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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/12/1977Pledge Roll Call PRESENT ABSENT City Staff M I N U T E S ADJOURNED MEETING..OF:.THE.CITY COUNCIL.. CITY.OF.SAN- LUIS..OBISPO TUESDAY, JULY.129..1977 -- 7:30.P..M. 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA Councilmen Dunin-,.Gurnee,.Jorgensen, Petterson and Mayor Schwartz None PRESENT: J.H.. Fitzpatrick ....City..Clerk;..R.D. Miller,_Administrative Officer; Rudy.Muravez ,..Finance- Director;.Roger Neuman, Police Chief; Wayne Peterson, City Engineer; D.F. Romero, Director of Public Services; Terry Sanville -1:--• Wayne Peterson,.. City.. Engineer,. xeviewed.- .for_.the_.City..Council.the action to date -(?n. the. parking _study.for.- downtown..San.Luis Obispo, prepared by . Wilbur Smith. & - Associates ,.:consultants_.to_the:.City for:-the.-parking study and. for the traffic.. circulation ..plan:.of:..the - City.- He stated - that' -.the circulation plan had just. been. received -and _ that.:.the -_staff-. had.. not - as..yet -had an.oppor -- tunity to review the plan.with.the consultant-.:or.to.resolve.any questions. He then introduced.Mr..Wm.. Shephard ,. - consultant representing the firm of Wilbur.Smith.& Associates. Mr. Shephard then:. reviewed- the.:steps.taken_.by- his_firm in arriving at the recommendations for downtown. parking: 1) inventory location_and_.types.:of. existing parking 2) parker characteristics 3) current parking problems - 4) projected parking:demands:and..needs- 5) alternative parking .program:- and-.effect-on total transportation system in the downtown .area. He stated that no t: only must.. additional- parking...facilities be provided, .but that the City must.also consider; as part of.the overall program, the following: 1) addition_.of. major.- multi- stary--.parking...facilities: 2) addition -of curb..meters.at..selected- locations 3) adjustment.of:_curb=:parking.meter-rates- 4) restriction on :.curb--parking-at-.selected locations . 5) development of parking standards for future development He then reviewed.. suggested - locations_ for; new ...parking,facilities,.improve - ments to. existing- parking..lots- and_ possible :"sale_or.elimination:of existing parking lots. After review of his report, Mr. Shephard.concluded.that the proposed parking standards -and..in- lieu -fees provide- the.City.with sufficient tools to properly.coordinate_. expansion:of : downtown_activities.with a proper parking program. -.. The. proposed. - standards -.:would..allow.the:.City flexibilities, provide.parking and - locations which. serve.. the -.most:people,.while.minimizing traffic congestion and conflicts in the downtown area. The City Council,. Staff.,. and_: citizens -of_ the - .audience:- then. dis cussed ...the points brought out--by Mr. Shephard-_in the..draf.t- report of the consultant on downtown parking and the consultant's.-recommendation to improve or upgrade public parking in San Luis Obispo. City Council Minutes July 12, 1977 Page 2 Colonel L..Sorensen, Deputy Planning Director, County of San Luis Obispo, appeared before the City Council stating that the County staff had spent considerable time with the consul.tant.and the City staff in providing needed information, concerning County parking needs and County concerns about parking and traffic problems. He.felt that the .final document provided much needed quantifiable-information concerning the much discussed traffic and parking problems of downtown San Luis Obispo. He stated that a number of the conclusions reached by the consultant verified.parking deficiency concern- ing the County's needs: 1) The Courthouse block would have a deficiency of 243 spaces within the block even with the parking potential of the.garage site being fully utilitized. No County cars.were considered - (approximately 60). 2) Considering surplus space available the Courthouse uses in surrounding blocks, the Courthouse block still had 170 space deficiencies and again no County cars.were considered - (approximately 60). 3) These deficiencies did not .consider a possible peak demand period when it would be possible to have several hearings and jury selections happening in addition to.normal use. Should this occur, the deficiency would certainly be much higher. 4) The people of.San Luis Obispo, City and County, simply did not want to walk. Given the choice of walking more than 2 blocks or going elsewhere, they would most likely go elsewhere. 