5. HRSR 05-07-2007Item #5
t~ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development
DATE: May 7, 2007
SUBJECT: Downtown Parking Focus Group Update
Attachments
• Downtown Parking Focus Group Work Plan & Meeting Schedule -Revised Apri12007
• Apri19, 2007 City Council Meeting Minutes & Staff Report to Council re: Changes to
Parking Regulations & Permitting
Background
The City Council appointed a Downtown Parking Focus Group earlier this year for the purpose
of developing working solutions on the following three primary tasks as outlined in the attached
work plan and summarized below:
1. Recommend modifications to the city's regulatory and administrative parking permit
process.
2. Recommend policies for transition of employee parking to the periphery of downtown.
3. Develop analysis and recommend options for long term parking needs, including parking
ramp.
HRA Commissioner Toth serves on the Focus Group as an HRA representative. The Focus
Group's recommendations for changes to the current parking regulations and permitting were
recently presented to the Council. The attached Apri19, 2007 staff report and meeting minutes
provide a summary of the recommendations that were approved for implementation. In addition
the Council directed the Parking Focus Group to proceed sooner with the parking ramp analysis.
Next Steps
In follow up to Council direction, staff is proceeding with the following actions:
• Working with Police Chief Beahen to make necessary arrangements for the
implementation of the new employee/resident permit process commencing July 1, 2007.
• Working with Police Chief Beahen to make necessary signage changes for reduced
parking time limits (in accordance with the attached map) effective July 1, 2007.
• Visiting with various Parking (planning/engineering) firms to discuss options and a
process for completing of a parking needs and alternatives analysis. Staff anticipates
proposals for professional services to be considered by the Parking Focus Group at their
next meeting and provide feedback at the May 14`" City Council meeting for
authorization to proceed.
Downtown Parking Focus Group
Work Plan & Meeting Schedule
Revised April 2007
Focus Groun Membershi
City Staff reps/facilitators: Cathy Mehelich
Police Chief Beahen
Scott Clark
HRA rep: Larry Toth
Council rep: Nick Zerwas
Brick Block rep: Keith Holme (Kempers)
Tamara Ackerman (Avalon)
SW Main Street Block rep
SE Main Street Block rep
Bank of ER rep:
First Nat'l Bank rep:
New Commercial reps:
Bill Houlton
Jeff Krueger (Daddyo's)
Fred McCoy (McCoy's)
Pat Dwyer
Dave Rymanowski
Vern Hanson, MetroPlains
Denny Walsh, broker
Focus Group Tasks -
l. Develop and recommend modifications to the city's regulatory and administrative
parking permit process (Phase I -for implementation Spring 2007 through Spring 2008).
2. Develop and recommend policies for transition of employee parking to the periphery of
downtown (Phase II -for implementation Summer 2008).
3. Develop analysis and recommend policies for future consideration of parking ramp
(Phase III -for implementation in the future).
Meeting Schedule & Work Plan -
HOMEWORK -Read 2005 Parking Taskforce Report
- Read Nov. 20, 2006 Staff Report of Parking Assumptions
Meeting 1 - Monday, February 12th -gam
1. Introductions
2. Reviewed Focus Group tasks
3. Expectations -work plan & meeting schedule
4. Discussed background report, assumptions & existing conditions
5. Reviewed current parking regulations & provide input on issues of concern
Meeting 2 - Monday, February 26th -gam
1. Recap of last meeting & review purpose of this meeting
2. Reviewed & discussed proposed changes to parking regulations & permitting process (as
drafted by Chief Beahen)
S:\Downtown Revitalization\Parking\2007 Parking Focus Group\Parking Focus Group Work Plan.revised.doc
Meetin>; 3 - Monday, March 12th -gam
1. Recap of last meeting & review purpose of this meeting
2. Continued discussion of proposed changes to parking regulations & permitting process
3. Discuss ancillary parking issues -overnight guests of new residential units
Meetin>; 4 - Monday, March 26th -gam
1. Recap of last meeting & review purpose of this meeting
2. Formalized recommendation to City Council on changes to parking regulations & permitting
Meeting 5 - Monday, April 9th -gam
1. Recap of last meeting & review purpose of this meeting
2. Identified options for further exploration to handling Phase II employee parking demands by
moving to the periphery (timing/phasing, locations, identify potential competing uses, time
limits/enforcement)
--------------Meeting schedule delayed due to change in direction from City Council---------------
Meeting 6 - Monday, May 14th -gam
1. Recap of last meeting and Council action on Phase I recommendations and implementation
schedule
2. Review purpose of this meeting
3. Discuss process for completing Phase III parking ramp analysis and Phase II alternative
parking options
Meeting 7 - To Be Determined
Meeting 8 - To Be Determined
Meeting 9 - To Be Determined
Meeting 10 - To Be Determined
S:\Downtown Revitalization\Parking\2007 Parking Focus Group\Parking Focus Group Work Plan.revised.doc
Ciry Council Minutes
Apri19, 2007
Page 4
Councilmember Motin stated this project should be put off for awhile until the financing
could be determined.
