HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/04/2011, B 2 - PARKING REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS council M.w,D.m April 5,2011
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CITY O F SAN L U I S O B I S P O
FROM: Jay D. Walter, Director of Public Works
Prepared By: Robert Horch, Parking Services Manager
SUBJECT: PARKING REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
1. Charge for parking at the parking meters and in the parking structures on Sundays from
11:00 am to 6:00 pm beginning on July 1, 2011.
2. Increase the on-street parking meter rate from $1.25 to $1.50 an hour in a new downtown
"super core" (as shown in Attachment 1) beginning on November 1, 2011 and keep
structure rates at $0.75 an hour.
3. Direct staff to pursue the purchase and installation of approximately 400 credit card
meters to improve customer convenience by November 2011.
REPORT IN BRIEF
City Council requested staff to return with two revenue enhancements, 1) for expanding parking
services on Sundays, and 2) increase the hourly rate difference between structures and parking
meters in the downtown core. These revenue enhancements are needed to afford the Palm-
Nipomo parking structure. The changes are also consistent with best management practices by
establishing higher rates in parking areas with higher parking demand and encouraging use of the
parking structures.
Staff is recommending charging on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, which will increase
revenues by approximately $244,859 annually. This is when downtown opens for Sunday
business and when City parking areas are being used. Downtown businesses will benefit from
the management of parking during these hours.
The current meter rate difference is $0.50 an hour when comparing the 2-hour meters in the
downtown core ($1.25 an hour) to the structure rate ($0.75 an hour). Staff is recommending
increasing the rate difference to $0.75 an hour by establishing a third zone or "super core" zone
with meter rates of $1.50 an hour. This new zone will cover areas with the highest parking
demand and that is in close proximity to our structures. To justify this increase of 25 cents an
hour rate staff recommends installing meters that accept credit cards to improve customer
service. Staff received a letter from the Downtown Association Board in support of charging for
Sunday parking but opposing the creation of the `super core" rates. (Attachment 2) Staff
anticipates opposition to charging for parking on Sundays from the public who attend Sunday
services in, or around the downtown.
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 2
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2006, the Council considered parking rate increases recommended by a task force of
interested stakeholders to help fund the parking structure planned at the corner of Palm and
Nipomo. One recommendation was to begin charging for parking on Sundays (on the street and
in parking lots only) and to actively enforce on Sunday. This recommendation was not supported
by the Council. Several other recommendations for rate increases were approved with some
taking effect in 2006 and others set to occur in 2009. The approved strategy phased-in these
increases to "spread" the financial impact to users.
In 2009, economic issues as well as shifting best management practices prompted the Council to
request that staff revisit charging for parking on Sundays and explore a higher hourly rate
differential between parking structure and parking meter spaces..The economic issues included
declining parking revenues due to the economy and mandatory parking fine surcharges imposed
by the State and the County of San Luis Obispo, and the approval of transferring police-issued
parking fines to the General Fund that reduces working capital. Other contributing issues include
the eventual loss of surface parking lots for the Chinatown and Garden Street Terraces projects.
These projects lower annual parking revenues for meters but will also increase parking demand.
During the Parking Enterprise Fund Reviews in 2009 and 2010, staff provided Council with
general information on charging for Sunday parking and for increasing parking rates to increase
the differential between structures and meters. Due to concerns with the continued deepening of
the recession, staff did not recommend changes at that time. Council shared this concern and
twice postponed increasing 10-hour meter and structure rates from $0.75 to $1 an hour. At the
2010 Fund Review, Council asked staff to return within 6 months with more detail on charging
for Sundays and for increasing the hourly rate difference between structures and parking meters
in the downtown core.
Sundav Parking Operations
Parking meters were installed approximately 60 years ago. Downtown public parking in San
Luis Obispo has been free on Sundays even when meters were installed and structures were
built. Downtown business hours have changed dramatically during this same period from most
retail businesses being closed on Sundays to most now remaining open. A key problem with free
parking on Sundays is that spaces are not turning over for customers of downtown businesses
like they do Monday through Saturday. Instead, many premium parking spaces are taken by
employees who arrive earlier in the day and stay longer. Another issue is the fixed costs to
operate and maintain these parking resources which are not captured if there is no charge for
Sunday parking.. The City still needs to provide for the parking itself, pay for operating it, and to
maintain it. Parking structures have to be lit, elevators have to be operational, and trash must be
collected. Maintenance costs include general wear and tear that over time contributes to the need
to repair/replace parking facilities. Currently these costs are covered by those paying for parking
from Monday to Saturday; essentially subsidizing free Sunday use.
In order to assist in the analysis of considering Sunday parking operations, Table 1 shows
revenue projections and costs associated with different hours and functions of parking. Should
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 3
Council decide to approve charging on Sundays in specific locations they have several options
based on when and where parking could be charged.
Table 1 -Sunday Parking Options
10am -6pm 11am -6pm 12pm -6pm fpm -6pm 2pm -6pm
8 hrs 7 hrs 6 hrs 5 hrs 4 hrs
itevenues
--------- ---- ---- ------
Structures 65,800 56,400 47,000 37,600 28,200
Streets 170,800 149,450 128,100 106,750 85,400
Lots 57,600 50,400 43,200 36,000 28,800
Fines 51,200 44,800 38,400 32,000 25,600
Revenue Subtotal 345,400 301,050 256,700 212,350 168,000
Expenses
Structures (21,000) (19,300) (17,500) (15,800) (9,400)
Lots (13,988) (12,623) (11,219) (9,854) (9,150)
Streets (6,563) (24,268) (21,856) (19,561) (17,850)
Expense Subtotal (61,551) (56,191) (50,575) (45,215) (36,400)
Total 283,849 244,859 206,125 167,135 131,600
The expenses assume similar costs and staffing as we have on Saturdays. This includes part-time
attendants in structures and one part-time enforcement officer. There would be a one-time
expense of $11,000 the first year to change structure signs, street signs, meter stickers, and to
reprogram parking meters and structure devices for Sunday parking operations. The comparison
chart does not include supervision or management costs that may be needed to support the
expansion of parking operations which varies with each option. Staff hopes to accomplish this
with existing resources. We will return.at Mid-Year Review or at the 2012 Parking Fund Review
should there be a need for additional supervision.
For the last year staff tracked Sunday use and found that all structures are being used on Sundays
with the main activity beginning around 11:00 am when most businesses open. Prior to 11:00 am
there are not enough vehicles parking in our structures to justify charging. Staff looked at when
downtown businesses open on Sundays and most start at 11:00 a.m. For these reasons, staff
recommends charging from 11:00 am. to 6:00 pm. with the continuation of the first hour free in
parking structures. Staff also researched comparable cities (see Table 2) and found that all of
them charge for parking on Sundays.
Table 2
city Charge on Sundays ? Notes
Avila Beach Yes in one lot during the Summer
Monterey Yes in Cannery Row structures
Pismo Beach Yes all locations
Santa Cruz Yes in some lots and structures
Santa Barbara Yes all locations
Ventura I Yes Jon sheets in downtown
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 4
Staff would not recommend operating less than 4 hours on Sunday because it would not be as
cost effective and worth the effort for anything less than 4 hours. Temporary staffing would be
problematic for shifts less than 4 hours as our attendants generally work 4-hour minimum shifts.
