TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET COST ESTIMATE 10 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE WITH REFERENCES 11-14 FEE PROPOSAL (Separate Enclosure) 2 BACKGROUND / HISTORY Vedi Associates, Inc. (VA) has earned a reputation of providing on schedule and within budget services. Our motto is, "PARK YOUR PROBLEMS HERE". P.S. Vedi, the Principal, assisted by Puneet Vedi, a Senior Associate in the firm, will head the Parking Study. Both individuals are well versed in the parking discipline and have a proven record of providing our Clients with a successful project and positive experience. For the City of Elk River we will develop a detailed and cost effective parking plan based parking trend, Vedi Associates' parking experience, site visits, conversation with the City Staff and reviewing recommendations made in City of Elk River reports and memorandums. Our Parking Study Plan will consider the many issues faced by the City Staff: City Council, residents and businesses of Elk River. Our Parking Study will also consider the parking impact and demand as it relates to commercial, residential, mixed-use establishments, civic activities and transient center. We will then incorporate our Parking Study findings into a Master Plan, which will ultimately address and offer effective parking solutions for the current, mid-term, and long- term parking demand(s). Our Master Plan and Parking Study recommendations will consider but not be limited to the following: 1) The addition of developments under construction and proposed developments that will affect parking and create demand. River's Edge Commons Parking Completion Summer 2007. Jackson Place Completion Fall 2007. The Bluffs of Elk River. Completion Summer 2007. The Bank of Elk River Expansion. Business Shops generated by the Jackson Place. Business Shops generated by the Bluffs of Elk River. POTENTIAL PROJECTS Waterfront Life Style Arcade with Parking Support. O'Reilly Center Development with Parking Support. Transit Center HUB with Parking Support. School District Parking re-use. Lowell Avenue Parking Expansion. King Avenue Parking Expansion. Creative Parking Expansion in Existing Parking Areas. Deliveries and garbage disposal improvements. Security improvement ideas. Retrofit of existing building uses. 2) Because developments currently under construction are anticipated to be completed Summer/Fall 2007, the following will need to be considered in terms of immediate parking demand and cost. The viability of the parking permit process and the related City's administrative costs, including enforcement. Transitioning employee parking to the periphery of downtown. Long-term needs and goals, including a parking ramp. 3 BACKGROUND / HISTORY cont. 3) Item 2 from Page 3 ofVedi Associates' proposal has already led the City Staff and City Council to consider these additional measures that may / will modify the downtown parking regulations and permitting process in Spring 2007. Reduce parking time limits onstreet and in the King Avenue lot and enforce weekday and overnight parking regulations. Relocate downtown resident and overnight guest parking to north of Highway 10 lot(s) by free permits. Limit issuance of King Avenue employee permits to 150% (110 permits) of available stalls. Issue employee permits by application on a quarterly basis, at a rate of $1 O/month, starting with 1 per business/property owner, then implement a "round robin" approach. Provide a communications campaign to promote employee use of safe and available parking location alternatives. Evaluate financial means and timing for purchase of "parking boots" and "emergency pull-posts" . Parking regulation and permit system to be reevaluated on quarterly basis by a Focus Group with regulatory changes to be authorized by Council prior to issuance of permits. While effective the below mentioned measures are short-term and be analyzed to address the following: While current contractor parking is occurring on the north side of Highway 10 and seems to be working well, will this be enough and will this continue to work? There is a strong demand for employee parking permits (currently approximately 340 active permits are in place for the available 87 King Avenue employee parking stalls). The Bank of Elk River parking lot could free up some demand in the King Avenue lot and that impact will have to be measured. Once the aforementioned developments are complete, there is an anticipated parking situation that new customer and residential parking demands will compete with the existing commercial and office employee parking demands. Also the following question needs to be addressed and answered: "What is the City's obligation to provide public parking, at what cost, where, what percentage, etc." based on the changing demands. A) The demand on downtown parking has shifted from a high demand for customer parking to employee parking. B) Due to the shift from mostly customers to mostly employees the King Avenue parking lot has become primarily an employee lot with a ratio of 1.5 employee stalls for every customer stall( s). C) In most downtowns, a centrally located public parking lot is usually reserved for customer usage and employees park on the periphery of downtown. D) There is an expectation by downtown merchants that customers should be able to park near their establishments. 