Councilmember Gumphrey expressed safety concerns for pedestrians due to the amount of
traffic on this road.
The Council would like the finance director to look at funding options.
Ms. Johnson stated the finance department would like to complete a comprehensive
financing plan for all these transportation projects. She stated this is the first time costs have
been attached to these projects and it is staffs intent to come back at a later date with
funding options so the Council can prioritize them.
H. Mn/DOT Spring Tour
Mr. Maurer stated the Mn/DOT tour has been scheduled for Monday, May 7, 2007 at
9:30 a.m.
It was suggested that a representative from Anoka County be invited to this tour due to the
CSAH 33 and County Road 22 future through Anoka County.
5.3. Downtown Parking Focus Group Recommendations for Changes to Current Parking
Regulations and Permitting Process
Ms. Mehelich reviewed the Phase I recommendations of the Downtown Parking Focus
Group.
Councilmember Farber stated the parking ramp analysis should not wait until Phase III. He
stated the Group should be studying the need for a ramp while working on Phase I and
Phase II. He stated the projected new businesses and the customers they will generate need
to be taken into account.
Councilmember Zerwas stated he shares Councilmember Farber's concerns.
Councilmember Gumphrey concurred. He stated he would like the Downtown Parking
Focus Group to work with the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to consider a ramp.
Councilmember Motin disagreed and stated he felt it would be okay to wait a year in order
to see what is going to happen in the downtown once the Jackson and Bluff Blocks are
completed. He stated benefited property owners should be assessed for a ramp.
Mayor Klinzing concurred with Councilmember Motin. She stated that some businesses
should be limited in the number of city permits given to them as they already own private
parking spaces.
Councilmember Motin questioned how overnight parking enforcement will be handled.
Chief Beahen stated parking will be monitored during the day. He stated residential parking
will be the biggest concern with overnight parking.
Ms. Mehelich stated the Parking Focus Group is working on an aggressive time schedule.
She stated the Council could consider making the city-owned lot an all customer parking lot.
City Council Minutes
April 9, 2007
Page 5
Councilmember Farber commended the Parking Focus Group for the job they are doing.
Mayor Klinzing noted that a majority of the Council would like the ramp analysis to be
considered during the other phases that the Parking Focus Group is working toward.
Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if the parking boots were needed at this time.
Chief Beahen stated the city has no recourse through the court system to collect on parking
fines. He stated the parking boots can be installed on a vehicle that has numerous parking
tickets until the tickets are paid.
Ms. Mehelich noted that cost for the emergency pull-posts in her staff report was incorrect
and the cost is really $4,500 plus installation.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE
PARKING BOOT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO IMPLEMENT DOWNTOWN PARKING
REGULATIONS AND THE PERMITTING PROCESS FOR SPRING 2007 AS
LISTED BELOW:
1. REDUCE PARKING TIME LIMITS ON-STREET AND IN KING AVE. LOT
AND ENFORCE WEEKDAY AND OVERNIGHT PARKING
REGULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
2. RELOCATE DOWNTOWN RESIDENT AND OVERNIGHT GUEST
PARKING TO NORTH HWY 10 LOT BY FREE PERMITS.
3. LIMIT ISSUANCE OF KING AVE. EMPLOYEE PERMITS TO 150% (110
PERMITS) OF AVAILABLE STALLS.
4. ISSUE EMPLOYEE PERMITS BY APPLICATION ON A QUARTERLY
BASIS, AT A RATE OF $10/MONTH, STARTING WITH 1 PER
BUSINESS/PROPERTY OWNER, THEN "ROUND ROBIN" APPROACH.
5. PROVIDE COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE EMPLOYEE
USE OF SAFE AND AVAILABLE PARKING LOCATION ALTERNATIVES.
6. PARKING REGULATION AND PERMIT SYSTEM TO BE RE-
EVALUATED ON QUARTERLY BASIS BY A SIMILAR FOCUS GROUP
WITH REGULATORY CHANGES TO BE AUTHORIZED BY COUNCIL
PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF PERMITS.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The Council concurred to not purchase emergency pull-posts due to the high cost.
HRA Commissioner Toth assured the Council that the Parking Focus Group is moving
forward with the parking ramp study.
vet
City of Ellc River
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Item Number
5.3.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
~~/orl:session _april 9, ?007 Catl~ervie IVfehelich, Director of
Economic Develo went
Item Description Reviewed by
Downtown Parl:irzg Focus Group Recommendations for Scott Clarl:, Coznznunity Development
Changes to Current Parking Regulations and Permitting Director
Introduction
On September l5, 2006, the City Council directed staff to prepare a report on parking issues in dze
clownto~vn area. In response to the report drat was presented to d1e Council November 20, 2006, the
Council agreed upon a series of assumptions to seiz=e as a Foundation for future parl:irzg
recommendations and established a parking focus group to develop ~vorl:izzg solutions.