Sunday Parking Stakeholder Notices
One reason that Sunday parking was not approved when it was last considered in 2006 was
because of opposition by the five churches near, or in the downtown. Due to this sensitivity, staff
called and emailed a two-page document (Attachment 3) to provide notice that charging for
parking on Sundays was again being considered. This will allow for the churches to provide
feedback on this issue as well as the rate differential proposal. The document contained the
tables, maps, staff recommendations, and rationale for the recommendations.
At the time of this report we have not received feed back from the churches. When feedback is
received, staff will provide Council with that information. City Council can modify the
recommendation considering their feedback or public comments when this report is considered
at the Council meeting.
Staff is sensitive to the churches concerns and the long tradition of not charging on Sundays.
However, as stated previously, the City's parking areas are used on Sundays (by both church
goers and the general public) and it costs the Parking Fund to provide, operate and maintain
those parking areas. The first 60 minutes are free in the City's parking structures and the
majority of the church services conclude by noon. The recommendation to begin charging at
11:00 a.m. will still allow for church members to park in nearby structures for as low as $0.75
for two hours, if they exit the structure before 1:00 p.m.
Meter Core Rate Differential
Another method to adjust area parking demand, encourage more parking in the structures, and
increase revenues is to maintain or implement a higher rate differential between high demand on-
street meters and structure rates.
Parking demand downtown is affected by the concept of "convenient parking" near a specific
location. The most convenient parking is at on-street parking spaces in the downtown core, next
to a specific location someone is visiting. The next convenient areas are parking lots and then
structures. Similarly, the highest demand is currently on-street parking, followed by parking lots,
and then parking structures. To manage this demand the City has adopted parking rates that place
a higher value on parking in these peak demand areas. Our 2-hour meter rates in the core of the
downtown have always been a bit higher than those in structures. City Council has requested a
higher rate differential to provide an increased incentive to park in structures. The higher rate
will conceivably shift some of the parking demand from the street to City parking lots and
structures.
Our current parking rates are $1.25 for 2-hour meters as compared to $0.75 per hour in structures
with the first 60 minutes free resulting in a rate differential of 50 cents per hour between peak
on-street parking and parking structures. In response to the economy, for the past two years City
Council has deferred scheduled rate increases for structures and 10-hour parking meters which
would have been increased to $1 per hour. This would have decreased the rate differential to
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 5
only 25 cents per hour. Staff believes these rate differences are not enough to encourage parking
in a structure.
To increase the rate differential the City could either increase on street meter rates or lower
structure rates. Recent parking rate adjustments were done so that the City could afford the
construction and debt service for the Palm-Nipomo parking structure. Decreasing parking rates
would adversely affect the City's ability to accomplish this objective so staff does not
recommend this option. To achieve a greater differential, currently the only viable option would
be to increase the 2-hour parking meter rates. Staff is recommending suck an increase in a new
parking meter zone—the "Super Core"
New Parking Meter Zone—Super Core
Some Council members and other individuals have suggested that the City create another rate
level in addition to our current two-tiered downtown parking meter rates to better manage
parking demand. Current tiers consist of the 2 hour meter zone ($1.25 an hour) called the "core"
and the perimeter 10-hour parking meters ($0.75 an hour) established for long term parkers.
Figure 1
Parking Rate Zones
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The 2-hour zone is set up to encourage frequent turn-over of the parking spaces for downtown
customers. In the 2-hour core, there is more parking demand in areas of higher density like
Higuera Street between Broad and Osos Streets. Staff looked at parking demand and supports a
third tier parking rate in a "super core" area priced at $1.50 an hour as shown in Figure 1 below
and in Attachment 1.
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 6
There are approximately 400 meters in the proposed "super-core" higher rate area. Customers
would have to pay more for the convenience to park in this higher-demand parking area or they
can park outside of the "super-core" in the remaining 2 Hr zones or within the parking structures
and not be affected. This higher rate will increase the rate differential between this new zone and
the structures to 75 cents an hour which may lead to a small increase in structure utilization.
Increasing the rates in these locations would bring in approximately $145,000 in additional
revenue. There would be costs of$1,000 to change out meter rate stickers with additional costs
of processing more coins for approximately $9,000 annually. Increasing the volume of coin
could trigger the need to purchase higher capacity coin vaults for $74,000 as well. From the
public's perspective, the problem with increasing meter rates is it forces customers to have a lot
of coins on hand. As a result, upgrading the super core meter to accept credit card payments is
proposed to help reduce collection costs and allow greater customer convenience.
Credit Card Acceptance
As parking rates increase it requires customers to have more change available to pay for parking.
At a 2-hour meter with a $1.50 rate, customers would have to have $3.00 of change to get them
to the two hour limit. Local customers could obtain a meter cash key to assist in paying but the
majority of people would continue to rely on change. For customer convenience, some cities
have begun to replace single space meters with payment devices that accept credit cards.
Staff recommends credit card acceptance at single space meters (and not at pay stations) because
they are easier to enforce, take up less sidewalk space, and if one fails to operate, only one space
is affected as opposed to several. Pay stations are an option but require additional enforcement
on foot by parking staff that increase costs and time to circulate the downtown. Pay stations in
limited areas can cause confusion to the pubic and requires addition time from the public to go to
and from the station locations to obtain receipts. Credit card meters appear to be the logical next
step for increased options for parking payment and enforcement that best fits our downtown
parking model.
Benefits of Credit Card Meters
Staff recommends credit card meters because we believe they provide better customer service
and lessen the likelihood of receiving a parking citation. They also reduce potential violations
when a patron does not have enough coins to pay a meter and risks a time violation. Studies
show that users are more inclined to pay for the maximum on the meter using a credit card than
one that accepts coins only. Other cities have seen 20 to 30% increases in parking meter
revenues with credit card acceptance. Credit card acceptance decreases parking enforcement
because customers can pay for the maximum time with this method of payment. It also lowers
the cost of collecting coins, processing coins, and of annual battery changes due to these being
solar powered. Higher initial purchase and on-going operational costs for communication and
credit card processing are expected to be offset by the increased revenues and reduced costs of
processing coins. These meters also offer benefits of being solar powered and being networked
wirelessly. Rate changes can be done by an office computer as opposed to going meter to meter
with a communication device. More detailed financial data is provided for types of payments
and frequency of payments. If the meter is inoperable it sends email alerts to predetermined
parking staff.
Cost of Credit Card Meters
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 7
There are several companies offering single-space parking meters that accept credit cards. To
provide the City Council with an understanding of credit card meter costs, the following two
tables are provided. The first table represents the initial capital cost for the meters, training, and
synchronization of the meters. The second table shows the on-going annual costs as compared to
revenues. Staff used the cost of providing all 400 meters for this example. Council can decide to
phase in these meters at lower quantity than 400.
Ca ital Costs
Item _ _ Meters Cost per meter Total Cost_ First_Yea_rCat
IPS solar powered credit card meter 400 $495 $198,000 $198,000
Tax $16,335 $16,335
Installation and Training 400 $2,000 $2,000
RFID synchronization 400 $15.00 $6,000 $6,000
Total $510 $222,335 $222,335
In comparison, our standard digital parking meter and housings cost approximately $400 each
plus tax.
