Agenda
6.11.2008 Parking Committee Minutes
I.
Roll Call
A. A meeting of the City of Medford Parking District Committee was called to order at 8:00 a.m., on the above date, in the Medford Urban Renewal Agency, Conference Room, 45 South Holly Street, by Chair Jim Smith, with the following Members and Staff in attendance:
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Present
James (?Jim?) Smith, Chair, Salon Nouveau
Tom Basgen, Vice Chair, Medford Builders Exchange
Doris Cearley, Main Antique Mall
George Schroeder, Secretary, Schroeder?s Antiques
Absent
Grant Lagorio, RCC, Director of Facilities Dept
Mark Millner, Terra Firma
Mark Seus, Hubbard?s Hardware
AD-HOC MEMBERS:
Present
Denise Bostwick, City of Medford Municipal Court Clerk
Brian Rogers, Brian Rogers Building Design, Heart of Medford Association President
ENFORCEMENT:
Don English, President, Action Parking, Inc.
Meredith Riebel, Manager, Action Parking, Inc
STAFF:
Present
Jackie Rodgers, Executive Director, MURA
Errin Sills, Office Administrator, MURA
GUESTS:
Virginia Casale, Friends of the Medford Library
Charles Casale, Friends of the Medford Library
Tim D?Alessandro, Rogue Valley Transportation District
Paige Townsend, Rogue Valley Transportation District
Ryan Pascoe, Rogue Valley Transportation District
II.
Minutes
A. Parking Committee Minutes May 14, 2008
Tom Basgen stated that the minutes of May 14, 2008 state, ?After lengthy discussion, the Parking Committee?s consensus was that the placard not be instituted for the Medford Downtown District.? Tom stated that the word ?lengthy? is incorrect, as he recalls the discussion regarding loading or unloading, was brief and not lengthy.
Jim Smith, Chair, inquired whether Tom would prefer the word be changed to ?brief discussion? instead of ?lengthy discussion?. Tom stated that ?a discussion? would be fine.
It was moved, seconded and approved to accept the minutes of May 14, 2008 Parking Committee meeting as amended.
MOTION: Doris Cearley
SECOND: Tom Basgen
VOTE: Unanimous approval
III.
Communications from Audience
Staff read a letter that was received at the Agency office, from Friends of the Library, dated May 28, 2008, by Karen Foster, Secretary, and Kathleen Davis, Chair.
Staff reported that the letter states, ?When the new library was built, no accommodation for a drive-up book drop was made, an oversight that deeply disappointed patrons, Friends members, and the Advisory Committee.? Staff stated it was not an ?oversight? as it was discussed and decided by the Library, to add two five-minute parking spaces instead of drop boxes in Parking Lot #3.
Staff reported that the Library group is requesting four drop boxes within Parking Lot #3, adjacent to the Library.
Staff recommended that the Parking Committee decide whether the Agency should move forward to consider placements of Library drop boxes.
Virginia Casale, Friends of the Medford Library, stated that they are willing to provide appropriate funds to accomplish this task. Library staff would be removing the books from the boxes. Due to the traffic flow on Central Avenue, the preference would be to have the drop-boxes inside Parking Lot #3.
The Parking Committee recommended that Staff move forward in researching placement and feasibility of Library drop-boxes in Parking Lot #3.
Staff stated that they would discuss this matter with City Traffic Engineering.
Staff stated that the Agency has requested a schematic of the plan for the traffic flow from Ms. Davis.
Presentation: Downtown Medford Bike Parking Facility, RVTD, Paige Townsend
(Taken out of sequence - VII. New Business A)
Paige Townsend, Senior Planner, Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD), stated that RVTD provides transit service in the Rogue Valley in addition to providing Transportation Management (TM), which deals with alternative transportation advocacy. RVTD requested consideration of a new bike facility that would be placed across from the Front Street station. The current Greyhound Station construction has impacted the existing bicycle station, which has 20 to 25 spaces located at the Front Street Station. Ms. Townsend stated that RVTD tracks usage of the Front Street bicycle station and ascertained the bicycle station is used to its fullest capacity during the summer weather and half usage during inclement weather.
Ms. Townsend stated that RVTD seeks a recommendation for approval to use four (4) vehicle leased spaces on the southeast corner of 9th and Front Street, in Central B Parking Lot #5. The facility will provide 40 to 60 new bicycle spaces, using a well-designed covered parking area available for public use 24/7.
Ms. Townsend commented that RVTD has liability insurance for all it?s leased, owned, and easement spaces. The bike shelter would fall under RVTD?s insurance policy. RVTD would take responsibility for all maintenance and repairs.
Ms. Townsend stated that RVTD is hoping to partner with Medford Urban Renewal Agency and have the area dedicated to the bike parking facility.
