CCMIN071916 - Laserfiche WebLink

He asked that the topic be added to the Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Committee agenda for its next meeting. Laura Olson, Executive Director of the Downtown Association, stated that at this point, the Board does not have a position about the draft document and that they are pleased that it seems to support their initial parking recommendation. She expressed support for bike paths downtown and that they would not like parking spaces treated. She suggested repurposing existing newspaper bays located in downtown and noted their dislike of the proposed downtown parking signage and felt that keeping it simple (blue P), may be more effective. Additionally, she indicated that there is a lack of awareness in terms of alternative parking locations and suggested increased signage. Councilmember Brown asked whether the Downtown Association would benefit enough by discussing with the Wheels Bus as a group deal. Ms. Olson stated they would be open for discussions any potential solution. She added there are many employees that use the bus system downtown. Mayor Thorne closed public comments. Councilmember Olson commented positively on staff implementing some of the suggestions in the plan. He asked whether staff has been successful at getting property owners to cooperate, in the past. He noted that it may be difficult, but suggested that staff keep trying. He added that he would not want to see the City charging for parking. Vice Mayor Narum agreed with Councilmember Olson's comments. Councilmember Pentin noted there was a reference to a former VHS facility being a possible parking lot and commented on the distance people are willing to walk. He would like to see a study on the use of the Fire House parking lot and the idea of giving employees permits for their cars to encourage parking in the Alameda corridor. He expressed concern that if parking is not close enough to a desired destination, it will not be used. Community Development Director Beaudin stated that the study was an attempt to identify all of the options and hoped there will be a clear articulation of the priorities. Once there is a list of priorities, staff can begin targeting resources towards them. Councilmember Pentin commented on the corridor between Ray and Spring Streets and on moving forward, especially on the management side. Councilmember Olson asked whether the area being Heritage Bank was considered for a structure and Community Development Director Beaudin stated that is a shared parking opportunity for the City and not for a parking structure. Councilmember Brown commented on redeveloping the railroad corridor and suggested making the area two-way which would ease some of the traffic on Main Street. It was noted that the whole corridor is slated to be two rows of parking with the ability to exit in either direction. 16. Consider a conceptual scope of work for the Downtown Specific Plan Update Planning Manager Adam Weinstein presented a report addressing the value of the downtown area, the plan as part of a major City planning effort, key objectives and elements of the plan, goals of the City Council Minutes Page 12 of 14 July 19,2016