On-Going Costs & Revenue
First Year Cost
Costs Meters Charge. Monthly Annual (FYC)
Secure wireless gateway/data fee 400 $3.75 $1,500 18,000 12,000
Management system license fee 400 $2.00 $800 9,600 6,400
Credit card transaction fee 400 $0.13 $1,300 15,600 10,400
Credit card discount rate 400 1.93% $394 4,725 3,150
Offset for Coin collections 400 (18,000) (12,000)
Offset for Coin counting 400 3,600 2,400
Cost Subtotal 26,325 17,550
Revenue Estimate _ Meters Charoe _ Monthly _ Annual. FYC
Meter Revenue Estimate $1.50 rate 400 $51.00 $20,400 244,800 163,200
Total 218,475 1 145,650
Notes:First Year Costs represent eight(8)months only due to four month implementation period.
First year implementation costs and revenue will be slightly lower due to up front capital costs
and the need to implement the meters over the first four month period. There will be annual
costs of approximately $47,925 for the communication and credit card fees that are offset by
$21,600 for the reduced costs for collecting and processing coins. This brings the annual on-
going costs to $26,325 with net additional parking revenues of $218,475. This annual cost is
roughly 12% of the net revenue taken in. The estimated revenues assume the proposed $1.50 rate
amount which helps to pay for the capital costs of the meters and justifies the increase with
improved customer service.
Actual revenues could be higher than projected because the customer has the ability to pay using
a credit card. Other cities that utilize credit card meters have found that customers are more
willing to pay for the maximum meter time on a credit card, because they are not limited by the
amount of change they have available. Customers also appreciate having another method of
payment that significantly lowers their chance at getting a parking citation.
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 8
CONCURRENCES
Staff presented the staff recommendations to the Downtown Association Parking & Access
Committee. The Committee supported both recommendations in this report. The Downtown
Association Board of Directors reviewed the Parking & Access Committee recommendation on
March 8, 2011, and voted to support Sunday parking but not to support the higher rate
differential. The Downtown Association letter is attached to this report.
Staff provided another two-page document containing the tables, maps, staff recommendations,
and rationale for the recommendations to the. Chamber of Commerce. At the time of completing
this report staff did not receive any feedback from the Chamber. When and if that feedback is
received staff will provide Council with that information.
FISCAL IMPACT
The reason that charging on Sundays and higher rates are being considered is to help provide
funding for eventual construction and debt service for the next parking structure that will be
necessary to handle changes in parking demand. The Chinatown and Garden Street Terraces
redevelopment projects will eliminate parking meters and reduce annual meter revenues. The
projects will also increase parking demand triggering the need for the Palm-Nipomo parking
structure. The table below summarizes the revenues and offsetting costs of the recommendations
of this report.
Revenue Enhancements 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year
Sunday Revenues 301,050 304,061 307,101
Sunday Expenses 56,191 57,315 58,461
subtotal 244,859 246,746 248,640
Credit Card Meter Revenues 163,200 247,046 249,516
Credit Card Meter Expenses 239,885 26,852 32,222
subtotal (76,685) 220,195 217,295
Total Revenues 168,174 466,940 465,935
Note: Assumes typical increase of I%per year in revenues and 2%increase in expenses.
Depending upon final Council approval of Sunday Service and the super core rates, staff will
return as part of the Parking Fund Review in May with the enacting ordinances and resolutions.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not charge for parking on Sunday. This option is not recommended because the
parking facilities are being used and impacted by wear and tear. There could be significant
opposition from certain stakeholders about charging for parking on Sundays.
2. Charge for different times on Sundays but not less than four hours. Staff provided
alternative times in Table 1, should City Council decide on different hours.
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 9
3. Phase in 100 new credit card meters. This alternative provides a smaller amount of credit
card meters. It still justifies the higher rate increase to pay for the cost of the new meter and
associated on-going communication and credit card costs. It would allow for staff to evaluate
the public's acceptance and to see if the revenues and costs are what were expected. This
would not meet the intended objective to encourage more parking in our structures because
only 100 would have the higher rate. The other 300 meters would only have a 50 cent
differential in the rates.
4. Do not add another zone of parking and increase all 2-hour meters in the core from
$1.25 to $1.50. This would be beneficial to encourage parking in the structure but may be
viewed as excessively raising parking rates. This would bring in approximately $135,600 in
additional revenues but increase coin collection and coin handling costs due to the higher
volume of coin. Due to increase in the volume of coin this rate increase may trigger the need
to add larger coin vaults at $185 per meter. If all 400 meters in the core were converted to a
larger vault this would cost $74,000.
5. Establish a flat rate in the 842 Palm Street Parking Structure. Analysis of the amount of
time vehicles occupy the parking structure shows that the most motorists exit the structure
within two hours and either pay nothing or $0.75 to $1.50. The City could try to offer a flat
$2 rate in the 842 Palm parking structure without 60 minutes free. The 842 Palm structure
has the lowest over-all use. The purpose of the flat rate is to encourage long term parking in
this structure and possibly make more revenues than this structure receives currently. The
reasons this alternative is not recommended are the economic benefit is unknown and it
could be confusing to the public to have different payment methodologies with our other
structures. Establishing a flat rate in all structures is not recommended because all structure
use is not alike. A $2 flat rate would mean a reduction in the monthly parking rates for the
Marsh and 919 Palm structures which are $75 a month. A $2 flat rate works out to be around
$40 a month. No additional staffing would be needed but potential revenues are
unforeseeable because we have never used this type of pricing model.
6. Explore other revenue enhancements. Council may want to consider other methods to
increase parking revenues to ensure funding for the Palm-Nipomo parking structure. Most of
these ideas have been considered by previous Councils, but not adopted. These ideas will not
have an impact on encouraging more parking in our structures which was one of the
objectives for having a higher rate differential.
Estimated Revenues
a. Eliminate first 60 minutes free in structure $180,000
b. Increase daily hours of operation from 6 pm to 8 pm $300,000
c. Add meters on 600 Block of Palm Street $10,440
d. Add meters on the 1000 blocks of Pacific and Peach $22,320
e. Add meters on Monterey (Toro to California) $25,000
f. Expand In-Lieu district above Santa Rosa unknown
g. Add permit parking on Slack/Hathway $14,760
h. Add permit parking on California between Hathway and Foothill $7,326
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Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 10
All estimates do not include the capital costs to implement these changes and show the second
year revenues.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Map of Meter Super Core
2. Example -Notice Letter to Churches
3. Downtown Association Board of Directors letter.
T:\Council Agenda Reports\Public Works CAR\2011\Parking\Pkg Rev Enhancements\CAR Sunday Pkg Higher
Rate Diff v2 JW.doc
B2-10
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B2-11
� Attachment 2�
From: Horch, Robert
Sent: Thursday, March 17,20114:14 PM
To: 'churchoffice@fpcslo.org'
Subject: Sunday Parking
Attachments: Churches Sun-Rate Diff.doc
Debbie Blades,
Attached is the fact sheet that explains the basis of our staff report concerning both
Sunday parking and increasing parking rates for meters in the downtown core. I sent
information on both items although I think your focus may be on the Sunday item.
Sunday parking was considered in 2006 but was not authorized. At that time the
recommendation was to leave parking structures free and charge on streets and parking
lots only. That is a possible outcome as well. However staff is recommending to charge
in all locations beginning at 11:00 am. As you can see there is a table that will provide a
breakdown of locations and time in case City Council would like to select different
times or areas to charge.