Jim stated that he would like to see a placard or sign listing the rules of the road installed at the facility.
Brian Rogers suggested as an alternative option, possibly using a landscaped area in place of parking spaces, and substantiate whether there is a need for more bicycle parking. Brian stated that he is available to research alternative options.
Meredith Riebel reported that all the reserved spaces in Central B Parking Lot #5 are sold.
Ms. Townsend reported that RVTD would rather not remove or alter landscaping. The parking spaces are a consideration due to it?s close proximity to the RVTD Bus Station. Ms. Townsend stated that RVTD would rather use the funds to purchase the units instead of site preparation required for altering landscaped areas.
It was moved, seconded and approved to have Brian Rogers research and prepare an alternative plan that the Committee can take under consideration at its July 9, 2008 meeting. Ms. Townsend agreed to this plan.
MOTION: Tom Basgen
SECOND: George Schroeder
VOTE: Unanimous approval
IV.
Court Report
Denise Bostwick of Municipal Court reported that a total of twenty-six (26) appeal letters were received during the month of May 2008.
Denise reported that Action Parking issued a total of 782 citations and only 26 letters were received. She stated that the number of letters received present a good ratio versus citations issued.
George Schroeder remarked that the overtime parking citations were down in the month of May by almost one hundred (100) in comparison to April.
Meredith reported that there were a couple of staff sick days in addition to Central A, Parking Lot #4 and Riverside Lot #3 not being patrolled for one day each due to events.
V.
Correspondence
A. Letter, dated May 14, 2008, from Dave Bierwiler, Fire Chief, City of Medford, Fire Department, re: April 30, 2008 thank you
The Agency received a letter from Dave Bierwiler, City of Medford Fire Chief, expressing deepest appreciation on behalf of the entire Medford Fire Department and the Medford Firefighters Association, for assuring that the parking garage was available and suspending parking regulations during the memorial service for Medford Fire Department (MFD) Firefighter John Wells and MFD Engineer Gale Gurr.
The letter was included in the agenda packet for informational purposes only.
B. Note, dated May 20, 2008, from Melissa Gurr, re: thank you.
The Agency received a thank you note from Melissa Gurr for suspending parking restrictions and for the ease of parking for the memorial service for her husband, MFD Engineer Gale Gurr on April 30, 2008.
The note was included in the agenda packet for informational purposes only.
C. Letter, dated May 13, 2008, from Glenda Hull, re: overtime citation. Staff response letter, dated, May 22, 2008.
Staff stated that Ms. Hull received an overtime parking citation. Ms. Hull felt the citation was unduly issued because she was conducting volunteer work at the time.
Staff sent a response letter stating that there is no distinction in vehicles and that Downtown Parking District?s Mission Statement stresses the need for equal treatment and parking provisions to all users of downtown public parking.
Staff extended an invitation to Ms. Hull to attend the June 11, 2008 Parking Committee meeting.
The letter was included in the agenda packet for informational purposes only.
D. Letter, dated April 29, 2008, from Rhonda Dail, re: delinquent fee. Email, dated May 27, 2008, from Denise Bostwick, Municipal Court Clerk, re: Judge?s decision.
Staff stated that Ms. Dail wrote that she was protesting the timely manner in which her citation payment was handled. Staff reported that the Municipal Court Judge reduced the fine to the original fine and forgave the late fee.
The letter was included in the agenda packet for informational purposes only.
VI.
Old Business
A. Updates:
A. Alley Parking Permits
Staff reported that the alley parking permit language was submitted to the City Attorney?s office and Staff is awaiting their response.
Doris Clearly inquired as to what could be done for alley parking violations during the weekend.
Denise Bostwick stated that the Medford Police Department should be called.
B. Action?s Collection Agency
Meredith reported that she is in contact with a Collection Agency, attempting to place Action Parking under a specific ORS in order to have the customer pay the late fee(s) to the collection firm.
Meredith reported that a meeting between the Collection Agency and Medford Urban Renewal Agency has been scheduled.
B. Repainting of the Library Parking Lot #3
Staff stated that the Medford Jackson County Public Library?s lines were repainted. Staff presented photographs of the completed Library Parking Lot?s repainting.
George Schroeder commented that the repainting job was very nicely completed.
Staff reported that a new State regulation requires that when re-striping a parking lot, a re-striping of a proportionate number of handicap wheelchair parking spaces must be included, and in the process the Downtown Parking District may lose parking spaces.
C. Lane separator painted in Middleford
Staff reported that the Agency received a report regarding ramp traffic flow in the Middleford Parking Structure?s. Staff stated that vehicles were veering to the opposite corner. A lane separator stripe was painted on the ramp corners to indicate two lanes.
