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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-18 BPC Minutes (19) BOZEMAN PARKING COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, November 8, 2018, 7:30 AM A. Call to Order - 7:30 AM – City Commission Chamber, City Hall, 121 North Rouse Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Absent Committee Member - Ben Lloyd: Present Committee Member - Chris Naumann: Present Committee Member - James Ness: Present Committee Chair - Pamela Bryan: Present Committee Member - Shasta Winston: Present Committee Member - Kelly Wiseman : Absent Committee Member - Mark Egge: Present Staff - Ed Meece: Present B. Changes to the Agenda None C. Approval of October 2018 minutes (Exhibit 1) Committee Chair - Pamela Bryan: Motion Committee Member - Mark Egge: 2nd Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Absent Committee Member - Ben Lloyd: Approve Committee Member - Chris Naumann: Approve Committee Member - James Ness: Approve Committee Chair - Pamela Bryan: Approve Committee Member - Shasta Winston: Approve Committee Member - Kelly Wiseman : Approve Committee Member - Mark Egge: Approve Staff - Ed Meece: N\A D. Public Comment – Members of the audience or their agent may be invited to present testimony or evidence. To be recognized, each person desiring to give testimony or evidence shall step forward and, after being recognized, give their name and address for the record. The presiding officer may establish a time frame for each public comment but in no case shall such timeframe be less than three (3) minutes per speaker. The presiding officer may lengthen or shorten the time allotted for public testimony. Cory Lawrence of 24 W Mendenhall, commented on the Armory Hotel project and its progress. He expressed his thanks to the Parking Commission for continued support of the project. He also stated that he is staying in touch with the neighbors, communicating weekly with them. Martin Johnson of 416 S 6th Ave, thanked the Parking Commission for the cooperation with easing the parking congestion around Cooper Park and establishing a 2 hour parking district. He also made note of the petition he submitted to expand the MSU residential parking district to include additional blocks on 6th Ave and Story St. David Kack of1107 Pinnacle Star St, spoke about his hope to see a coordinated between MSU and the City of Bozeman with regard to parking. He stated there has been discussion about a campus shuttle (Streamline) which might cut down on congestion in the adjoining residential district. Lisa Prugh of 404 S 6th Ave, commented on the neighborhoods support of small traffic calming circles (roundabouts). She also commented on the expansion of the parking districts, and asks why not make everyone eligible to purchase parking passes to park on the districts’ streets. Andy Holloran, 5 W Mendenhall, encouraged and challenged the Parking Commission to look at the existing parking facilities. Mr. Holloran pointed out the underutilization of the Parking Garage and other public parking facilities throughout downtown. E. Action Items 1. Discuss/Approve/Deny Bozeman Parking Commission Resolution 2018- 08, A RESOLUTION OF THE PARKING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION ADOPT CHANGES TO THE BOZEMAN MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO PARKING (SECTION 36). . (Exhibit 2) Mr. Meece made a correction regarding the resolution number. It should be 2018-09. This resolution encourages the City Commission to make changes to the municipal code, previously discussed by the Parking Commission: codifying the Temporary On-Street Parking Permit program, time limits for loading/unloading and alleys, changing “48” to “72” hours, municipal infractions to violations, an extra appeal review process, and other language updates. Commissioner Egge asked if any changes have been added, other than those previously discussed by the parking commission. Mr. Meece stated there had not been. He pointed out that the big change to this resolution is modifying the legal status of parking citations from a municipal infraction to municipal violations. This gives the city more flexibility in processing these citations. Chair Naumann asked when the Commission should be ready for the new appeal process and taking on this new responsibility. Mr. Meece commented that at the December and January meetings he will present a draft of By-Law modifications to accommodate the new appeals board; implementation should be at the end of January. Chair Naumann clarified that there are no changes to the monetary elements of fines and permits, and these changes are being made to the municipal code and not the unified development code. Kathy Powell, 1215 S 3rd Ave, asked for clarification on the 48 hour rule change to 72 hours with the implementation of the new codes and asked if the public will be notified of these changes. Mr. Meece stated that all of changes would be communicated to citizens through various resources. Gary Gullickson, 404 S Church, addressed the appeals process and commended the Parking Commission for looking into changing the process. He also mentioned the 72 hour ordinance and the process of these citations. He stated his concern for the students’ knowledge of the city parking ordinances. Mr. Meece explained the way the Parking Officer’s deal with the 48 hour violations, and pointed out that state statute requires car be parked on the street for 5 days, without moving, before it can be removed; municipal code is 7 days. Chair Naumann stated that the Parking Commission gives out a publication for MSU students with the city parking rules. David Kack reported that there are communications from MSU and information distributed to the students through various sources about parking. Committee Member - Mark Egge: Motion Committee Chair - Pamela Bryan: 2nd Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Absent Committee Member - Ben Lloyd: Approve Committee Member - Chris Naumann: Approve Committee Member - James Ness: