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HomeMy WebLinkAboutparking_utility_minutes_07-09-08/`'~ OSHKOSH PARKING UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 9, 2008 PRESENT: Jim Stapel, Presiding; Dennis McHugh, Mary Murken and Jay Ratchman ABSENT: Carol Schiessl STAFF: Christopher Strong, Transportation Director Jennifer Weigand, Recording Secretary Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stapel called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. McHugh moved to accept the May 14, 2008 minutes. Mr. Ratchman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. FINANCIAL REPORTS Ms. Murken questioned the difference between year-to-date totals and year-to-date budget target totals. Mr. Strong said the year-to-date totals fluctuate due to seasonal issues. Mr. Ratchman said he has noticed the ticketing employee drive past over-parked vehicles without issuing a ticket in some parking lots. Mr. McHugh felt we can't let violators slide by. Mr. Ratchman agreed that regular enforcement provides credibility to the parking regulations. Mr. Stapel moved to accept the financial reports, Mr. McHugh seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS 1. DISCUSSION ON MONTHLY PARKING PERMITS/STICKERS. This item was withdrawn per staff request. 2. DISCUSSION ON PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN NEAR HIGH AVENUE PARKING LOT. Mr. Bob Freid, 708 Nicolet Avenue, a Board member of the Oshkosh Community Credit Union, provided Board members with pictures of delivery vehicles parking in the area in question over a one-week period. He noted that the credit union has been working for over three years to develop an improved site plan which would address some existing problems. Large delivery trucks use their parking lot to make deliveries to the rear entrance of the Reptile Palace, 141 High Avenue. He believes the most logical solution is to have the City give up three or four parking spaces in the High Avenue parking lot so the trucks have access to the back of these businesses. PARKING UTILITY MINUTES Page 2 JULY 9, 2008 Mr. Strong said he had Public Works look at the turning radii for larger vehicles and they felt the removal of four spaces would be sufficient. Mr. Ratchman felt more than four spaces would be needed. Mr. Freid pointed out this would be the same type of situation that is occurring behind the Magnet Bar on N. Main Street. Mr. Strong said Paul Winters, owner of the former Tent & Awning property (13 5 High Avenue), had paid him a visit and presented two different alternatives to the problem. One alternative would be a straight driveway off of Pearl Avenue or construct a driveway with no access to Pearl Avenue. Mr. Winters felt the proposal before Board would not allow him access to his property. Mr. Freid noted that in the three years of discussions, Mr. Winters has not been involved. He said these two alternatives would not work for the credit union. Mr. Strong noted the parking spaces in question have low daily usage. His questions to the board were: 1) is the Board interested in forfeiting these parking spaces, and 2) is the Board comfortable with the increased wear and tear on the parking lot. Mr. McHugh suggested the delivery trucks unload on High Avenue. He has observed delivery trucks double parking on other streets throughout the city. Mr. Jim Lang, part of the corporation that owns the tavern, the four apartments above the tavern, and the adjacent tattoo parlor, noted that prior to the railroad abandoning the tracks, the delivery trucks would drive on the railroad right-of way. This practice had been going on for over 50 years. He noted the existing alley between the High Avenue businesses is too narrow to use for deliveries. On- street parking on High Avenue is used by tenants and retail customers. Traffic volumes are high on High Avenue and if delivery trucks were parked there, traffic would be down to one lane. He said his corporation and Mr. Freid are trying to work this problem out. Mr. McHugh could see how this proposal would work but felt it was not fair to just give away these parking spaces. He suggested possible monetary compensation. Mr. Freid asked Mr. Stapel if he paid for the loss of parking his delivery trucks cause. Mr. Stapel replied "no". Mr. Jackson Kinney said the Magnet Bar, on the 500 block of North Main Street, did not pay for a similar accommodation in reduced parking. The City recognized the need for this accommodation when developing the parking lot plans for the Division Street lot (behind the Magnet Bar). Mr. Freid pointed out that the affected stalls in the High Avenue lot are not being used. Mr. Stapel said one drawback to this plan could be the deterioration of the asphalt. Mr. Kinney said 5" of asphalt was put in the Division Street parking lot to accommodate for delivery trucks. He said when the City acquired the railroad right-of way, they were able to expand parking by 75 stalls and shift things around. This proposal presents a complex set of issues. He said everyone needs to look at a solution the City can assist with. The City would like the credit union to stay at this location. He said the Dept. of Community Development supports this proposal. Mr. Lang has owned many businesses the past 33 years and his properties have 3" of asphalt, which is utilized daily by delivery trucks and he has had no problems with the asphalt degrading. Mr. Sid Hirschberg, owner of 250 Pearl Avenue, felt the credit union needed to purchase the property first before any decision was made. Mr. Stapel said that was a different issue than the one before the Board. Mr. McHugh felt that there is no other solution than what was proposed. PARKING UTILITY MINUTES Page 3 JULY 9, 2008 Mr. Stapel preferred that, if possible, the spaces be made available to evening parking for Grand Opera House events. Mr. Strong said that might present a challenge in pavement marking, but he would look into whether it could be done. Mr. McHugh moved to eliminate up to six (6) parking spaces in the High Avenue parking lot, Mr. Ratchman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING None. None. STAFF STATEMENTS ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the Parking Utility Commission, and upon being duly moved and seconded (Murken, McHugh), the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.