Our hope is to get feed back from the Mission on the Sunday issue and/or the rate
increase. If time permits I can include it in our staff report or we can let Council know
your thoughts on this.
Please give me a call if you have any questions or can further explain things for you.
Thank you.
Robert Horch
Parking Services Manager
805-781-7230
3/25/2011 B2-12
Attachment 2
city of
g san Luis omspO
March 17,2011
Information Regarding Sunday Parking & Hi her Rate Differential
The Council requested staff to return with information and recommendations for charging for parking on
Sundays and fora higher difference between structure rates and on street meter rates. Staff will present these
two items on Tuesday,Auril 5,2011 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at 990 Palm Street.
Background. Previous City Councils have deferred increases to parking structure rates and the 10-hour
meter rates from$0.75 to $1 an hour for the last two years. These scheduled rate increases were the last
of a series of increases to afford the Palm Nipomo parking structure. When Sundays were considered in
the past, downtown churches were not supportive of charging on Sundays. The current City Council is
now asking to take a fresh look at these past decisions.
I. Sunday Parking Operations
Recommendation will be to charge for public parking on Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm in
structures,parking lots,and on the streets beginning July 1,2011.
Rationale: City parking areas are used on Sundays and that use costs the City in the form of maintenance,
up-keep, and electricity for lights and elevators. Free parking on Sundays has been a long standing
tradition however with free parking, parking spaces do not turnover which can result in less access for
customers and lower revenue for business. The largest opponents to charging on Sundays are local
religious services including the Mission. Tracking structure use on Sundays for the past year we see the
number of cars increasing sufficiently to begin charging at 11:00 am.
This table.provides for revenues and expenses for five different times of charging so Council can decide
on where and when to charge on Sundays. There would be one-time costs of$11 i 000 to begin this.
10am-6pm 11am-6pm 12pm-6pm 1 pm-6pm 2pm-6pm
8 hrs 7 hrs 6 hrs 5 hrs 4 hrs
Revenues
Structures 65,800 56,400 47,000 37,600 28,200
Streets 170,800 149,450 128,100 106,750 85,400
Lots 57,600 50,400 43,200 .36,000 28,800
Fines 51,200 44,800 38,400 32,000 25.600
Revenue Subtotal 345,400 301,050 256,700 212,350 168,000
F�.xpenses
Structures (21,000) (19,300) (17,500) (15,800) (9,400)
Lots (13,988) (12,623) (11,219) (9,854) (9,150)
Streets (26,563) (24,268) (21,856) (19,561) (17,850)
Expense Subtotal (61,551) (56,191) (50,575) (45,215) (36,400)
Total 283,849 244,859 206,125 167,135 131,600
This Table shows what other cities are doing with charging on Sundays.
Charge on Sundays ? Notes
Avila Beach Yes in one lot during the Summer
Monterey Yes in Cannery Row structures
Pismo Beach Yes all locations
Santa Cruz Yes in some lots and structures
Santa Barbara Yes all locations
Ventura Yes on streets in downtown
® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including disabled persons in all of our services,programs and activities.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781-7410.
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ATTACHMENT,;
II. Meter Core Rate Differential
Recommendation will be to establish a new"super core"rate of$1.50 an hour and keep structure and 10-
hour meters at$0.75 an hour beginning July 1,2011.
Currently our meter rates are $1.25 an hour at 2-hour meters in the downtown core and $0.75 an hour at
the 10-hour meters on the perimeter of downtown. Structure rates are also$0.75 with the first 60 minutes
free. The rate difference now is 50 cents an hour. If rates would have been increased at 10-hour meters
and in structures this rate difference would only have been 25 cents an hour. Some Council members
have suggested adding another tiered rate downtown based on parking demand and location near parking
structures.
Rationale: Parking demand is the highest on streets because of the convenience it offers. The last rate
increase of$1 to $1.25 at the 2-hour meters had almost no complaints by those parking downtown. The
increase did not lower the parking demand enough to provide for more access nor encourage more people
to park in structures. Rather than increase all 2-hour meters, a third tier of parking rates will provide
more options and encourage more people to park in structures. It will have a more noticeable 75 cent an
hour rate difference between the higher demand parking areas near structured parking.
Parking Meter Rate Zones
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Issue with a$1.50 an hour rate is that staff believes this will require alternative payment systems than just
coins and meter keys. For 2 hours of time customers would have to have $3.00 in coin. Staff would like
to explore single space meters that accept credit cards. Staff will recommend a "phased approach" to
ensure an adequate rate of return and to cover communication and credit card bank costs which are
unknown at this time.
Options
Several other options will be included in the staff report should Council wish to look at other options than
charging on Sundays and/or increasing the rate difference between structures and meters.
Objective Staff is providing this information to solicit comments and input from the all downtown
churches. If time permits we can include this input into our staff report.
® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including disabled persons in all of our services,programs and activities.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781-7410.
B2-14
A'. ac:h:m e n t 3
21 March 2011
To: Robert Horch,Parking Services Manager/Downtown Champion
City San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispoorah Cash,Executive Director
Downtown ey an Luis Obispo Downtown Associaton
Association
Re: Parking Revenue Enhancements and Days of Operation
PO Box 1402
San Luis Obispo The Downtown Association Parking and Access Committee and Board of
California 93406 Directors recently discussed the concept of adding metered parking on Sundays as
Phone 805-541-0286
Fax 805-781-2647 well as a `supercore' rate increase to provide for more efficient use of the core
www2owntownslo.com and the structures.
The Parking and Access Committee believes, from a parking management
standpoint,that these two changes would accomplish the goals of providing
efficient parking management and continued focus on keeping the parking fund
solvent.
Regarding the addition of metered parking on Sundays,this idea had support
several years ago when a task force convened to review the fiscal stability and
fiiture of the parking enterprise fund. However,at that time,it did not have
popular public support and was not approved by Council. The rationale,however,
continues to remain true that because many businesses are now open on Sundays,
there is increased traffic to Downtown. Because parking is currently `free' on
Sundays, Downtown employees take advantage of the unmetered parking and
occupy much of it,depriving shoppers and guests of those spaces.
The proposal of increasing the rates in the centralized core also has merit as far as
the Parking and Access committee is concerned;the idea that`paying more for
premium' will discourage long term`feeding of the meters' and help educate long
term parkers about-the advantage of using the structures or outlying 10-hour
zones.
Recommendations were forwarded to the Board for its consideration. After
discussion,the final decision by the Board was to support the concept of metered
parking on Sunday, leaving the timing of the program open for the City's
determination. The increased rate for the centralized zone,however,did not pass
and is not recommended at this time.
