Parking Commission.

411 West First Street City of Duluth Duluth, Minnesota 55802 Minutes Parking Commission. Friday, November 3, 2023 7:30 AM Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, City Hall ROLL CALL Members Present • Antonio Davis • Mike Mayou • Branden Robinson, Vice President • Brandon Van Tassel • Robert Woods, President • Mark Bauer, Ex Officio Guests Present • Ari Eilola, Duluth Operations Manager – Interstate Parking Company • Joseph Jurewicz, Senior Engineer – City of Duluth APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of November 2023 meeting minutes City of Duluth Parking Services Manager Mark Bauer presented the November 2023 Duluth Parking Commission meeting minutes for approval. Commission Vice President Branden Robinson motioned that the minutes be approved with an amendment to correct the address of an accessible parking zone approval from 1714 East 4th Street to 1714 East 7th Street. Commission President Robert Woods seconded the motion, which was approved 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public Comments There were no public comments in the initial public comments period. ON-STREET ACCESSIBLE PARKING ZONE REQUESTS On-street accessible parking zone requests Mr. Bauer presented two on-street accessible parking zone requests for approval. He stated that he had visited the sites, consulted with the applicants, and reviewed the requests with the City Commission on Disabilities. Commissioner Robinson motioned that the request for 3061 Chestnut Street be approved. Commissioner Mike Mayou seconded the motion, which was approved 5-0. Commissioner Mayou motioned that the request for 4332 West 8th Street be approved. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion, which was approved 5-0. PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE A TAXI ZONE ON THE 100 BLOCK OF City of Duluth Page 1 Parking Commission. Minutes November 3, 2023 WEST 1ST STREET Proposal to remove a taxi zone on the 100 block of West 1st Street Mr. Bauer presented a proposal to remove a taxi zone at approximately 119 West 1st Street. He stated that a recent review of the area had resulted in a collective recommendation by the Engineering Division and the Parking Services Division that the zone was no longer needed due to the current parking configuration of the area, which featured a parking prohibition from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. every day. Commissioner Robinson motioned that the proposal be approved. Commissioner Brandon Van Tassel seconded the motion, which was approved 5-0. OFF-STREET PARKING UPDATE Off-street parking update Interstate Parking Company Duluth Operations Manager Ari Eilola provided an update on off-street parking operations. He stated that applicable off-street parking lots were ready for winter season Snow Emergencies when declared and noted that there was an observed increase in security incidents in the downtown parking ramps related to the colder weather. Mr. Bauer provided a report on parking facility calls-for-service and reported incidents from the contracted security vendor. He stated that while incidents seemed to be trending upward, calls to the Police Department so far remained relatively unchanged and stated that this likely indicates that the security vendor’s efforts are effective. He stated that work was beginning on the installation of the pedestrian access control system at Hart District Ramp and that internal funding had been identified that would allow the City to install access control systems at Technology Village Ramp and Medical District Ramp in early 2024. Commissioner Mayou inquired whether training had been provided to the security officers regarding bias and direction of those in need to proper resources that could help them. Mr. Eilola stated that such training had, indeed, been provided to the officers. Commissioner Mayou introduced the topic of the annual General Fund transfer from the Parking Fund and noted that a possible review or adjustment to the transfer amount was being discussed at the City Council level. Mr. Bauer stated that the Commission could recommend an alternate transfer amount. Commissioner Mayou stated the importance of striking a balance between public fee increases, which are not sustainable long-term as a solution, and a possible reduction in the transfer amount. Commissioner Robinson stated that he had noted that when the Commission has previously asked for a review of the transfer amount and an explanation of how the transfer amount is determined, the response has been for the Parking Division and Commission to identify resources to offset any potential reduction amount. He stated that it is not the job of the Commission to identify the alternate funding sources but rather that of the Finance Department in order to find a balance that best manages all needs. Commissioner Robinson stated that he would like the Parking Division to suggest an alternate transfer amount that would better deliver the level of service that the Commission is compelled by the public to offer. Commissioner Mayou noted that the City’s Finance Director has indicated publicly that if the transfer amount was reduced, the Finance team would need to identify funding to bridge the gap in the greater City budget and stated he was understanding of the challenges in doing so. He stated that at least beginning to move in the direction of a reduced fund contribution, if even a nominal percentage, would be beneficial to start the discussion and to assess feasibility. Commissioner Antonio Davis stated the City of Duluth Page 2 Parking Commission. Minutes November 3, 2023 importance of both covering current urgent parking needs as well as planning for the future. Mr. Bauer stated that he had begin work on an updated 5-Year Plan for the Parking Division and would follow up with the Commission. Commissioner Robinson noted that increasing the ability to maintain and upgrade parking technology would in turn also increase potential revenues, which would result in a greater ability to contribute to the General Fund long-term. He emphasized the importance of the Commission creating a specific, actionable request regarding this item, rather than just asking for a review. Commissioner Mayou requested that the Parking Services Division suggest an alternate 2024 General Fund transfer amount in the December Commission meeting. Mr. Bauer stated that the suggested amount would likely be a conservative one, as it would be unreasonable to ask the Finance team to rebalance a large change at this point in the year. Commissioner Woods stated that other City enterprise funds transfer no more than about 8% of their revenues into the General Fund, while about 25% of the Parking Fund revenues are transferred while not covering the fund’s own needs. ON-STREET PARKING UPDATE On-street parking update Mr. Bauer stated that there had recently been complaints from businesses on Canal Park Drive regarding parking tickets issued in the Canal Park Drive Alley for parking in the City right-of-way. He stated that the area featured unusual parcel lines and a confusing configuration and that he was working with the area stakeholders and colleagues at the City toward a long-term solution that would work for all parties. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOLLOW-UP Public comments follow-up There were no public comments in the follow-up comments period. City of Duluth Page 3