4 BACKGROUND / HISTORY cont. E) There are a number of dynamic tensions that result in parking frustrations, some can be addressed and some cannot. Such as some businesses have private parking and others do not. F) The creation of the new commercial spaces (20,000 square feet) will result in not only an increased demand for parking but potentially could create relationship issues between existing owners and new owners. With almost 100 new residential units it seems reasonable to expect that some type of overnight public parking will be needed for guests. G) Parking demands at times will spike during the evenings or on weekends depending on activities at the new park. H) What is the proper number of parking stalls for downtown? Should the City's goals be to satisfy only a "full capacity" factor, or should the City have a "bounce factor", e.g. 25% over a typical full capacity to ensure adequacy for special events, perception and allowance for new businesses and other market opportunities. I) Is a parking facility a viable option (City Engineer Terry Maurer estimates a parking ramp could cost in the range of$15,000 to $20,000 per stall) and what about costs to acquire land, relocate and remove existing businesses and buildings in order for a ramp to be designed efficiently. Please refer to parking facility construction trends budget cost estimate format and estimate of current trends. 5 PARKING STUDY SCOPE OF WORK This Parking Study Scope of Work is submitted to meet the objectives set forth by the City of Elk River. Vedi Associates will review existing transportation and travel patterns and then will make recommendations to the City of Elk River proposing ways to accommodate safe traffic and pedestrian movements as part of a workable parking plan. Progress during the course of this Parking Study would be reviewed with the Downtown Focus Group. It would provide a forum upon which relevant information can be discussed and reviewed by the City and Focus Group. Such a coordination process will be extremely valuable and would assure that issues viewed by the City are addressed by VA. Additionally, Vedi Associates will consider the parking growth plan by also introducing ideas to increase city tax base to pay for the parking improvements" for creative, convenient and cost effective parking solutions. TASK 1 - REVIEW OF EXISTING CONDITIONS The initial element of the work program will include the collection of all relevant traffic data, studies of the study area, analysis of existing traffic operations and travel patterns on the surrounding street system. Subtask lA: Collect Available Data VA will obtain transportation related data for the study area from field observations and/or various public agencies that include items such as: Base maps and aerials. Daily and peak hour traffic volume counts. Location and types of traffic/parking controls. ROW, street widths and lane configurations. Three-year accident records. Existing street/signal plans. Existing truck routes. Pedestrian / bicycle facilities. Pedestrian crossing volumes at selected intersections. Existing and proposed land use. Zoning requirements and standards related to off-street parking and loading facilities. Any previous traffic or transportation related studies that include the study area. Subtask IB: Analysis of Existing Conditions VA will summarize all data collected. VA will analyze existing traffic, pedestrian volumes and travel patterns within the study area to determine any capacity or safety deficiencies on the surrounding street system and intersections due to inadequate or substandard geometries, insufficient street or intersection capacity and/or inadequate traffic controls and signage. 