CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 15, 2017
PREPARED BY: Steve Rymer, City Manager
APPROVED BY: City Manager
Title
DOWNTOWN PARKING FOLLOW-UP
END
RECOMMENDATION(S)
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on future downtown parking strategy efforts.
BODY
COUNCIL PRIORITIES, GOALS & STRATEGIES:
Ongoing Priorities
Enhancing Public Safety
Preserving and Cultivating Public Trust
2016 Focus Areas
Planning Our Community
Developing Our Community
Enhancing Our Services
REPORT NARRATIVE:
At the February 1, 2017 City Council meeting, Council Members Spring and Carr requested that downtown parking be considered as a future agenda item. The purpose of this report is for the City Council to decide if it wants staff to formally pursue this item with the understanding of the resources necessary. If the City Council would like to further discuss, staff recommends that the first step be a report on the downtown parking strategy update that was presented to Council on May 18, 2016 (see attached). Staff has tentatively scheduled this proposed first step for March 15, 2017.
This action alone would require minimal staff time. Once Council receives the update, it could then decide if it wants staff to consider bringing forward policy items for discussion as outlined in the report. If so, this could range from an item that requires minimal staff time to one that requires significant staff time. Staff envisions teammates from the Police Department, Planning Division, Economic Development Division, City Attorney, City Manager, and Communications and Engagement to be involved.
If Council’s direction does require significant resources and it also directs staff to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the City’s existing marijuana and secondhand smoke ordinances (which is a separate staff report for the February 15 meeting), staff resources to accomplish both of these new initiatives, the Council’s 2017 Strategic Priorities, and existing projects would be maximized. Any additional Council requests may require that an existing project or initiative be postponed.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Collaborate
In order to realistically address existing parking issues, collaboration with downtown businesses, residents, and visitors is essential.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS:
The City Council may direct further study or actions, or initiate policy recommendations based upon the findings of the report.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSION ACTIONS:
The City Council received a 2016 Downtown Parking Conditions Study Update on May 18, 2016. Prior to that, parking capacity has been systematically reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008/2009, and 2013.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The level of staff and financial resources required would depend on the items Council wishes to move forward as detailed above.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
Not a Project
LINKS/ATTACHMENTS:
2016 Downtown Parking Conditions Study Update - May 18, 2016