Parking Commission

PARKING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES DATE: March 2, 2022, 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: BUILDING & CODES, CONFERENCE ROOM 100 SOUTH SPRING ST. CLARKSVILLE, TN 37040 Parking Commission members present were Ryan Bowie, Andrea Herrera, David Shelton, Andy Kean and Councilperson Smith DISCUSSION David Smith, former Parking Manager, gave a review of developments during his tenure. Laurie Matta, CFO, clarified that while Mr. Smith was Parking Manager, Clarksville had a Parking Authority which had more authority than our current Parking Commission. Mr. Smith outlined the transition process from analog meters that only accepted coins to more technologically advanced meters from IPS. Ms. Matta pointed out that that the decision was made to offer first hour free parking at the time the new meters were installed in hopes of increased sales tax revenue. However, sales tax revenue did not grow and the Parking Fund incurred losses. To offset the losses, Mr. Smith said the staff did landscaping and repairs in-house and deferred maintenance on the Cumberland Garage. Ms. Matta presented financials associated with various proposed options for street parking. 1. Status Quo - put the IPS meters back up and offer the option to pay at the meter (coins or credit card) or use ParkMobile. 2. Bring back analog meters and offer the option to use coins at the meter or use ParkMobile. 3. Offer on-street parking for free (Lots and Garages would use kiosks or ParkMobile) Ms. Matta also outlined the process the city goes through when they issue debt on behalf of an enterprise fund, such as the Parking Commission or Gas & Water, and the necessity to have a plan for repayment. Mr. Smith pointed out that the City tried free on-street parking in the past, describing it as a “fail” because the free spaces were taken up entirely by employees. The proposed new garage was discussed and Ms. Herrera inquired as to how the projected cost was arrived at. Ms. Matta said she would ask Project Manager John Hilborn for information. Mr. Bowie expressed interest in a new parking study. Mr. Smith advised if a study is done to make sure it is limited to the information you need most. Mr. Bowie said the next step is a listening session with the public next week regarding the options for on-street parking. Mr. Bowie also expressed interest in having the City Council review what the Parking Commission is tasked with and perhaps requesting a seat at the table when spending decisions are made because the Commission will ultimately be charged with setting rates to offset the expenses. Ms. Matta said the Commission would need to make a recommendation and she would help route it through the proper channels.