The i~ocus Group was du:ected by the Council to complete the folio«ring tasls:
'1. Develop and reconunend to die Council modifications to the city='s regr>IatorS= and administrative
parl:uig permit process (Phase I -for implementation Spring 2007 through Spring 2005)
2. Der=clop and reconunencl to die Council policies for transition of employee parking to die peripher}=
of downtown. (Phase II -for unpleznentation Summer 200S}.
3. Develop analysis and recoznznend to the Council options for additional parking in the long term,
includuig parking ramp. (Phase III -for implementation uz die future).
Discussion
The Focus Group has completed the First tasl: and is prepared to present the attached recozrunendation
for modiftcations to die downtown paxl~izzg reguLltoz-~= and perzxzitting system for unplementation Spring
2007. The recommendations of die Focus Group tivill be presented by the staff facilitators, Cluef of
Police I3eahen and die Director of Economic Development Catherine D4ehelich.
Financial Impact
The primaz~y= financial in~zpacts of die recommendation have not been quantified, but are related to die
adznuustrative permitting (permit tags, signage, staff tune, etc.} and enforcement (staff tune} of parking
regulations as absorbed b}= die Police Department and Public ~~lorks Departments. It is unportant to
note drat it is clear drat the $10/uiondz pernut fee will not cover these additional costs of regulation and
enforcement.
In addition die Focus Group is reconunending die Cit}='s consideration of purchasing "parking boots"
(appro. SS00 each) for enforcement of unpaid parkizzg tickets and "emergency pull-posts" (approx.
51,700 each) to ease jxzblic safet~~ concerns.
Attachments
Downtown Parl:irzg Focus Group Meeting minutes, FcbruarS=-1\lardi 2007
Phase I Recon-unended Modifications to the Downtown Parking Regulations & Pernutting Process
Downtown Parl~izzg R~Iap -Proposed Changes tlprii 2007
S:\llua•nto~cn Rc~•it:di-ration\Parking\2007 hacl:in~; Focus Grout\RI;C`UGti I' COUNC_[!.. AC'CION.~{J).07.doc
RccommcnJ Changes to Parking Regulations anJ 1'crmirting
:1pn19, 2007 Council \C'ork tiession
Page 2 of 2
Action Requested,
Staff requests the Council consider the recolrunendations of the Do~vnto~vn Paxltillg T'ocus Group and to
authorize the staff and the Police Deputlnent to undertalte the necessai~~ steps to ilmplelment the
modifications to the do~vnto~vn paxltuig regulations and permitting process Spring 2007, as summarized
belom:
• Reduce parking tune lunits onstreet and in Bing live lot and enforce ~veelcday and ot-erEUght panting
regulations.
• Relocate dou'nto«rn resident and overnight guest parltuYg to north I-I«-y- 10 lot b}. free pern~.its.
• Luiut issuance of Ding ilve emplo}ice permits to 1S0% {110 permits) of available stalls.
• Issue emplaS~ee permits by application on a quarterl3~ basis, at a rate of $10/Inondl, starting with '1
per business/properrS~ owner, then "round robin" apprO:tch.
a 1'xo~>ide colmmulucations campaign to promote elnplo}-ee use of safe and available panting location
alternatives.
• Evaluate fuaancial means and tuning for purchase of "paxlting boots" and "emergency pull-posts".
• Parlallg regulatlOn 1I1d perlxut Sj'Stelm tO be reevaluated On gtlarterl}' basis by a sunilar focus group
~vidi regulatol-~' changes to be authorized bti- Council prior to issuance of permits.
COUnCiI Action lLoriou h}` Second by Fate
FO~~OW Up
ti:\t~o~cnto~cn Rccitalizatiun\Parking\2007 Parking I4~cux Group\RBQUI3S'[' cUU,\CI1.:1C['(oN.-i.9.U7.duc
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
DOWNTOWN PARKING FOCUS GROUP
HELD AT UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2007
Aletnbers Present. Larry Torte, Keith Holme, Nick Zert~as, Bill Houlton, Pat D~v}-er, Dave
Rymanowski, Vern I-Ianson, Denny ~~~aIsh
Members Absent: Fred itlcCoy, Jeff Itrtteger, Tamara Ackerman
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine it4ehelich, Commututy
Development Director Scott Clark, Chief of PoliceJeff Beahen
1. Review of Febman~ 26.20071Ieeting Minutes
The minutes of the February 3G, ?007 Downtown Parking Focus Group meeting weze
reviewed and appro~e*ed b}' consensus of the attendees.