Cc: SLO Downtown Association Board of Directors
SLO Downtown Association Parking and Access Committee
B2-15
council mcmoRanoum
April 1, 2011
TO: City Council
FROM: Jay Walter, Public Works Director
VIA: Katie Lichtig, City Manager
SUBJECT: Red File: B2: Parking Revenue Enhancements
Staff has contacted the five religious organizations with facilities in or near the downtown core
to notify them that on April 5, 2011 Council would be considering charging for public parking
on Sundays. The organizations' service schedule is as follows:
Church Address Times of Sunday Service
First Presbyterian 981 Marsh 8:30 AM & 1 1A
Grace Church 1350 Osos Street 9 AM & 10:45 AM
Old Mission 751 Palm Street 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 12:45 PM, 6 PM, &7:30 PM
Saint Stephens 1344 Nipomo Street 8 am & 10 am
Trinity Presbyterian 1301 Osos Street 10:15 AM
'all sevices run about an hour
To date, staff has received the attached comments from all organizations with the exception of
the First Presbyterian Church on Marsh Street.
hard cojw. email•
RED FILE G COUNCIL O CDD DIR
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Red File: 132: Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 2
grace Celebrating, proclaiming and living the Gospel
San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast and beyond...
March 28,2011
Mr.Robert Horch
Parking Services Manager
1260 Chorro SL,Suite B
San Luis Obispo,CA 93401
Dear Mr.Horch,
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the proposed changes to the current Sunday parking regulations.
We appreciate our thoughts being represented to the City Council.We understand that parking fees and
regulations have been a topic of consideration for a number of years. Our former Business Administrator,Kathy
Borland,served on a parking task-force committee in the past. We also understand the Financial challenges
faced by the City of San Luis Obispo in these tough economic times.
The leadership of Grace Church,San Luis Obispo strongly opposes the city's proposal to begin charging for
metered and garage parking on Sunday mornings.This proposal will have a huge,adverse impact on our
community of faith and,we believe,on the downtown community,as a whole.
Between our two Sunday morning services at 9:00 and 10:45 AM,we serve over 1000 people,hundreds of who
often stick around downtown for lunch and shopping. The proposal to charge for parking beginning at 11:00 AM
on Sundays will undoubtedly trigger a decline in our Sunday service attendance as well as a decline In
downtown activity afterward.If our congregants have to pay for parking,they will likely leave the downtown area
and move to another part of town with free parking for lunch. We're certain downtown restaurants and other
merchants will see a drop in their revenue. Furthermore,since we are only one of several downtown churches,
this decline in revenue and adverse impact on downtown will be compounded.
Since our second service starts at 10:45 AM,if meters turn on at 11:00 AM,our congregants will have to start
paying early,or leave during a service to put money in the meters. That would be the case if meters turned on
at noon,as well,since our later service is not out until 12:15 PM. Another factor to consider is that people will be
forced to park further out from downtown,creating overflow in the neighborhoods. We're certain residents will
not look upon that favorably.
It is a pleasure and convenience to be able to eat,shop and enjoy downtown on Sunday without having to pay to
park if there are no other options for increasing city revenues,we recommend a compromise and start charging
for parking at 1:00 PM on Sunday. This would allow our church members,as well as other downtown churches
to park for free while attending services.
Thank you for your consideration. Please keep us updated on this issue and opportunities to express our
position before the SLO City Council.
Sincerely,
Tim Theule
Lead Pastor
Grace.Church,San Luis Obispo
Downtown on the comer of Pismo and Osos Streets
P.0.Box 33,San Ws Obispo,CA 93406
Phone:605.5432.358 • Fax:805.544.8914 • info@graceslo.org • www.graceslo.org
Red File: 132: Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 3
ission San Luis 06ispo de Tolosa
" a\ Pro Cathcdral
751N,s5treet • 5an Luis 06ispo,Caldomia93401 • Phone(905)J81-9220 • Fax(805)781-821+
e-mail:o�Iicc®oldmissiorwlaory Wc6 address:www.missionsanluiso6ispa.urg
March 31,7011
Mr.Robert Horeb
Parking Services Manager
1260 Chorro St.Suite B
San Luis Obispo,CA.93401
Dear Mr.Horch:
On behalf of Old Mission Church,I appreciate this opportunity to respond to SIA City staff proposals to
implement parking fees on Sunday in the downtown area.I trust you will forward our concerns to the City
Council which has requested these recommendations.While we appreciate the real issues which generate this
proposal,I cannot overstate the burden it would place on those of limited means,and the general disruption it
would cause to those attending Mass or bringing their children to Sunday youth services.
Historically,the City has waived Sunday parking fees for good and sound reasons.These reasons remain
unchanged.The many churches which serve our community from a downtown location have little or no private
parking.Indeed large private Church puking lots would not be a prudent use of valuable downtown parcels
which serve to promote business and produce necessary revenues for city projects.But the trade-offhas been,
and in fairness must remain,to accommodate free and convenient parking for the parishioners of the many
churches who come downtown to worship every Sunday.Though uninrended by design,anything less amounts
to an indirect tax upon the ability of local citizens to worship freely.
Indeed,the fact that hundreds and thousands of our parish members pass through downtown San Luis
Obispo every Sunday morning undeniably has a spill-over effect which in itself contributes to a healthy
business climate and the tax revenues which flow from that regular weekly traffic.I would not like to think
that Sunday parking fees would diminish either attendance or the free-will collection we rely upon for support,
but I know in fact that they will.There are suburban and neighborhood churches,just as there are outlying
shopping centers that thrive on their ample free parking.
Should Sunday parking fees be instituted,Old Mission and other historic downtown churches can expect to
see a fall-off in attendance either for the added cost,or the simple annoyance factor of having to feed a parking
meter in order to attend church services with one's family.It is only a question of to what degree.For the
greater good of our community,I urge the City Council to explore other means to secure the funding it seeks to
enhance the downtown district that we both share and cherish.
Faithfully yours,
Rev.Russell Brown
Pastor,Mission San Luis Obispo
Horch, Robert
From: St. Stephen's, SLO [
i
Red File: 132: Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 4
Horch, Robert.
From: St. Stephen's, SLO [
Sent:Wednesday, March 23, 20112:24 PM
To: Horch, Robert
Subject: Re:
Robert,
Good to speak with you by phone today. Thank you again for sending us the notice about
proposed changes in parking rates and times and your sensitivity to the needs of the churches.
At St. Stephen's we have a parking lot though it is not large enough for everyone who attend our
worship services. Parishioners park up and down Pismo and NIpomo streets. The only meters in
the immediate vicinity are on Nipomo in front of the Parks and Recreation Dept. I understand
that you propose to keep these at the current rate.
Our concern would be having to use the meters on Sunday beginning at 11 am. We often use
those spaces on Sunday from before 8 am to about noon for two different services. The problem
would be parishioners parking there for the 10 am service, having to go out and put coins in the
meters at 11 am so they could keep the parking up to 11:30 or 12.
Such a change would in effect take those spaces away for our use. If those meters could begin at
noon it would be no problem for us. I hope this is helpful and that everyone involved can come
to agreement about the best course of action.
Again, thank you for your involving us for input.
The Rev. C. Barry Turner
Rector, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
San Luis Obispo, CA
i
Red File: B2: Parking Revenue Enhancements Page 5
Horch, Robert
From: Jon Medlock Don@tdnityslo.org]
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2011 10:02 AM
To: Horch, Robert
Subject: Re: Sunday Parking
Page 1 of 2
4/1/2011
Hi Robert,
Thanks for letting us know about this. After discussion with our leadership and some members,
here are Trinity's thoughts. First, we totally understand the city's need to charge for parking in a
sufficient amount to cover expenses and maintain the services. It is a great benefit for Sundays to
be free, but we don't consider that to be a right or obligation. However, it seems to us that
charging for parking before 12 or 1 on Sundays amounts to a functional tax on church
attendance. There is very little commercial activity downtown on Sundays before then, and most
of the people parking are people attending churches. Our suggestion would be to start charging at
12 or 1. This would allow the city to recoup some money for parking services, while still freeing
people to attend church without the need to feed the meter. Also, it seems that leaving the
structures free during that time would be cost beneficial at any rate, since you would not
have to hire an attendant.