5) The County block had the highest block unmet parking demand in the City. He continued that the consultant provided much additional information and data which would help the County in planning for its present and future space needs. The conclusion of the consultant was that two major multi -level parking facilities should be constructed in or near the downtown area. In the subsequent location and cost.feasibility.analysis, the consultant concluded ' and recommended the construction of the facility on site #3 and #9. Site 3, across Osos from the Courthouse, would accommodate 144 cars per level and would accommodate the present parking needs of the area only should a two story structure be built. This site did not have the potential of accommodating the parking needs of expanded County offices within the downtown, but would be adequate to meet the present level of usage in the Courthouse block. The use of the old County garage site was considered too far removed from the downtown area to'meet shared parking needs. He concluded that it was the County .staff's opinion that_the.report was well prepared and accented the needs of downtown .San Luis Obispo very well. Although the proposed solutions did not put the parking site outside the County's office door, they did provide a workable program to address the immediate parking needs. He stated that.the.County encouraged and supported the City in the imple- mentation of the recommended alternative.to solve immediate parking needs and hoped to participate in solving future problems. Charles E..Dills, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee, submitted the following on behalf of the CAC. When the Council contemplated action on the parking problems as result of the Wilbur Smith & Associates report on parking, consideration should be given to the implementation of a heavy usage high turn over program for the area bounded by Monterey to Marsh and Broad to Osos Streets. Both on- street and off - street parking within this area should be categorized in terms "relative desirability ". The premium parking location should have the highest cost'to promote rapid turnover, possibly as high as lOp for 10 minutes. The best off - street parking should cost at least 15�^, per hour. In this way, usage would increase with the high turnover and as a result, revenues would likewise increase. The CAC suggested that the City staff check much of the data presented in the report, especially as to the availability of parking locations throughout a typical day and that no action be taken by the City Council in regard to the disposal of City -owned lots until verification of low usage were obtained. f l 1 City Council Minutes July 12, 1977 Page 3 Mr. Wm. Shephard, representing.the consultant Wilbur Smith & Associates, then reviewed the preliminary draft of the circulation study for the City of San Luis Obispo. He stated that the study comprised .a general review of major circulation of streets throughout the City as defined in the 1976 circulation element of the General Plan with.specific evaluation of the streets in the downtown area. The review of the circulation element utilized origin, destination data previously developed for the City and the County. The detailed evaluation of the downtown street system identified the causes and extent of traffic flow problems now emerging downtown. His firm submitted specific recommendations for upgrading streets, closing some streets, traffic control systems and other street improvements. The preliminary draft circulation study consisted of the following general areas: 1) data collection and review of existing circulation studies 2) existing traffic characteristics on existing streets 3) projected future traffic patterns and resulting traffic problems 4) recommended circulation plan and street standards, not only for the City as a while, but methods to improve the downtown street system. The City Council discussed with the consultant various points brought out in this preliminary overview of the circulation element of the General Plan with particular emphasis on traffic as it affected downtown San Luis Obispo. The City Council then authorized the consultant to prepare his final reports for presentation to the Council with a date set for August 31 and anyone, staff or public interested, to submit their comments to the consultant prior to the 30th of July. 9:10 p.m. Mayor Schwartz declared a recess. 9:25 p.m. the meeting reconvened with all Councilmen present. 