1Is. ~•Iehelich provided an ovenrie~v of assumptions of the permitting s}*steui faz die group's
acknowledgement. There were no additions orrre<<isions Eo.,the assumptions br nietnbers.
The group was asked to formulate proposed ideas for the issuance of a limited number of
employeee parking permmits. The goal of dus meeting yeas to reach agreement on
modifications to the permitting system in order For a recommendation to pzoceed to City
Council.
2. Discussion of Proposed Changes to Current Parking Sv,,,_„ stem
Chief of Police Beahen clarified the calculation'on die'. numbci of parking stalls and permits
available under lus recommendation.
Iiin.,g Ave Irm~lo~~ee Parking
Employee stalls (upon relocation of 8 resident;pennits) 9G stalls
Fixsr National Bank pcrcnits`(per Easement _~greement) 23 permits/stalls
Balance oEavailable stalls 73 stalls
Permits available at rate of 1.~0°'~ of available stalls 110 permits
..The following opuonsand issues «<ere discussed:
• Parking permits should beissued to businesses and propert~~ owners and not by
individual employees.
• Issue permits on a prorated basis by number of emplo}'ees, square footage, etc.
• Eraluate level of interest in permits upon mailing information on the new rules,
including but not limited to a statement that a permit to park in Bing Ave lot is a
privilege, a paid permit will not guarantee an open spot at all times.
• x111 business/property owners b}~ address should have the right to puxchase 1 permit
(upon interest and application deadline), lien assess die situation and system for issuing
balance of available permits if an}~ e.~ist.
• Business/property owners should consider negotiating for use of privately-owned
parking lots for employee stalls based on their own needs (School District, Dares, First
National Bank, Baal: of Elk River)
• Issue permits based on density of employment per square footage of business space or
as a percentage of total downtown employment.
Do~Fmiown Parking Locus Group
March 2G, ?007
Pagc 2 of 2
• Business/property owners tvho are issued perrttits but do not have immediate need for
them should be allowed to "transfer" to another business/property owner through
business-to-business negotiation and agreement.
• Estimated current number of downtown businesses 50
Estimated new businesses in Bluffs and Jackson Place 15
Total Downtown Businesses G5
• r1s a matter of policy procedure, the Focus Group should establish the proposed s}=stem
recommendarian and present to the Council at work session for Council approval
before offering/announcing to the downtown businesses.
• Employee parking permits to be issued on a quarterly basis at the cost of Sl0 per month.
Number of employee: customer parking spaces ratio and number of available permits to
be reevaluated based on changed needs and demands by a sunilar parking focus group
on a quarterly basis prior to issuance.
• Clarified enforcement of parking regulations:
o fling :'<ve Lot & Onstieet Parking time Limits -Enforced. itIonday-Freda}-; no
tveckend enforcement
o Overnight Parking {no parking tam-6atn) -Enforced 7-day s a week
Following discussion die group reached consensus on the Following recomnzend~rion
regarding the system Eor parking permit issuance:
• ~fvl downtown business and property owners information on die new rules along with
permit application and deadlu"e including but not lirnired to a statement that a permit to
park in Ivng:'~ve lot is a privilege acid a paid permit~vill not guarantee an open spot at
all times. Employee parking permits to Ue'issued by Police;Dept on a quarterly basis ar
the cost of S10 per monde.
• :ill business/property= owners by address should have, the right to purchase 1 permit
{upon interest and application deadline), then assess'"the situation and system for issuing
balance of arulable permits if any cost.
• Number of etnpla}=ee: customer parking spaces ratio and number of available pemxuts to
be reevaluated Uased on changed needs and demands by a similar parking focus group
on a quarterly basis prior to'issuance.
Ne--t SteTs
Staff will draft and forward to the Focus Group for review and comment on the meeting
minutes and reeomtneudaaans xo City Council. The recommendations would be considered
at die 1pril 9 City Council ~~~ork Session meeting.
T'he nest neeang of the Focus Group will be i\Ionday, .~pri19. The Focus of the discussion
will Ue on die Ph:rse Il parking optons (for implementation Summer 2005). Afs. lfehelich
encouraged members to be thinking about the options outlined in the March 12, 2007 Pocus
Group lfinutes, and the question - "~~nien the fling Ave parking lot is converted to an _lLL
customer panting lot, how and where should employee parking be accommodated?"
5ubtnitted by,
Cad~erine it~fehelich
Director of Economic Development
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
DOWNTOWN PARKING FOCUS GROUP
HELD AT UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2007
Members Present: Larry Toda, Keith Hohne, Fred i1lcCoy, Tamaza .-lckernan, Bill Houlton,
Pat Div}=er, Dave Rymanowski, Vern Hanson
`Iembers _-absent: Nick Zerwas, Denn}= \Valsh, ~eff Iuueger
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Cadaeru~e 1-Iehelich, Community
Development Director Scott CIark, Police Sergeant Brad Rolfe
1. Review of Febniary 2C, 2007 Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the f ebruary 2G, 2007 Downtown Parking Focus Group meeting wexe
reviewed and approved by consensus of the attendees.
lis. \lehelich prov=ided an overview of the purpose of this meetuag wlaicla is to reach
agreement on dae proposed modifications to the current downto«=n parking regulzraons and
permitting system so a recommendation from dae group can be presented to Cit}' Council.
