Parking Commission - July 25, 2019 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Parking Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 25, 2019.
**No Quorum in order to have official meeting – meeting will commence with informal presentations and discussion.
The Parking Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Chair Mike Williams, Randy Thorson
Absent: Brian Hayer, Jay Krabbenhoft, Margie Bailly
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order.
Item 1: Approve Order of Agenda
Due to the lack of a quorum, no action was taken.
Item 2: Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 30, 2019
Due to the lack of a quorum, the minutes of the May 30, 2019 Parking Commission meeting could not be approved.
Item 3: Interstate Parking Report/Financial Data
Vanessa Hernandez, Interstate Parking, presented the May and June 2019 financial and operation reports.
Discussion was held regarding the current status of the Island Park Ramp updates discussed at the May meeting that included: adding more signage; installation of pay stations; and possible changes to the existing parking fee structure to encourage public use of this facility.
a. Agreement with City of Fargo
No discussion was held at this time.
b. Parking Lot Maintenance
Ms. Hernandez reported the ramps, except for the Roberts Commons Parking Garage (RoCo), have been power washed, sweeping of the lots began last Monday, and striping and filling of cracks is planned to begin next week.
Discussion ensued about handicapped parking accessibility, and adding grit to sealant for the identified slippery areas at the RoCo Parking Garage.
Item 4: Financial Report of Parking Funds
Director of Strategic Planning and Research Jim Gilmour stated he did not have any information to report at this time.
a. Hourly Parking Rates at the Island Park Ramp
This item was part of the agenda Item 3 discussion.
Item 5: Update on Downtown Projects
a. Block 9 Opening
Keith Leier, Vice President of Development and Construction for Kilbourne Group, spoke on behalf of this project. He stated the facility is close to being ready for use, and the goal is to have a soft-opening the beginning of August.
Discussion focused on ways this facility may be used by the public, the number of parking spots that will be available, and clarification that this facility will be managed by the owner, R.D. Offutt Company (RDO).
b. Mercantile Design/Timeline
Mr. Leier reported on the progress of the project noting once the final cost from contractors is received, a report will be presented to all entities involved with the goal to begin construction this fall.
Discussion was held regarding the design and possible future expansion/options for this facility.
Mr. Gilmour reported staff continues to work on finalizing the financial plan and drafting the Development Agreement. He noted the goal is to present the proposed Alley Vacation and the Development Agreement before the City Commission in September. Mr. Gilmour also reviewed two documents submitted to the Board regarding the preliminary striping plans and landscaping plans.
Discussion continued regarding plans for public use of the parking ramp, clarification on the management of this facility, and the proposed 2020 parking rate increases.
c. Parking Rates for 2020
Mr. Gilmour presented the preliminary parking rates for the City-owned/managed parking facilities.
Discussion included the projected rates, and further public promotion to encourage the use of the Island Park Ramp.
Item 6: Fargo Theatre Letter
Emily Beck, Executive Director of the Fargo Theatre, spoke on behalf of the letter submitted to the Board.
Discussion followed with Board Members providing ideas and options that may be possible to help with the existing parking issues.
Presented after Item 8
Item 7: Island Park Ramp Signage/Promotions
Mr. Gilmour referred to discussion held earlier with agenda Item 3.
Presented before Item 7
Item 8: Status of Night Time Parking Enforcement Survey
Director of Planning and Development Nicole Crutchfield, presented results from a survey created by the Downtown Community Partnership (DCP) and City staff. She explained the data was collected from downtown residents and business owners. Ms. Crutchfield highlighted feedback that was most significant. She talked about items City staff is currently working on to help resolve some of these issues, and shared ideas for discussion at future meetings.
Public Works Director of Operations Ben Dow, talked about the on-street parking enforcement, and working on ways for his staff to quickly and efficiently address issues such as snow removal. Mr. Dow noted he is working on a Request for Proposals (RFP) to help staff and downtown business owners with these concerns.
Item 9: Other Business
A brief discussion was held regarding a review of the Parking Commission membership, and the need to create bylaws for this Board.
The time at adjournment was 10:23 a.m.