1B. D.F. Romero, Public Services Director, presented the recommendations of the Joint Business Improvement Area -City Staff Committee for changes in the parking zones, time limits, parking fees, etc. for the downtown area. He then reviewed the individual recommendations as submitted by this joint committee, explaining that many of the recommendations were compromises made in an effort to satisfy divergent views. Charles Bove, Chairman of the BIA, stated that these recommendations were the result of a study by the City staff to the BIA Board, who after review and discussion with their own Board members, came to the consensus for the recommendations being recommended to the Council. Bill Hart was opposed to any increase-in parking meter rates; he felt it would hurt business and that these increases were a disadvantage to retail business- men,.,. Don Lazdel (?), Miss Dee's Imports, Garden Street, was opposed to any increase in parking meter rates in the downtown. He felt this would kill San Luis Obispo business and empty the downtown stores. Bob Leitcher, BIA Parking Committee, was opposed to any parking meter rate increase at this time. He felt this was the wrong time to do this in San Luis Obispo without some approved parking plan by the City Council. He was opposed to a 10C rate and hoped that the Council would reduce the meter rates that were raised last year. City Council Minutes July 12, 1977 Page 4 Myron Graham.was opposed to the increase in meter rates at this time due to economic problems in downtown San Luis Obispo. He felt that this might be the thing that killed the business district and sent the customers to shopping centers. Al Ingersoll felt that the problem-in downtown parking was the lack of en- _. forcemeat of the present parking regulations. He was opposed to the proposed parking meter rate increases. He felt that this increase would actually economically hurt the business in town. He suggested that the City Council order strict enforcement of parking times and time limits and that they adopt a tow away ordinance to move the vehicles out of the downtown area that were parked too long. Charles Bove, Chairman of BTA, again stated that he felt the main problem in the downtown was not the parking itself, but the misuse of parking spaces. He felt that the employers and employees of downtown must not park in customer spaces and the rate increases might help preserve parking spaces for the customers and not the employees. Marion Sinsheimer felt that the parking regulations-of the City should be enforced and also the employers in downtown SLO should see to it that their employees not park in front of business establishments. Bud Idler asked if a car had been moved a short distance, could they still receive a ticket if the mark had been covered up? Police Chief Neuman stated yes they could be ticketed and were. Pat Linington, Taxi operator in San Luis Obispo, objected to the elimination of the Taxi zones which he said would hurt his business and were the life blood although he would be willing to give up, on a trial basis, the taxi zones in front of Rileys and the Anderson Hotel. There being no more general comments to the City Council, the Council then decided they would review the report on downtown parking as recommended by the Joint BIA City staff committee on an item -by -item basis. A. General 1. All meter rates should be lOC per hour. All revenue to be ear- =marked only for parking enforcement and facilities. On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilman Jorgensen, that the City defer parking meter rate increase for 6 months or until City Council makes a commitment on a final parking solution. Motion carried, all ayes. 2. All taxi zones in the downtown area should be eliminated, with taxis permitted to park in any metered space without payment, provided the drive is present. On motion of Councilman Petterson, seconded by Councilman Jorgensen, that the City accept the offer of the taxi cab company and eliminate the taxi zones at Rileys and the Anderson Hotel, with taxis permitted to park in any metered space without payment provided the driver is present. Motion carried, all ayes. 3a. All fine revenues should be used for enforcement costs and parking facilities only. City Council Minutes July 12, 1977 Page 5 On motion of Council Petterson, seconded by Councilman Jorgensen, that the item be dropped from consideration, once and for all, unless a different legal opinion was received and apply all fine revenues in accordance with State Law. Motion carried, all ayes. 3b. Fines for processing warrants should be raised to $25 (now $10). City Council Action: Accept recommendation. 4. Time limits in all parking lots and on street spaces should be strictly enforced. City Council:Action: B. Parking Lot Accept recommendation. 1. Parking Lot #4 (Chorro and Pacific)-should be left as a 2 hour lot, however, permit parking (at $15 per month) should be permitted for up to 35 of the 59 spaces. City Council Action C. Removal of Meters Accept recommendation. 1. Remove meters from 1000 Block Pacific (Osos to Santa Rosa). Remove daytime and nighttime restrictions. City Council Action: D. Additional Meters Accept recommendation. 1. Install 2 hour meters in 1000 and 1100 Blocks of Nipomo Street (Monterey to Marsh). City Council Action: Accept recommendation. 2. Install 2 hour meters in 900 Block Mill (Morro to Osos). City Council Action: Accept recommendation. E. Green Zones 1. Meter all green zones except those alongside Post Office. 