6 PARKING STUDY SCOPE OF WORK cont. TASK 2 - TRAFFIC GENERATION AND ASSIGNMENT This task will involve developing estimates of future traffic within the study area and parking assignments to the surrounding streets and intersections. Subtask 2a: Determine Trip Generation and Distribution VA will determine the daily and peak hour traffic for developments proposed for the study area. The traffic generation will be based upon previous experience in downtown areas. VA will determine the directions of approach of all generated traffic based upon existing and surrounding land use, existing travel patterns and street network. TASK 3 - ESTABLISH PRIORITY PLAN In order to meet the financial constraints of the City of Elk River and other public agencies involved it is important that the proposed improvements be ranked according to priorities. Criteria for establishing these priorities will be based upon items such as: Proposed land development. Compatibility of the project to other proposed street improvements. Magnitude of the capacity deficiency. Estimated cost. The study will determine total number of parking stalls needed in a parking facility. Based on projects with a similar size scope a 400 car parking facility would be reasonable. Present construction trends for a 400 car parking facility are approximately $15,000 to $17,000 per car. Maintenance will depend on the parking structure components. Revenue control systems, durability features in parking facility design and continued maintenance program are approximately $50 to $200 per stall per year. The above criteria will be reviewed in relationship to available funds. After discussions with the City Staff and Focus Group(s), and a review of available funding sources, the study team will prepare a Priority Plan for implementing the recommended improvements for the parking option selected by the City of Elk River. This plan will consist of an immediate action plan (0-2 years), short range (2-5 years) and long range plan (6-20 years). The Priority Plan will provide the City of Elk River the flexibility to pursue immediate improvements and a 5-year development plan. 7 OPTIONS FOR GROWING PARKING THROUGH CITY TAX BASE INCREASES TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS SHORT-TERM A) Create at least seventy-nine (79) deficit parking as indicated in the City of Elk River's Downtown Parking Analysis dated October 19,2006 projected for year 2007. This task will be achieved very economically. No additional land will be required and no additional parking lots will be added to the existing landscape and no additional buildings will be demolished to increase parking. Additional lighting levels in the parking areas will be introduced. Security features will be introduced. Additional effective signage shall be considered. User walking routes shall be defined. Police patrol shall be increased. Parking entry/access points shall be defined. Delivery access/exit points shall be defined. Garbage collection and disposal improvements shall be reevaluated. This Scope of Work shall incorporate the area between the Mississippi River and Highway 10. To make this concept work, the cooperation between the City and Property Owners is essential. By achieving additional parking spaces, the employees parking can be assigned south of Highway 10 for convenience and improved security. Therefore all street parking shall bel could be dedicated to customers. Guests for private residential(s) shall be allowed to park in permit parking areas. This shall resolve immediate parking supply issues. ** Costs involving parking lot improvements plus design costs shall be budgeted. MID- TERM B) Development of Waterfront life style Arcade. This area involves commercial development overlooking the Mississippi River. The potential development can be achieved by a two (2) level facility. The existing sloping grade can be utilized and accessed by one-way for southbound family automobiles from Main Street and two (2) way entry/exit near the bank for the upper level. Cooperation and understanding from the current property Owners will be indispensable for the success of this development. The commercial development will strengthen the City Tax Base. The development will create new jobs and sale of bond option may generate funding to build the project. Tax base from the development(s) may pay for the parking structure and costs associated with this project. 8 OPTIONS FOR GROWING PARKING THROUGH CITY TAX BASE INCREASES TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS cont. The key factor in the cost control for the parking facility will be crucial to the construction costs under the bond sale limit. Air rights above the parking are also a workable concept approach. The existing businesses in this block may enjoy connected parking and therefore, these businesses have the opportunity to extend customer access from north and south sides of Main Street. See Vedi Associates Project examples: Mill Street Parking / Bank Facility on Page 13. MID- TERM C) O'Reilly Center Development O'Reilly Building has unlimited development options by retrofit approach. This building can expand north single story or multi stories. The existing King Avenue parking lot has ultimate potential for parking expansion associated with the O'Reilly Center. Development, underground parking, semi-underground, mixed-use revenue generating space and tax-base improvements can be developed at this location. It also has great exposure from