2. Discussion of Proposed Changes to Current Parking System
Police Sergeant Brad Rolfe xeviewed Claief of Police Beahen's memo on proposed changes
to d:e parking ordinance. Concerns were raised by some members regaxding why the
permits need to be fee-based, the 510/month rate may be too high for some businesses and
employees, concerns that a paid permit doesn't guarantee am arailable stall, and safety
concerns about the overflow parking options.
\Is. \Iehelich rtised the question if any businesses had concerns about the availability of
customer parking. Some members commented that customer parking adequate For now, and
that dais will need to be monitored as the new buildings becoFne occupied.
Following discussion, Focus Group members reached agreement on die Following proposed
changes to die parking system fox implementation Spring ?007 to Summer 2008:
Enforcement of downtown parking regulations ends after 6:00 p.m. and weekends,
which «=ould allow evening downtown workers to move cars closer to place of
business to ease safety concerns. This issue tnay need to be revisited based on
anticipated increase in evening/weekend parking demand from new businesses and
park acuviries.
2. .all downtown resident and overaiglat guests parking chat are not being provided by
dae propertq owner will be required to park in city lots north of Highway 10 by
permit, which will be issued at no cost. Police Dept to order emergenc}* posts
(approx. 5500 each) to ease safety concerns in the norda parking lots and in tlae I:ing
Avenue lot.
3. Change the time limits for:
• Bing i1c*e lot to 3-hour (fzom ~-hour)
• On-street parking to 3-hour (from 3-hour)
Downtown 1'ad:ing i~ocu+ Group
i\[ardi 13, ?007
Yagc 3 of 3
• The section of north D~Iain Street between Jackson Ave and in front of the Bank
of Elk River will be posted 1-hour.
• .~ few stalls along)ackson ,~1ve in front bertveen Kemper Drug and Diamond
City Bread will be posted 1-hoax.
~F. Police Dept to order "parking boots" for enforcement of multiple unpaid parking
offenses (approx. '/~ of offenses go unpaid and courts won't enforce),
5. Limit the ma.~imum number of Ding dvenue employee parking pernuts to "110, with
the understanding that a permit does NOT guarantee an available stall. FREE
overflow employee parking will be tl~ose un-posted areas of Aiain Street and Lou=ell,
west of die do~vnto~vn area (roughly 6=F stalls). Iiinglve employee parking permits
to be issued on a G-month basis and at a rate of $10 per montlx far the benefit of
parkuig closer.
Iiin~ Ave Emplo;=ee Parking
Etnplo}=ee stalls (upon relocation of resident stalls} 9G
hlasimum pemuts to be issued 110
Permit issuance
First National Bank (per Easement :lgreement} 23
r Remaining permits available 87
Currently over 200 employees representing 49 businesses have been issued permits
(not including multiple permits).
The Focus Gxoup was not able to reach agreement on the best system for issuing a luni[ed
number of permits. The following options were briefly discussed:
- Lottery/random draw
- Fust-wine, first-serve
- ~•teeting of business owners to work it out on dieit own
3. lase.- t s
pls. i\~Iehelich stated since the group was unable to reach agreement on this issue that the
recommendation to the City Council regarding changes to the parking regulations and
pertutting s}°stem will be postponed. She stated dial staff will meet to discuss additional
options for discussion at die nest Focus Group meetisag.
Focus group tnetnbers were encouraged to discuss die proposed changes .vith their
respective blocks of neighboring businesses foz feedback.
Staff outlined a series of options for future discussion regarding die Phase II transition of
employee parking. The options included:
• tnodif}= as-is pemvtting system
• north IIwy 10 lots
• on-street periphery parking
• sharing of privately owned lots
+ busing/shuttling fxotn north H~~ry 10 lots
• parking ramp
• new/expand surface lot
Dnwnrcnvn Parking locus Group
March 12, 2(107
Page 3 of 3
Submitted by,
~ J ~/
Catherine `~feheEich
Director of Economic De~~elopment
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
DOWNTOWN PARKING FOCUS GROUP
HElD AT UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2007
Alembers Present: Larry Todl, Nick Lenvas, Tamara Ackerman, Bill I-ioulton, Pat D~i~~er,
Dave Rylnanowsla, ~~ern I-Ianson, Denny ~\/alsh
A4embers Absent: Keidl I-Iolme, Fred IVIcCOy, Jeff Krueger
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catlleriile 1Vlehelicll, Colxunullit}r
Development Director Scott Clark, Cluef of Police Jeff $eahen
1. Review of Febraalr 12, 2007 IVleeting, Iylinutes
The minutes of the I~'ebruary• 12, 2007 Downtown Parking Pocus Group meeting were
reviewed and approved by consensus of the attendees.