2. Change all green zones to 30 minute time period. 3. Install one 30 minute metered green space at beginning of each metered Block in area bounded by Santa Rosa, Pacific, Nipomo, Palm (exclusive of the border streets). 4. Remove green space in front of Credit Union, 1200 Block Osos Street. 5. Extend green unmetered spaces on west side of Morro (Post Office) to Pacific Street. 6. Shorten green zone on north side of 800 Block Monterey Street (P.G. &E.) to two spaces. Remove green spaces on west side of 900 Block Morro Street (P.G. &E.). City Council Minutes July 12, 1977 Page 6 7. Remove green zone on west side of 700 Block Osos Street (Telephone Company). City Council Action: Accept recommendations. F. Loading Zones 1. Remove 2 meters and extend loading zone on west side of 1000 Block Chorro (Monterey_;to Higuera - Sebastian's). * 2. Shorten loading zone, north side 900 Block Monterey Street (between Morro & Osos - Copelands). 3. Add new loading zone, north side 600 Block Higuera Street (between Nipomo and Broad - McRlintock's). 4. Eliminate loading zone south side 600 Block Higuera Street (between Broad and Nipomo - at Academy of Dance). 5. Relocate loading zone on south side 800 Block Palm Street (between Chorro and Morro) from corner to in front of Shanghai Low. 6. Remove loading zone on west side 900 Block Osos Street (between Palm and Monterey - San Luis Noodle Company). 7. Relocate loading zone on south side 800 Block Monterey from in front of Forden's to past crosswalk to Penney's - Beverly's. 8. Relocate loading zone on east side 1000 Block Morro Street ( between Higuera and Monterey Streets) from in front of Friar Tuck's to alongside the G.E. Appliance Center. 9. Eliminate passenger loading zone on south side of 900 Block of Monterey Street (Anderson Hotel). *10. Shorten loading.zone east side 1200 Block Garden (between Pacific and Marsh - Long's Piano). 11. Remove-loading zone south side 900 Block Mill (between Morro and Osos) in front of Telephone Company. *12. Remove loading zone west 1000 Block Nipomo (between Higuera and Dana) in front of Tortilla Flat Restaurant. 13. Shorten loading zone north side of 800 Block Marsh Street (between Broad and Chorro) alongside Title Insurance. 14. Shorten loading zone north side of 700 B1ock..Higuera Street (between Garden and Chorro) in front of Baker Brothers. 15. Remove loading zone on west side of 1000 Block Morro Street (Monterey to Higuera Street - Copeland Shoes). 16. Remove loading zone north side 800 Block Monterey (Holser's Attic). City Council Action: Accept recommendations other than F -2, F -10 and F -12; these items to be dropped. H. Miscellaneous 1. Remove bike rack on east side Broad Street (between Palm and Monterey) alongside the convent. City Council Action: Accept recommendation. The City staff was directed to prepare the appropriate legal documents for implementation of the Council's actions later. IC. Police.and Public Services Departments staff report on downtown parking recommendations on downtown parking in areas outside BIA boundaries. I. Change 1300 Block Osos Street (between Pacific and Pismo) from 10 hour to 2 hour meters. City Council Action: Accept recommendation. City Council Minutes July 12, 1977 Page 7 2. Change 2 hour meters-on east.side.of.1000_Block.of. Santa Rosa Street (Ski Shell Station) to-10 hour. meters. City Council Action:.. Accept-.recommendation. 3. Install.10 hour.meters in.1100 B1ock.Marsh_(Santa_Rosa to Toro). City Council Action:. Continued.to.July.19, 1977 meeting in order to.review area involved. 4. Install 10 hour meters in. 1100" Block.Higuera.(Santa.Rosa to Toro). City Council Action: Continued .to.July.19,.1977.meeting.in order for Council to review area involved. 5. Change 2 hour time limits on west sideoof.700 B1ock.Osos Street (Telephone Company) to unrestricted parking. . City Council Action: Accept but amend recommendation.to read "2hhour metered parking ". On motion.of Mayor.Schwartz,. seconded_ by .Councilman...Gurnee,.that.the matter of time limits for Pacific. Street .(Osos;to.Broad)_Morro;:Chorro_ and Broad.on ' (Pacific to Pismo),.Garden and-Broad:(Marsh:to.Pacific), and Higuera and Marsh (Santa.Rosa to..Toro).be continued.to.July 19,.1977 so -that the Council could review the.recommendation for- 10:hour meter limit or requested 2 hour limit. Motion carried, all ayes. On motion of.Councilman Jorgensen,-_ seconded ,..by,.Councilman_Dunin, the staff was.directed to.prepare.uecessary resolutions to.implement.Council action. Motion carried. II. On .motion of Councilman.Dunin,. seconded by:Councilman- Jorgensen; the meeting adjourned to 12:10 p.m., Monday July 18, 1977. Motion carried. APPROVED: September 6, 1977 1 . H Fitzpatrick City Clerk.