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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBPC 07 09 2020 Agenda Minutes1 BOZEMAN PARKING COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, July 9, 2020 @ 7:30 AM This meeting will be held via WebEx, an online video conferencing system. You can join this meeting: Via WebEx: https://bozeman.webex.com/bozeman/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb6375bdec51d060f2f5337babf60cf2a Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the video stream or Channel 190. United States Toll. United States Toll +1-408-418-9388 Show all global call-in numbers Access code: 146 193 3098 If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to emeece@bozeman.net prior to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. You can also comment by joining the WebEx meeting. If you do join the WebEx meeting, we ask you please be patient in helping us work through this online meeting. If you are not able to join the WebEx meeting and would like to provide oral comment you may send a request to emeece@bozeman.net with your phone number, the item(s) you wish to comment on, and the Parking Manager will call you during the meeting to provide comment. You may also send the above information via text to 406-579-2494. As always, the meeting will be streamed through the City of Bozeman’s website (click ‘Streaming Live’ in the drop down menu) and available in the city on cable channel 190. A. Call to Order - 7:30 AM – City Commission Chamber, City Hall, 121 North Rouse 07:36 AM B. Changes to the Agenda C. Introduction of New Commissioners 2 Deputy Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Present Committee Member - James Ness: Present Committee Member - Mark Egge: Present Staff - Ed Meece: Present Committee Member - Paul Neubauer: Present Board Member - Randy Carpenter: Absent Board Member - Kelly Pohl: Present D. Approval of minutes for March 12, 2020 (Exhibit 1) Committee Member - Mark Egge: Motion Board Member - Kelly Pohl: 2nd Deputy Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Abstain Committee Member - James Ness: Approve Committee Member - Mark Egge: Approve Staff - Ed Meece: N\A Committee Member - Paul Neubauer: Approve Board Member - Randy Carpenter: Absent Board Member - Kelly Pohl: Approve E. 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. Mike Harrelson, 1119 S 3rd Ave; Commented on the Resolution 2020-04, and his disappointment of considering a price increase in the parking districts. Ashley Ogle, 5 East Lamme; Commented on the Passport Lab App and her concern about paid on- street parking in downtown Bozeman. She also commented on raising rates in the parking garage and believes rates should hold for the next year based on the current economic uncertainty. She would also like to have the Federal agreement with the parking garage reviewed and does not believe that permit holders are under-paying. Erik Nelson; Commented on his concern about the raising rates for parking in Bozeman. Pat Flaherty, 1003 S Grand; Commented on the budgeted expense of the Parking Commission and points out his concern regarding the increased prices in the parking district. 3 F. Ex Parte Disclosures of Parking Commissioners None G. Introduction of new Economic Development staff Dani Hess (Neighborhoods Coordinator) and Michael Vesilik (Eco. Dev. Specialist). Brit Fontenot introduces Dani Hess and Michael Vesilik and explains their role with the City. H. Action Items 1. Resolution 2020-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOZEMAN PARKING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, APPROVING A SOFTWARE LICENSE, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PASSPORT LABS, INC., FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A MOBILE PARKING PAYMENT APPLICATION; AND AUTHORIZING THE PARKING PROGRAM MANAGER TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT. (Exhibit 2) Mr. Meece explains the Passport Labs parking app and how it will positively benefit the parking experience downtown. He touches on the history of the software and breaks down the prices and contract agreement. Mr. Meece also reassured that the app was not designated for the purpose to establish paid on-street parking in downtown Bozeman. Chair Ness commented on the Passport App and his support of the app to create a more positive parking experience for the public. Deputy Mayor Andrus asked about the time frame when the app would be implemented. She also questioned the accessibility to the technical support and costs related to the support. Committee Member - Mark Egge: Motion Board Member – Paul Neubauer: 2nd Deputy Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Abstain Committee Member - James Ness: Approve Committee Member - Mark Egge: Approve Staff - Ed Meece: N\A Committee Member - Paul Neubauer: Approve Board Member - Randy Carpenter: Absent Board Member - Kelly Pohl: Approve There was no public comment. 2) 2. Resolution 2020-05 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOZEMAN PARKING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, RECOMMENDING A CHANGE TO THE ANNUAL FEES FOR NEW AND RENEWING PARKING PERMITS ISSUED IN THE RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT DISTRICTS (MSU & BHS). (Exhibit 3) 4 Mr. Meece explains the resolution and the history of the Residential Parking Districts. He commented on the cost and the annual review process for the district. He explained the incremental rate increase in parking permits and how the district is supposed to be self-sustaining. Dani Hess explained the process of informing the public of the price increase and how the City has created a mailing to explain the rate increase and breakeven point of permits within the district. She pointed out the municipal code that states the program needs to balance. Mr. Fontenot commented on the team effort put forth to inform the public about the residential districts. He also commented on the intent of the Commission Minutes from November 15, 1993 that states the intent of the programs fees from permits and fines from citations are to generate sufficient revenue to offset the expenditures of the program and should be reviewed annually. Mr. Meece gave credit to Dani Hess and Mike Vesilik for the effort to inform the public. He also addressed the issue of using citations to pay for the cost of the parking district and how it is a poor practice. He pointed out that the purpose of a citation is to change behavior and not to fund programs. He also pointed out that from a legal standpoint the code states that the district must pay for itself. He also commented on how the parking district does not isolate citations revenue for parking expenditures. Police Deputy Chief Jim Veltkamp explained the process of officers issuing citations and the generated revenue for the general