Highway 10. The potential mixed-use development and parking hub alone can bring Elk River into a different level of City Standards. A brief review of this property seems to show it is quite suitable for mixed used development with integrated parking. However, a stand-alone parking structure without any related development(s) at this location will not be an economical approach as there is no tax base to offset the construction costs. MID- TERM / LONG-TERM D) Transient Center Hub This idea can keep the growth perspective of the Northstar Commuter Rail in mind. Additionally, there is the opportunity to connect Highway 10 eastbound and westbound traffic to downtown Elk River without depending on traffic signal lights. A structure may span over Highway 10 and be utilized for parking and mixed-use development along with or separately from the O'Reilly Center Development. Or the span over Highway 10 may become a part of a future expansion plan. Again the cost of building a parking structure may be paid by tax structure generated by the development( s) associated with parking. 9 BUDGET COST ESTIMATE (Sample Form) A budget cost estimate for the probable construction cost per car stall will be based upon per square foot pricing for 2007 Spring bidding. Please budget 7% inflation cost per year after 2007. This cost estimate may change based on the actual subsurface soil information, utility relocation and soft costs involved. This sample budget is enclosed for reference and comments as requested by the City of Elk River, Minnesota. An updated budget cost estimate with dollar amounts will be included in the study. Item # Spec. # Description of Work Item # Spec. # Description of Work 10 Mobilization 270 07570 Traffic Coating 20 Bond & Permits 280 07610 Metal Roofmg, Wall & Soffit 30 General Conditions 290 07900 Joint Sealers 40 Tower Crane 300 08111 Steel Doors & Frames (M) 50 02200 Earthwork 310 08111 Steel Doors & Frames (L) 60 02199B Soil Retention 320 08520 Aluminum Windows & Doors 70 02510 Asphaltic Concrete Paving 330 08711 Hardware (M) 80 02520 Curb & Gutter 340 08711 Hardware (L) 90 03100 Concrete Formwork 350 09260 Gypsum Board System 100 03200 Concrete Reinforcement (M) 360 09650 Resilient Flooring 110 03200 Concrete Reinforcement (L) 370 09900 Painting 120 03230 Post-Tensioned Reinforcement (M) 380 10200 Louvers (M) 130 03230 Post Tensioned Reinforcement (L) 390 10200 Louvers (L) 140 03300 Cast-in-Place Concrete 400 10400 Signage & Visual Aids (M) 150 03400 Precast Concrete (M) 410 10400 Signage & Visual Aids (L) 160 03400 Precast Concrete (L) 420 10522 Fire Extinguishers (M) 170 03410 Concrete Pavers 430 10522 Fire Extinguishers (L) 180 03450 Architectural Precast Concrete 440 10950 Ash Urns & Waste Receptacles(M) 190 04300 Unit Masonry Systems 450 10950 Ash Urns & Waste Receptacles(L) 200 05500 Metal Fabrications (M) 460 14240 Elevators 210 05500 Metal Fabrications (L) 470 15200 Site Utilities 220 06100 Carpentry 480 15400 Plumbing 230 07160 Bituminous Dampproofmg 490 15500 HVAC 240 07175 Water Repellent Coating 510 15900 Controls 250 07180 Penetrating Sealer 520 16000 Electrical 260 07270 Firestopping 10 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE WITH REFERENCES Centre Square Parking Facility Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota Year Completed: Under Construction (Dec. 2007) Owner: City of St. Cloud Project Contact: Stephen Gaetz, Director of Public Services Phone: 320.255.7240 This 525 car post-tensioned parking facility's design elements include glass-back elevator, architectural brick, below grade parking and air-rights expansion. This project is designed for vertical expansion of up to 898 cars, with provisions for future skyway connections. Approximate Construction Cost: $7.4 million Grand Central Parking Ramp 2 Level Addition & Skyway Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota Year Completed: 1988 & 2002 Owner: City of St. Cloud Project Contact: Gerald Kaeter Assistant Dir. of Operations & Maintenance Phone: 320.650.2915 This single-level, two-bay, vertical expansion was constructed while the lower parking facility levels remained in operation. Other features include: new vehicle entry; revised existing stair tower and new elevator shaft to accommodate a new 330 foot skyway which connects the parking facility, hotel, and Civic Center; a four-story stair/elevator tower at the Civic Center to connect the skyway to the convention halls and previously public inaccessible parking below the Civic Center. 1988 Construction Cost: $2.5 million with less than 1 % in change orders. 2002 Construction Cost: $940,000 with less than 1 % in change orders. 