Approve Committee Chair - Pamela Bryan: Approve Committee Member - Shasta Winston: Approve Committee Member - Kelly Wiseman : Absent Committee Member - Mark Egge: Approve Staff - Ed Meece: N\A 3. Discuss the potential creation of Parking Permit Districts (Exhibit 3) Mr. Meece explained that the concept is to create parking districts around the borders of large attractions and facilities that are not already established. He pointed out that, at this time, it is just for discussion purposes. The B3 district is an example of where a district might be created to the immediate north and south, to manage on-street parking to the 85% standard. Commissioner Bryan commented on the management of these districts. Commissioner Winston asked about managing the public parking capacity of the downtown. She clarified that this is looking outside of the B3, and more into the neighborhoods. Commissioner Lloyd commented on Visitor Permits, and advised thoughtfulness when naming new lots and districts. Commissioner Egge commented on the need to study such districts, and the number of permits that might be allowed for purchase. Mr. Meece explained the current process for sale of residential parking permits. Commissioner Bryan commented that when creating new districts there should be consideration of the North and South side of the downtown - simultaneously. Chair Naumann pointed out that this is just a discussion item but welcomed public comment on this topic. Kathy Powell, 1215 S 3rd Ave, commented that there is a concern on timed public parking, she also cautioned the commission on the 2 car limit for permits. Chair Naumann pointed out that this is a draft for discussion and the language reflects as such. Commissioner Bryan commented on the notice she received through her neighborhood association that notified her that this was on the agenda for the Parking Commission today. Commissioner Egge suggested that the next step should be taking this agenda item to the public and receive public input on the topic. Mr. Meece welcomed the idea of public comment, however he explained that he would like to have something prepared from the Parking Commission for people to respond to and get feedback on. Chuck Winn commented that this is a small but important role in the bigger picture of parking throughout Bozeman. He mentions SID565, UDO, NCOD, and the Downtown plan and pointed out that there are other bigger more pressing issues that are currently being looked at and will lead into this discussion of the plan. Commissioner Bryan commented that she agrees that this is a lengthy process and we must look at it in strategic steps. Commissioner Ness asked if there is any limit on the permits sold in a district. Mr. Meece confirms that there is not a limit to permits sold to residents in a district (except for vehicle registration requirements), and the permits are exclusive to residents/employees. F. Parking Program Manager Report (Exhibit 5) Mr. Meece explained that strategic plan item 17 deals with the establishment of best practice protocols and performance. He stated that there are several opportunities for enhancement, and commended the Parking Officers for consistently bringing new ideas to the table. Chair Naumann pointed out strategic plan item 18, “expanding bike parking to create to encourage employee bike commute trips and draw customers to the downtown”. He commented that the most recent draft of the Downtown Improvement Plan has many components that will dove tail with this item. Chair Naumann asked about the completion of strategic plan number 16, a vehicle counter system at Bridger Garage and at the Surface lots. Mr. Meece commented that Phase Two of the T2 project would include vehicle counting at the surface lots; and the implementation of a mobile parking app. Phase Two also includes the occupancy signage at the garage and surface lots. Chair Naumann pointed out that availability signage would increase public knowledge of how the heavily the garage is being utilized. Mr. Meece stated that he has had a conversation with Public Works department about the disabled on street parking policy, and will bring it back next month for review/approval by the Parking Commission. On the financial report, Mr. Meece pointed out that all citation/penalty revenue is currently being put into one revenue line, but will be divided into correct accounts in the future. Chris Naumann asked about the misc. revenue. Mr. Meece gives an example. The city auction which we sell the impounded unclaimed vehicles would be revenue that falls into this category. G. New Business. Chair Naumann stated that the feasibility expansion study of the Parking Garage has started. He also stated that the initial analysis of new public parking sites is underway as well. Commissioner Egge asked about the City Manager’s recent restructuring of the departmental reporting system. Mr. Meece stated that currently the Parking Services Department reports to Assistant City Manager Chuck Winn. After the first of the year, the Parking Services Division will be transitioned into the Economic Development Department and report to Brit Fontenot (Director). Commissioner Egge asked if the updated Downtown Improvement Plan will come in front of the Parking Commission. Chair Naumann stated that the draft outline of the proposed plans can be found at www.downtownbozeman.org/plan and the City of Bozeman web page. He stated that there are several recommendations concerning parking in the plan for consideration. Mr. Meece made note of a special meeting on November 26th at 9 am. This will be primarily for looking at a potential rate increase of lease permits at the Bridger Parking Garage and Surface Lots. Chair Naumann stated that the Commission reviews these rates annually. H. Adjournment. The next Bozeman Parking Commission meeting will be held December 13, 2018, 7:30 am, at City Hall. Bozeman Parking Commission meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that requires assistance please contact our ADA Coordinator, Chuck Winn 582-2307.