Please let me know if I can give any more input. Thanks again
Jon
TRINITYPRESBYTERIAN
jonmedlock I pastor
From: Jim Eaton
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 11:02 AM
To: Smith, Kathy
Subject: Sunday parking meters
Councilwoman Smith;
We have several times at Chamber mixers both prior to your election (the one in Los Osos where
I committed my vote to you and mixers since that meeting) Today, I implore you not to vote for
"live" meters on Sunday. With all the churches downtown, how friendly would our little city be.
Add in the impact of the big box stores on downtown merchants and this is another nail in their
coffins.We can find other revenue streams. The addition of the credit card options would be a
pleasant addition. Often in the downtown area, I find myself without change and end up in a
garage with free parking. I know I can get the city key card but never think about it until I need it.
Keep up the good work.
Jim Eaton
Radio Central Coast: KWWV"WILD 106.1", KPYG 'The Pig"94.9, KXTZ/DZ'The Beach" KYNS
"Talk/Sports": Dodgers Baseball : San Luis Obispo, Ca
hard co email:
RED FILE ° COUNCIL °COD DIR
° CITY MGR o FTrDIR
- M ° AMCM °FIRECHU
MEETING AGENDA
o ATTORNEY o PWDIR
DATE`/ // ITEM # Ba— o R,c 12 POLICE CHW
° TRIBUNE °PARKSRRECDIR
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NEWS o COUNCIL,
°CTrYMGR
°CLERK
From: John D. Grady, CFP [mailto:jgradyslo@earthlink.net] RED FILE
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 12:13 PM MEETING AGENDA
To: Council ALL
Subject: Parking fee increase + Sunday charges DATEIIIS11rI., ITEM #
Dear Mayor&Council members:
I strongly oppose the proposed fee increase to parking meter rates as well as the
establishment of Sunday parking fees.
I oppose the Sunday meter charges largely because we have many churches downtown,
most of which have little to no parking of their own. It is inappropriate in my opinion to
charge churchgoers a parking fee to attend Sunday services. Beyond that, it is also nice
to have just one day a week when you needn't worry about feeding a parking meter to
enjoy time downtown and spend money supporting downtown merchants (and support
the city as well).
I believe the rate charged at our parking meters is already excessive and any increase
will only further discourage shoppers and others from frequenting downtown, especially
as more shopping opportunities come online on Los Osos Valley Road where one can
park for free without limit seven days a week.
Perhaps if the Copelands let their building opportunity downtown expire then a better
(more appropriate) price will be had for the surface parking lot sold to them (or to
another developer) and this additional funding can go towards the parking structure at
Palm and Nipomo. Or, perhaps the developer can be required to put forth funding
towards this new parking structure as one of their requirements to develop.
Thank you.
heed opyr. email.
John Grady o COUNCIL 0CDD D1R
San Luis Obispo G CrrY WR U FUD1R
o AWCM c FMCHW
O ATTORNEY O PW DIR
G CLERWRIG O POLCECMF
C3 PM c PAW&RECDIR
o TRIBUNE o UTA.DIR
o NEW TOM o HR Dnt
From: Garden Street Goldsmiths [gsgoldsmiths@gmail.com] ° SL0°n NM o xbuNCIL
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 12:32 PM C a�ERsOR.
To: Manx, Jan
Cc: Ashbaugh,John; Carter, Andrew; Smith, Kathy; dcarpen@slocity.org
Subject: core downtown parking
Dear Madam Mayor and council members,
In Sunday's Tribune I read that the core parking rates and enforcement times are being
worked on Tuesday of this week. This is a critical issue to the core business's and it
seems that the communication is again poor. I do receive and read the Downtown
Association's E mail's and although it appears that the association has taken a position
there has been no request for"members" at large opinions. If there has been any
mention of it I missed it and I am careful to at least skim topics so I don't miss things.
In reference to including Sunday's as a meter enforcement day I feel that it has been a
long time in coming. We have often considered being open on Sundays, especially
during the summer,but have not done so due to the congested parking. The
experimentation that we have done indicates that Sunday is potentially a better business
day than Monday's. As to the 11 am to 6 pm time slot. If this seems important to the
churches and creates less resistance then "so be it".
On the topic of extended hours, it has seemed to me that stopping enforcement at 6 pm is
counter productive. As the city has welcomed more bars, entertainment, etc. to the core
downtown the evening parking is often a mess. We notice on Garden Street that often the
parking fills up and impacts, starting soon after 6pm. The current nighttime environment
in the core area is not conducive to retail and even often creates a situation that damages
our stores. The city further subsidizes this with free parking.. If the additional revenue of
7 hours on Sunday is important what about the revenue of an additional 3 hours the other
6 days of the week. It seems like that would be 18 or 21 additional hours depending upon
how it was done.
The idea of increasing meter rates concerns me. I have been part of this downtown from
the time that you could actually use a penny in a meter, now we are considering credit
cards. Originally the meters were installed as a management-tool,not for revenue. As
tends to happen with government the revenue.opportunity soon became an important
issue and the rates and fines went up. Currently the most significant complaint we get
from customers about downtown SLO is the meter rates and ticket fees. We offer free
tokens for the parking structure but have trouble giving them away. For most of our
customers it is not a real financial issue but an emotional issue as they shove quarters in
the meters and barely see the time increase, an forget nickles as they don't seem to be
noticed by the meters. Most of our customers do not have any understaning of the
different rate zones,but they do understand time limits. The recent increasess in ticket
fees has left more that one person in tears as $30+really affects there budget. These
individuals do not greatly affect our retail business but they are part of our town as they
try to survive.
I will be unable to attend Tuesday's meeting on this short notice,but as always I wish you
all well in finding your way through this issue.
Best Regards,
Richard Stephens
fiord coDr. email:
o COUNCIL o CDD DIR
o CITY MGR o FRDIR
G ASSTCM o FIRE CHIEF
o AITORNEY a PwDIA
From: Karen Adler[SMTP:FUDGE805@CHARTER.NETI o CLERYJDRIG 0POLICE CHIEF
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 9:24:56 PM a ISO 0PAPMARECDIR
aTRIBUNE o UmDIX
To: Council, S1oCity o NEWTMEs aHRDM
Subject: Sun. parking meters o SIA CITY NEWS aCWNCIL
Auto forwarded by a Rule ocITyMGA
o CLERC
Dear Mayor & City Council Members:
Knowing that you have a monumental job before you in trying to increase
fees in order to make the budget deficit come in line, I would highly
request that Sun. parking meter fees not be one of the drastic steps
you take. Enticing as it may sound, that just rubs salt in the average
citizen's wounds. If that's the option you encourage, then you might
as well put in 24 hour parking meters for around the clock fees. Then
we can all head out to the adjoining malls for free parking. Members
of Old Mission Parish already feed the meters when they attend 5:30 pm
Sat. Mass. The congregation should not have to pay parking meter fees
on Sun, also. There are so many reasons against this idea. Please
pass up this idea to add to the coffers.