1\~fs. Iblehelich provided an overview of the purpose of this meeting ~vllich is to provide input
to staff on proposed Illodiflcations to the current downtown parking regulations and
permitting system.
?. Presentation and Discussion of Proposed Chani?es to Current Parking Svstem
Chief of Police Beahen distributed to members a "Law Enforcement Parking Oven~iew &
Summary of Sure~ey". Chief Beahen provided an ovenrie~v of iris research on sunil:u
downtown commulliries, including Hopkins, Stillwater, St. CIoud, Chanhassen, Norvood-
YOt1I]g 1~1nCr1Ca alld AIloka.
Chief BCahen COnCluded ChC pri:SCIltatton wltll 1115 reCOminelldatiOils for I110d1f1C1t1011S t0 the
current downtown parkuig regulations and permitting system.
Focus Group members discussed agreement on the following proposed changes to the
parking s}'stern, xecognizillg that file system map change after 12-18montlls:
Enforcement of downtown parking regulations ends after G:00 p.m. and weekends,
which would allow evening downtown workers to move cars closer to place of
business to ease safety concerns. Tlus issue Ina}' need to be revisited based oil
anticipated increase in evening/weekend parking demand from new businesses and
park activities.
2. All downtown resident and overnight guests parking that are riot beuig provided bti=
the property owner will be required to parr: in city lots north of I-lighway 10 by
permit. Police Dept to order emergency posts (approx. $500 each) to ease safety
concerns in the nordl parking lots.
3. Change file tune limits for I{ing Ave lot to 3-hour (from =F-hour) and all on-street
parking to 2-hour (from 3-hour). Consideration may be made in file future for
some 1-hour parking on-street for businesses that require availabilir)~ of stills with
quicker turnover (e.g. bank, coffee shop, chiropractor, etc.)
=1. Police Dept to order "parking boot`s" for enforcement of multiple unpaid parking
offenses (approx. '/~ of offenses go unpaid gild courts won't enforce).
Downtown Parking l~otu~ Group
1'~cbruar}' 2G, 2007
Pagc 2 of 2
Limit the maximum number of Bing revenue employee pulsing permits yet a rate not
to exceed 10% lugher than die available permitted spots (derived from St. Cloud
policy). According to Cluef I3eahen there are currently 270 permits drat have been
issued Eor 88 employee stalls in the Icing Ave lot.
I/mployee parking permits would be fee-based at a rate of S10 per mondz for the
benefit of parking ckoser. Alternative employee parking would be available at no
charge and no time limit (except for street cleaning purposes) on-street west of
Lowell & Main or in the cir3r lots north of I-Iighway 10.
Issues to be addressed yet include:
- Ho~v to issue the lunited number of permits (1 per business and rest on lottery?
Or fast-come, first-serve?
- I-Iow often to reissue permits to allow new businesses to apply (annual, semi-
annual or quarterly?)
3. Next Stens
Chief Beahen ~vi1l draft hvo options on how to issue limited number of emplo}'ee permits
for discussion at the next meeting. 1VIs.lvlehelich stated that at die next meeting staff will be
lookuig for die Focus Group to formalize a recommendation to dze City Council on
modifications to the p;uk:ing system. In addition tie group will begin to discuss options Eor
moving employee parking to die periphery (Phase II).
Submitted by,
Catherine ~-lehelich
Director oElrconomic Development
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
DOWNTOWN PARKING FOCUS GROUP
HELD AT UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2007
D~Iembers Present: Keith I Iolme, Larry Toth, Tamara ilckerman, Bill Moulton, Jeff Krueger,
Pat D~v}'er, Dave Rymanowski, Vern I-Ianson, Denny ~V;ilsh
R~lembers ~bsenr. T~red McCoy, Nick Zenvas
Staff Present: Director of irconoinic Development Catherine Mehelich, Commuiuty
Development Director Scott Clark, Chief of Police)eEf Beahen
Introductions app Review Group Tasks
torus Group members were introduced to each other. 1~Is. Ivlehelich provided background
on die City Council's formation of die parking focus group and tasks being requested of the
group. She presented a worl: plan and meeting schedule to accomplish the following
requested tasks:
• Develop and recoirunend modifications to die citp's regulatory and acLiuiustrative
pukuzg permit process (Phase I).
• Develop and recommend policies for transition of employee parking to the periphery
of do~vnto.vn (Phase II).
• Develop analysis and reconunend policies for future consideration of parl~ing ramp
(Phase III).