fund. He explained how the revenue goes into a general fund and how it is considered poor practice to fund projects with citation revenue. Commissioner Pohl applauded the city staff on their effort to inform the public. She questions the fee increase and the original intent and viability of the program and if the district has the ability to manage itself. Commissioner Egge breaks down the numbers and the potential cost per year for the district to operate. He asked about the average occupancy of the district. He asked about the number of parking spaces within the district. Commissioner Neubauer questioned the self-funding of the district and asked about MSU subsidizing or helping to support the district. He also asked about the opportunity to reduce costs within the district. Chair Ness asked if the district has ever in its history broke even or paid for itself. He also questioned if there is any specific rules or code that directs the commission on what to do if the program is not self- funding and must be dissolved. Mr. Meece explains how the parking department currently operates close to its budget. He also stated how he can only measure the program since 2017. Deputy Mayor Andrus asked about the application process and purchasing of permits in the residential district, she questioned the guest permit process. Mr. Meece explained the process of purchasing a permit and the old guest permit hangtags and the new guest permits. Laurae Clark explained the guest permit process from the Finance Departments point of contact. Public Comment: Cory Lawrence, 7 E Beall St; Stated his point of view about the permit holders and the rates. He also discouraged creating incentive for enforcement. 5 Kathy Powell, 1215 S 3rd; Commented on the improved quality of the neighborhood do to the parking district. She also pointed out the revenue form citations in the past. She asked that the parking district keep the permits at $30 this year. Pat Flaherty, 1303 S Grand Ave; Commented on the cost and reducing the price of permits, he also commented on the fine revenue. James Timmer, 811 S 6th Ave; Commented on the sustainability of the parking system and how it should be reviewed to become more sustainable. Commissioner Neubauer commented on the privilege to park in front of your residency. He commented on running the parking districts more like a benefit district. Commissioner Egge stated that it was important to make the district balance. Commissioner Pohl would like the staff to think about the long term performance of the parking district and its clarity. She would also like to evaluate the tools being used to manage parking currently. She suggested a small increase to the fee and using a portion of citation revenue to fund the program. Chair Ness pointed out the value of the parking district to the public and the neighborhoods. He commented on the breakeven point. He discouraged using citations as revenue. He suggested a small increase for the year. Commissioner Neubauer stated that he believes the bigger picture needs to be discussed. Commissioner Egge motioned to approve resolution 2020-50. Commissioner Pohl offers an amendment to the motion for resolution 2020-50 to change the increase from $45 to $35 annual increase and askes staff to take steps to look at finding new ways to make the district self-sustaining. Committee Member - Mark Egge: Motion Board Member – Paul Neubauer: 2nd Deputy Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Abstain Committee Member - James Ness: Approve Committee Member - Mark Egge: Approve Staff - Ed Meece: N\A Committee Member - Paul Neubauer: Nay Board Member - Randy Carpenter: Absent Board Member - Kelly Pohl: Approve Motion carries 3 to 1 The motion to pass the resolution 2020-05 as amended. Committee Member - Mark Egge: Motion Board Member – Paul Neubauer: 2nd Deputy Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: Abstain Committee Member - James Ness: Approve Committee Member - Mark Egge: Approve Staff - Ed Meece: N\A 6 Committee Member - Paul Neubauer: Approve Board Member - Randy Carpenter: Absent Board Member - Kelly Pohl: Approve Motion carries 4 to 0 3. Resolution 2020-06 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOZEMAN PARKING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, INCREASING THE COST OF PARKING LEASES AT THE BRIDGER DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE AND BLACK, ROUSE, N. WILLSON, AND S. WILLSON SURFACE LOTS. (Exhibit 4) Mr. Meece explains the resolution and the reason for reviewing the rates and why the rate increase is suggested. The suggested rate increase is $95 for main garage and UDC, $110 for basement UDC and $75 for surface lots. He stated how current pricing does not coincide with current funding of the parking garage. Mr. Fine pointed out that we need to understand what type of parking is in demand in the parking garage. Commissioner Egge asked about the availability of monthly permits in the garage. Laurae Clark explained that there are roughly 25 to 30 permits available in the garage and the waitlist was recently cleared. Commissioner Pohl asked about the current garage pricing process. Mr. Fine explained the increase in pricing and the value of the garage. He also explained why the appropriate rate is important to find for the future development of downtown. Commissioner Pohl asked about the current demand of the garage and if rates would go into effect as of January 2021. Mr. Meece explained that we are not at capacity in the Parking Garage and how the balance between capacity and price is being calculated. Cory Lawrence, 24 W Mendenhall; Encourages no action on this item. He pointed out that, as a UDC holder and member of the downtown improvement district he would like more discussion on the rates in the garage. Commissioner Egge commented on the increase price percentage rate. Commissioner Pohl commented on the timing of the fee increase. Commissioner Neubauer pointed out that the UDC options seems inexpensive compared to having to build parking to meet building requirements. Chair Ness suggested taking another 30 days to gather more information and should be sensitive to the market. Commissioner Egge moved to table the Resolution. Committee Member - Mark Egge: Motion Board Member – Kelly Pohl: 2nd Deputy Mayor - Cynthia Andrus: N\A 7 Committee Member - James Ness: Approve Committee Member - Mark Egge: Approve Staff - Ed Meece: N\A Committee Member - Paul Neubauer: Approve Board Member - Randy Carpenter: Absent Board Member - Kelly Pohl: Approve 4. Appoint Parking Commissioner Paul Neubauer to Administrative Review Board I. Parking Program Manager Report (Exhibit 5) J. New Business K. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 am. The next Bozeman Parking Commission meeting will be held August 13th 2020, 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.