Thank you,
Karen Adler RED FILE
1676 Fredericks St.. MEETING AGENDA
SLO 543-7213 DATE&e,&.1 ITEM # B a-
From: Lawrence H. Balthasar[SMTP:LBALTHAS@CALPOLY.EDUI
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 3:41:23 PM
To: Council, S1oCity
Subject: parking fees on Sunday
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Friend's,
I attend Mission San Luis Obispo, mainly the 11:00 mass on Sunday.
Often as I park on Palm or in the parking structure, I have thought how
nice it is for the City to dispense with parking fees on Sunday and
what an appropriate way it is for the City to observe the Sabbath.
I hope you will continue to be good folks on Sundays. After all, there
are six other days in the week for business as usual.
Sincerely, Lawrence Balthasar
From: alexgough@charter.net[SMTP:ALEXGOUGH@CHARTER.NET]
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 11:15:31 AM
To: Council, SloCity
Subject: Meters on Sunday
Auto forwarded by a Rule
To Members of the Council:
t �
As a long time downtown businessperson and resident I would urge you to
think twice before extending parking fees to Sunday. Sunday has become a
successful shopping day downtown in part because there is no cost to the
consumer for parking meters and/or fines. Introducing meters on Sunday is
likely to drive many away. Keep in mind that parking at the malls is free.
Secondly you will have additional hours and costs for the parking meter
attendants.
Alex Gough
Adobe Realty
From: Kevin Duggan[SMTP:DUGGANK1@GMAIL.COM]
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 10:06:03 AM
To: Council, SloCity
Subject: Parking Enhancement—Sunday Parking Fees
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear City Council Members
I am writing to encourage you all to vote against the proposed
institution of parking fees in the downtown area on Sundays. First,
there are any number of Churches in the downtown area. Instituting
parking fees on Sunday would create a hardship on those folks who are
trying to get to their respective Churches. Even the proposed time frame
for 'Fee Parking' would not help with late morning services or early
evening services. Why would we want to create this kind of hardship for
folks who are trying to get to Church services?
Second, in addition to the religious nature of Sundays, Sunday is also
traditionally a Family Day. If we're trying to encourage locals to get out
and enjoy our downtown area, Sunday would be the best day to have
free parking.
I would ask that you all vote against this proposed parking
enhancement.
I would also note that, as far as I'm concerned, we could do without a
parking structure on Nipomo St. More concrete downtown is not really
necessary.
Thanks,
Kevin J. Duggan
695 Cerro Romauldo Ave,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
From: Dan Krieger[SMTP:DAN@KRIEGERCONSULTING.NET]
Sent: Sunday,April 03, 2011 10:55:27 PM
To: Council, SloCity
Cc: Iizkrieger@charter.net; slohistory@gmail.com; Fr Russell;
mjmorris@amblaw.com
Subject: Charging for Sunday Morning Parking
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear Mme. Mayor and members of the Council,
Robert Horch, parking services manager for the city of San Luis Obispo, is correct when he says
that increasing parking revenues in the context of the success of downtown "has to be a very
delicate balance."
Indeed,the whole character of our historic downtown is constantly in a delicate balance.The
thriving urban presence of four of San Luis Obispo county's largest worship communities adds
significantly to quality of our city.Visitors observe the flow of congregants in and out of the
Presbyterian Church on Marsh, Grace Church on Osos and Pismo,St.Stephen's on Nipomo and
Pismo and the Old Mission at the heart of our town.
A frequent comment I overhear when I am giving tours is that three of those churches were
built before the age of automobiles.That snapshot image is a part of what we are. It's why San
Luis Obispo is a special place to visit.
The urban churches help our community in many ways.They host month-long overflow shelters
for the homeless.They offer stopgap counseling and other services for the increasing number of
Americans experiencing hard times.The city's core has always drawn those in need. These folks
aren't as visible as the Sunday congregants, but the needs of the.less fortunate could not be
served without the parishioners' monetary and volunteer contributions.
I urge the members of the city council to reflect on what they see each Sunday morning. I
observe ample street parking on the side streets as the downtown shops are preparing to open.
The spots fill as parishioners flock to 9, 10 and 11:00 A.M. and 12:45 P.M.services.When they
are vacated,they are quickly filled with visitors and locals interested in contributing to the
economic well-being of our shops and food services.
Please do not destroy the special fiber of a Sunday in San Luis Obispo by charging for parking at
the parking meters and parking structures before 2:00 P.M.
Best wishes,
LizK& DanK
Elizabeth and Daniel E. Krieger
Professor Emeritus, Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
President, California Mission Studies Association
662 Islay
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-4346
Voice: 805.543.9611
FAX:805.543.7122
dan@kriegerconsulting.net
slohistory@gmail.com
dkrieger@calpoly.edu
From: Joanie[SMTP:JOANIE805@SBCGLOBAL.NET]
Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 9:14:15 PM
To: Council, SloCity
Subject: Paying for Parking on Sundays
Auto forwarded by a Rule
On Sundays, I go to church downtown and find it a shame to hear that parking might no longer be
free on those days. Even beginning the meters at 11 am is a small concession, but definitely not
in keeping with enjoying the message of a service without having to think of parking right in the
middle of the sermon. I'm thinking of all the churches downtown and wondering if it's worth the
lost restaurant revenue because people may decide to do their after-church lunch elsewhere. I
like to take my daughters out to eat nearby after services, but I'm not sure I would continue if
parking is not free. It is starting to sound like the best option would be to bring a picnic lunch from
home and save on the cost of eating out as well as the parking.
It's especially tough to hear of this being proposed at a similar time that many of us are adjusting
to higher gas prices, less jobs, our favorite landmarks going out of business, and all the other
challenges present in this day and age. I'm concerned that while San Luis Obispo would not
soon lose its beauty, it may lose its charm.This proposal definitely makes me feel a lot less
welcome to worship in San Luis Obispo.
Thank you for your time regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Joanie Fugitt
805.550.0715
ird eo mail:
u COUNCIL a CDD DIR
a CITYMGR a FITDIR
a AWrCM aFIRECRIEF
a ATrORNBY a FW DIR
Hff
From: Bett ° P3 y[SMTP:BETTYSLO@CHARTER.NET] ° a MIUG PAAW&REECDIR
PIH
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 20119:10:14 AM a TRIBUNE a UMDIR
To: Council, SloCity ° sLoaTy s a COUNCIL
Subject: fee hikes and salaries ° sLocTrYNEws o CITY MDR
Auto forwarded by a Rule °ajmx
This week already, 2 long running local businesses are going to quit. Reason is cost: I can not
believe that people that have owned building downtown for so long and made so much on them,
will not give a break to local folks. On top of that, you are talking of raising parking fees. No
wonder I no longer go down town.
Also wonder, if maybe you learned alittle after replacing a 20 year employee with someone and
increased salary, as in the City Manager. Come on folks, use your heads
Betty Buchanan
From: ars199.545 arsl99.545 [SMTP:ARS199.545@ME.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 10:27:43 AM
To: Council, SloCity
Subject: Parking on Sundays
Auto forwarded by a Rule
To the Honorable City Council:
I do not agree with the proposal to charge for parking on Sundays.