She stated die expectation is For the group to provide a report and recommendation to the
Cit}~ Council as each tall: is completed and die recommendations for long-term parl:iig
solutions would also be considered by dae current Downtown Redevelopment flan
Tasl:force.
2. Background Information and tlssumptions
I4•Ir. Clark provided an overview of the November ?0, ?006 City Council meeting and the
assumptions which die Council accepted.
3. Discuss Current Parking Regulations and Permitting Process
I=ocus Group members stated die Following questions and concerns about die current
parking process:
Inquired about cost and capacity potential of dic various parkuig ramp design
options. I`~Ir. Clark stated drat an average cost for a puling ramp is S15,000 per stall.
Tuning of opening issuance of parking permits (in time for ne~v commercial tenants),
and what the broker can communicate to the prospects ui die meantune
No ne~v parking permits axe avlilable until modifications to the current p:ul~ing
regulations can be approved by Council (following recoriunendation by die Torus
Group). Chief Beahen stated employees can be p:ukuzg on-street u~ die peripheL~}~
areas to die west of Lowell where there are no tune limits.
llownrown 1'arl;ing Focus Croup
l~ebruar~~ 12, ?007
1'agc 2 of 3
• There is interest from some do~vnto~vn businesses to pay (or have employees pajr) Eor
the benefit of being able to perk closer to their business.
• There remains concern among some downtown businesses about the safer}- of
employees crossuig I-iighway 14 for parking, and safety concerns for employees who
work evening shifts and have to walk to remote parking areas. The group discussed
the following options to address these concerns:
• Evening shift employees being able to move their vehicles closer after a certain hour
• IIaring parking tagging/enforcement end by a certain hour, e.g. Anoka ends G:00 p.m.
• Installuig safet}= devices (cameras in lots, blue emergency call posts)
• Install blinking lights on Highway ld warning drivers of oncoming "red light" to slow
traffic, better timing of the Highway 10 signals to allow more time for pedestrian
crossing, constructing a pedestrian bridge, install stoplight at Lowell & I-I~~~}r 10 to
slow traffic.
• An understanding drat evening and weekend demand will be the highest ~vidt ne~v
residents, visitors and businesses, and park activities.
• i1t this tune the business tnis for die new developments are general retail,
office/seLVice. No heati~~ traffic/puking businesses have been proposed }'et, due to
available parking concerns.
• Agreement that the current 3 and 4-hour parking time limits are too long for most
businesses and customers. Instead it is being abused b}'some emplo}'ees moving
tlieir vehicles. According to Cluef Beahen's research, most cities have 90-tzunute to 2-
hour time limit tna.~ixnums. Agreement that 2-hour parking on-sweet would work,
along with a few 3-hour stalls near the beauty shops for dzeir spa clients.
• Use of north I Iighway 10 parking lots makes die most economic sense, is closest and
has the most available parking, if safety modifications can be made. It was noted that
die safe[~= modifications to die IVlain Street & I-I~vq 10 intersection made a definite
improvement.
• The Bank oFElk River will be relieving some demand on die Ding Ave. parking lot
employee permit area in the nest week when the Bank's lot is completed. It is
estimated dus will relieve 20 employee stalls, wide approaitnately '12 employee pernuts
remaining.
• Discussion about the option of shared private parking during closed busazess hours
{evenings & weekends) - primarih}' «dd~ The Bank of Ells River and I~'irst National
Bank of Elk River. )Main concern by prit*ate parlang owners is that residents of ne~v
developments tna}' use die spaces, and issues ~vid~ how to best manage and patrol.
• Members were encouraged to look at oilier downtowns for how die}' handle
employee parking. Chief Beahen distributed a recent article about downtown Fargo,
ND reinstating parking meters due to etnplo}'ees abusing d1e free parking and moving
caxs to beat die time litrtits.
• Currently over 300 etnphoyee parking permits have been issued for die SO employee
designated stalls in the Itiirtg Ave parking lot. The group needs to identih' what the
priority is for parking -employee or customer. Downtown Ellti River is unique uritl~
this of office (empoo}eee demanded) and destination retail (customer demanded), this
makes the solutions more challenging. Now we will be adding a 3'~ dynanuc to tnis -
residential.
• Vern Hanson offered to communicate to their residents drat overflow resident &
guest parking is available in the parking lots taoxth of I Tighway 10 and this would work
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l~cbruan~ 12, ?007
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for them since a high demand of overflow is not e~,pected.
• Long term parlsi~g considerations need to be identified earfier on in die next
redevelopment project/process. Future projects and the ciq=need to find a balance
behveen die code requirement on die number of pulsing stalls and what is realistic in
an urban/downtown ens=ironment.
• There is an opportunity now to create a better system if overnight and weekend
overflow parlang locations can be identified for busiiesses and residents upfront
rad~er than retraiziig.