11 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE WITH REFERENCES cont. Sioux Valley Hospital Parking Facility Number 2 Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Year Completed: 1996 Owner: Sioux Valley Hospital Project Contact: Louis F. Kramer Email: loukramer@sio.midco.net This precast and post-tensioned 1010 car parking facility is 357,500 sq. ft. in size. It is multi-tiered; four bay facility with a sloping helix and connects to the hospital campus by an underground tunnel. All parking stalls accommodate full sized cars. Construction Cost: Under budget by $700,000.00 for a final construction cost of $6.9 million. Sioux Valley Hospital Parking Facility No 3W Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Year Completed: 2000 Owner: Sioux Valley Hospital Project Contact: Louis F. Kramer Email: loukramer@sio.midco.net This underground parking facility is designed for 400 cars, which incorporates a post-tensioned structural system with micro-silica concrete. This parking facility offers convenient emergency room parking for patients and visitors. Also included with this project is an underground tunnel connection to the North and South Campus Buildings. Construction Cost: $5.5 million 12 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE WITH REFERENCES cont. Hopkins Parking Facility Location: Hopkins, Minnesota Year Completed: 1988 Owner: City of Hopkins Project Contact: James D. Kerrigan Dir of Planning & Economic Dev Phone: 952.548.6340 This 426-car "L" shaped parking facility is designed for future vertical expansion of three additional levels and a total parking capacity of884 parking stalls. As a security issue, this "open-air" facility, with a glass-back elevator, reinforces the user's sense of security due to increased visibility. Construction Cost: $1.8 million Mill Street Parking Deck Location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota Year Completed: 1995 Owner: City of Fergus Falls Project Contact: Gordon Hydukovich Community Dev Director Phone: 218.739.2251 This two-level parking facility was needed as a growing rural downtown found congestion to be the norm, rather than a rarity. Part of the programmatic concern for downtown was where to place a new bank. The end result was a facility that resolved the parking congestion on the lower level and a bank facility housed on the upper level by using air rights. The taxes from the bank facility help to pay for the cost of the parking deck. Construction Cost: $900,000.00 13 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE WITH REFERENCES cont. Nineteenth Avenue Parking Facility Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Year Completed: 1994 Owner: University of Minnesota This 540 car contemporary ramp is post-tensioned, cast-in place structure and epoxy coated reinforcing steeL Other features include: an emergency power generator, a carbon monoxide monitor system that controls the exhaust fans on the lower level, and Thorocoat cementitious paint on the interior. All of which provide optimal durability and minimize long-term maintenance requirements. Construction Cost: $5.4 million with less than 1 % in change orders Third Street Parking Facility Location: Dubuque, Iowa Year Completed: 2002 Owner: City of Dubuque In response to an ever-increasing parking need, especially within the historical district of Dubuque this 400 car parking facility was designed and detailed to correspond to the existing buildings as well as respond to the neighboring bridge and the alley-way that was integrated into the parking facility's functional system. Construction Cost: $5.2 million. Fifth Street Parking Facility Location: Dubuque, Iowa Year Completed: 1990 & 2001 Owner: City of Dubuque This five-level, two-bay, 617 car parking facility accommodates transient and contract parkers for area retailers and offices. This post-tensioned, cast-in-place concrete structure has architectural finish precast concrete facades, and stair/elevator towers. This facility has an empty conduit embedded to provide for a future security system. The landscaping has an extensive irrigation system. Total Construction Cost: $4 million with less than 1 % in change orders 14 FEE PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE DOWNTOWN ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA FOCUS ON PARKING AND FINANCING OPTIONS. Vedi Associates' proposes the following for Parking, Traffic, Planning, Architecture and Parking Consulting Services. We propose a fixed fee of$14,860.00 (fourteen thousand eight hundred sixty dollars) for the Scope of Work indicated in this proposal. We estimate approximately eight (8) week to complete this study. We suggest progress review meetings between VA, the Owner/Focus Group shall be arranged on a weekly bases for proper coordination and Owner's involvement in the decision making process. This fee structure includes all travel time, travel expenses, and five (5) copies of the [mal Parking Study report. Thank you. Sincerely, VEDI ASSOCIATES, INC. P.S. Vedi, AlA President