I think that this would become a hardship for the 12:45 parishoners at
mission. Also, I spend time downtown shopping and eating on Sundays,
and I will curtail my Sunday trips downtown if this takes effect.
Sincerly,
Phil Angel
242-1351
Philangel@hotmail.com
RED FILE
— MEETING AGENDA
Jim and Terry Burrows DATE / J 1 ITEM # -6oZ
672 Howard Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE: Council Agenda, Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Business Item#2: Parking Revenue Enhancement
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We are writing to urge you to continue the long-standing policy of no parking
fees on Sunday in the downtown core. While it is important and prudent to
evaluate all options to raise city revenue, Sunday parking fees are not an
appropriate source because it would penalize both our poorest citizens and the
downtown churches and business that serve us all. Continuing to offer one day
a week of free parking allows access for everyone to downtown churches, parks
and businesses without penalty or prejudice. Parking fees, while only a
nominal fee for many, are prohibitive to many others who will be turned away
to seek options outside of downtown for shopping, recreation and worship.
Thank you for your consideration of all San Luis Obispo citizens and visitors.
We urge your continued support for no parking fees on Sunday.
Sincerely,
Jim and Terry Burrows
Page 1 of 1
From: Council, SloCity[slocitycouncil@slocity.org]
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 2:13 PM
To:
Subject: FW: parking fees
From: Paul Bonjour[SMTP:PAULBONJOUPl§=0K"b
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 2:12:33 PM
To: Council, SloCity
Cc: Walter, Jay
Subject: parking fees
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Many of the people who go to church on sunday are elderly and on a fixed income. A$1.50 may not be
much to you but it sure is different when you are on a fixed income and have to budget your money.
For this and other reasons i am adamently opposed to sunday parking fees. What you collect will
probably go to overtime for your meter maids. Also I would like the status on
the cleaning out of the outflow on laguna lake. do we have a permit? if so when will we get some
action.
Sincerely,
Paul Bonjour
Vice President Laguna Neighbors
SLO 93405
4/5/2011
RECEIVED Page I of
Arm b 2011 RE _E
MEETING AGENDA
SLO CITY CLERK DATE�� ITEM # a_�__
From: Bob/Moira Wunderlich [r _
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Sent: Tuesday,April 05, 20114:39 PM COUNCIL O'MDDIR
To: Cano, Elaina p Asea.rCM FiREGR �
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1 would like to address the issue of parking prices in SLO: ➢('I_ K
I understand an increase in the prices for parking on street and in the parking structures is being discussed this
evening..
It seems to me you will be defeating your purpose by raising rates-
1) Fewer people will come into the downtown area to shop
2) People with limited incomes(who have paid taxes all their lives)will have trouble coming up with more money
to
do any business in town (paying taxes, eating out, shopping for clothing etc)
3)Tourists may pay the extra money to park the first time they visit-but they probably won't be back.
4) It is an incentive to park downtown when you get one hour of free parking-the money that's saved will likely be
spent in the stores downtown..
5)A feeling of welcome and support will'be'lost with no"free' houi"
6)When it comes to churchgoers—Sunday free parking has been a blessing! PLEASE don't change the rules
and cause a hardship-especially on Seniors.
Lets find a different solution!!!Thank you for reading this
Sent.respectfully,
Moira Wunderlich
San Luis Obispo Ca
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4/5/2011
Name: Michael Campbell
Address: 9325 Rivera ln.apt.B
City: Atascadero
State: ca.
Zip: 93422
Phone: 805-461-9637
Fax-.
email from: MikeandNickc@gmail.com
Message:
City of San Luis Obispo,You've just lost my buisness as a frequent
shopper on Sunday's after church.Now your charging for parking on
Sundays!We'll, you've gone too far.From now on all my buisness will go
to Paso Robles for all our shopping needs,we will no longer be nickel
and dimed by the city of slo.
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/4551-1-
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Mose Marie Shapley
r
3150 Estellita Court,Apt. C
t(.b
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
r
1 RoseAssisfmgYou@gmail.com
a Fr 3 (805)540-0984 Cell9 l
(805)543-0388 Messages
In response to adding Sunday as a metered day... believe there is akohrrion to
collect funds. Ifparking meter hours were extended during our peak-use evenings Thursday,
Friday and Saturday nights(matching those of the parking garage hours)it would increase the
amount ofparking fees collected without discouraging parking during off-peak business hours.
SLO is an attractive destination for tourist, many are interested in the history of our community.
It is possible to encourage visitors to extend their stay a thud night by offering a discount and
reminding them of free parking on Sunday. Some tourist travel mid-week and off-season
looking for to take advantage of off-peak savings. It would be a shame to discourage business
during off-peak times by charging folks for parking. It seems better to encourage visitors with
free parking. The city could make better use of data they have collected by reviewing when the
busiest times and comparing it to off-peak times to verify what would make the most "cents".
Please look over this proposal again. According to The Tribune,Wed.,April 6, 2011 changing
the meter rates from$1.25 per hour to 1.50 will cost$223,335 for the 400 meters. Spending
$223,335 to increase the meter rates may not produced the desired results ifpeople use them less.
Extending the meters hours(6pm-I0pm or even later)on Thursday,Friday and Saturday nights
would certainly boost revenues in those 4 hours for 3 nights producing at least 12 extra hours of
parking revenue without tampering with the free parking on Sundays or the meters themselves
which makes more sense to me, and I think it would provide more revenue without the cost of
$233,335 to change the meters.
Rates could be raised in the garages without the cost incurred to raise meter rates, an obvious
savings. Encouraging parking in the garage by offering the first hour for free and no worry of
getting a ticket seems to be working as the garages are used so much more creating this need for
another garage. Why not raise garage rates rather than street rates? Making use ofparking
revenue information of what has been collected from street and garages can help to determine a
formula that will get the most cars off the streets and into the garages making it easy parking for
those shopping in the core of downtown.
I wonder what the impact on downtown would be if$20 million dollars was spent on providing
housing to folks willing to live downtown without a car and make good use of the mass
transportation center at City Hall. That$20 million could be used for lots of improvements.
Many folks have to commute from outside the city to work in downtown SLO. By providing
housing close to where they work the need for cars would be minimal I think it is a good math
question for those who study such things. Could the city save
Amoney by providing such
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From: rmlrailey1[SMTP:RMLRAILEYI @ATT.NET] �-rraw B oX
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 12:43:27 PM
To: Council, SloCity
Cc letters@thetribunenews.com r—
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear San Luis City Council,
Please do not raise parking fees downtown.
Please do not initiate parking fees on Sunday. FJ CC. L CDuvaw
You.have a unique shopping environment downtown San Luis Obispo that draws
customers both local and visiting. Anything that detracts from that environment should be
avoided. Parking fees are already at the threshold of non affordable and are a serious
detraction to the shopping experience. additional costs to shop downtown will force
myself and my family to shift our focus to the parts of town that do not harass us with
parking fees. We will go, reluctantly, to the,big box stores, such as Costco or target. We
know that many will do the same to the detriment of downtown.
There is evidence of business erosion downtown due to the economic downturn and to
excessive rents. Many well established businesses have closed their doors in recent times.
There should be an all out effort to enhance the draw of customers to downtown. Having
parking fees and the excessive fines for violation are a huge negative for downtown.
As for initiating parking fees on Sunday, shame on you all.
Rolf and Mary Lou Railey