• City and downtown stakeholders map need to revisit even= 3 or ~F months to check-il
on how the parking system is working as the new developments will go through a
series of evolutions with events, residents, new businesses and growth/success of
existing businesses.
• Existing businesses will need to recogtuze addressiig pulsing issues will require
retrainiig employee expectations, as long as we can communicate alternative locations
Eor deem to park and address their safety concerns.
Staff will be following up on many of the questions raised including the safety modification
options and beginning to outline a matriti indicating the ~=arious Phase II options to address
employee parking demands.
alt the next meetiug scheduled for A~Ionday, February 36~~' Cluef Beahen will be presentiig
proposed changes to the current parking regulations and permitting process. The group will
be asked to provide staff feedback on the proposed changes and to formalize a
recommendation to the City Council on proposed changes to die current system. I%eith
I-Iohne indicated he will be out of town For die next meeting.
Submitted by,
~j
Cad~erine Ivlehelich
Director of Lcononuc Develop~nent
Ci
~~
ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Downtown Parking Focus Group
DATE: April 9, 2006
5UBjECT: Recommended Modifications to the Downtown Parking
Regulatory & Permitting Process
r1s du:ected by die Cit}r Council, die Downtown Parking rocus Group has reviewed the
cturent do~vnto~vn puling regulations and permitting process orrer the past r<vo zrlondis.
Based on the group's analysis, the following recommendations have been formulated by
consensus of d1e group for consideration and implementation b}r dze CitS~ Council for dze
Phase I tune period of Spring 2007 thxough Spring 2008:
Regulatory/)enforcement Modifications:
1. Change the time 1units for:
• Ding rive lot to 3-hour (from ~-hour)
• fin-street parlirlg to 2-hour (from 3-hour)
• The section of north Main Street between Jacl.son r~t-e and in front of the
Banl: of Elk Rimer will be posted T-hour.
r1 few stalls along Jacl~son rive in front betlveen I~eznper Dlvg and Diamond
Cite Bread will be posted 1-how:.
2. Enforcement of downtown parking regulations ends after 6:00 p.m. and
weekends, with die etception of enforcement of overnight parking regulations
(no parking 2azn-6azn) which would allow evening do~vntolvn workers to move
cars closer to place of business to ease safety concerns. Tlus issue zxza}r need to
be revisited based on anticipated increase in evening/weekend parking demand
from new businesses and parr: activities.
3. The City Police Department should consider purchasing "parking boots" for
enforcement of multiple unpaid parking offenses (approti. '/-. of offenses go
unpaid and courts won't enforce}.
Do«•ntown Parking Focus Group RceommenJctJ
\toJiCicatiuns to Regutstory & Permitting Process
:lpril ~), 2t}U7
Page 3 of ?
Safer<r 1Vlodifications:
1. The Cit}r should consider purchasing and installing emergenc}r posts to ease
safety concerns in the north parking lots and in die Ding Avenue lot.
Permitting Process I~IodiEcations:
1. All do~vnto~vn resident and overnight guests parl~ing that are not being
provided by the property owner will be requu-ed to parr in city lots north of
Highway 10 by permit, which will be issued at no cost.
2. Lunn the tna:amum number of King rlvenue employee parking permits to
110, tvitli die understanding that a permit does NOT guarantee an available
stall. FREE overflow e>ployee parking tvill be those un-posted areas of
Main Street and Lowell, west o£ die do~vnto~vn area (roughl}r 6=! stalls). I~ir}g
rive employee parking permits to be issued on a 3-monde basis and at a rate
of $10 per month for die privilege to park closer.
icing Ave Employee Parking
Employee stalls (upon relocation of 8 resident permits) 96 stalls
First National Banl. permits (per Easement Agreement) 23 permits/stalls
BaLznce of available stalls 73 stalls
Permits available at rate of 150% of available stalls 110 permits
Currently over 200 employees representing 49 businesses have been issued
permits (not including multiple permits). It is estumated drat Jacl.son Place
and Bluffs could ecrentually include up to 15 nely businesses total.
Implement the following system for issuing employee parking permits:
R~Iail downtotivn business and property owners information on die ne~v n~les
along wide permit application and deadline, including but not lumited to a
statement drat a permit to park in I{ing Ave lot is a privilege and a paid
permit will not guarantee an open spot at all times. Einplo}ree parking
permits to be issued by Police Dept on a quarterly basis at die cost of S10 per
>,nontli.
All business/property owners by address should have die right to purchase 'I
permit (upon receipt of application by deadline), then assess die situation and
establish system for issuing balance of available permits if any e:~ist.
Number of employee-to-customer parking spaces ratio and number of
available permits to be reevaluated b}* a similar parking focus group on a
quarterly basis ~vidi any changes autl~orized by Council pxior to permit
issuance.
5:\Do~cntt~n•n Rc~~ital;rauon\{'arking\3007 Parking Focus Group\4J.07 i\Icmo to CounciLdoc
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