D. Update: Downtown tic-marks
Staff stated that the City of Medford?s Public Works Department was hoping to have the tic-marks painted before the regular painting season; however, delays by Public Works were caused due to inclement weather. Public Works stated that painting of center lanes have taken priority and the downtown tic-marks will possibly be painted in Fall 2008.
VII.
New Business
A. Presentation: Downtown Medford Bike Parking Facility, RVTD, Paige Townsend
Taken out of sequence, under item III. Communications from Audience
B. Request by Sweet Water Café, re: use of parking spaces
Staff stated that Ms. Tollefson owns the ?Sweet Water Café?, which is currently leasing property in the Greyhound Depot Building. Medford Urban Renewal Agency purchased the Greyhound Building and plans to demolish the building. A new station is being built adjacent to the RVTD Transit Station. The new Station on Front Street will belong to RVTD; however, it will be leased by Greyhound. Greyhound does not want a restaurant or café inside the depot. The Agency?s agreement is to relocate the Depot. The Sweet Water Café lease agreement is with Greyhound, not the Agency. The Agency is not responsible for relocating Sweet Water Café. Staff stated that the lease agreement is strictly between Sweet Water Café and Greyhound.
Staff reported that Ms. Tollefson is requesting nine leased parking spaces in the Central B Parking Lot #5.
George stated that if the Parking District were to give up the nine leased spaces to ?Sweet Water Café?, there would be a need to create new parking spaces and/or relocate the customers who are currently leasing those spaces.
Tom stated that the Yellow Submarine location is available for lease and inquired whether that could be a possibility for Ms. Tollefson.
Brian stated he understands that Ms. Tollefson would not be as close to the transit station as she would prefer, but there is available lease options in the private real estate sector that would not impact parking.
George stated that downtown parking is currently limited, especially in the vicinity of RCC, and with the new RCC/SOU building to open in the fall, additional parking will be needed.
Staff commented that RCC will be relocating some of their current offices and classrooms into the new RCC/SOU building.
Brian stated that Ms. Tollefson?s suggestion of placing her new drive-through grill and coffee mobile unit would be great for people who are driving, but it is not conducive to walk-ups (bus patrons).
Denise stated that it could create a traffic congestion issue.
Staff commented a consideration would be whether the Parking Committee would like a permanently placed mobile unit in a parking lot in the downtown. Would it fit with the desired look of downtown? Other considerations would be traffic impact, trash concerns, and the removal of nine parking spaces, which are currently being leased.
After a lengthy discussion by the Parking Committee, Jim requested the Parking Committee vote on Ms. Tollefson?s request.
It was moved, seconded and approved to not lease nine parking spaces in Central B Parking Lot #5 to Ms. Tollefson (Sweet Water Café).
MOTION: Tom Basgen
SECOND: George Schroeder
VOTE: Unanimous approval
C. Request by Action Parking, Inc., re: change Parking Enforcement start time
Meredith stated that Action Parking Services, Inc. is requesting a change of their current start time for parking enforcement. Meredith stated that the contract states, ?Hours shall be 40 hours per week, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.? Currently the PEO?s begin their rounds between 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. in order to present a range of different tracking times. The late start of 8:30 a.m. does not allow the PEO to make that last round at 4:00 p.m. because they would not be able to start the final round until 4:30 p.m. The PEO would start the round at 7:45 a.m. and end at 4:45 p.m.
George stated that the street parking signs state 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. enforced limits.
Jim stated that Action Parking Services, Inc. is patrolling 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and people who work downtown are aware of that schedule.
It was moved, seconded and approved for Action Parking Service, Inc. to immediately begin the flexible patrol range starting between 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and end between 4:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
MOTION: Tom Basgen
SECOND: George Schroeder
VOTE: Unanimous approval
VIII.
Announcements
A. Staff stated that Heart of Medford Association (HMA) is having a ?Retail Round-Up? on June 25, 2008. There will be speakers, goodie bags, prizes, etc. HMA is requesting a donation from the Downtown Parking District of $3 All-Day parking passes to be awarded as a prize.
George reported that the Heart of Medford Association is promoting HMA membership.
Brian Rogers, Heart of Medford Association President, stated it would be good public relations and a great way to promote downtown parking awareness.
Jim suggested that HMA could include the parking brochure in the goodie bags. Brian stated that HMA would be happy to include the parking brochures in the goodie bags.
It was moved, seconded and approved to provide six (6) All-Day parking passes to the Heart of Medford Association to be awarded at the ?Retail Round-Up.?
MOTION: George Schroeder
SECOND: Doris Cearley
VOTE: Unanimous approval
B. Staff reported that the June 2008 Sneak Preview?s ?Word on the Street? asked, ?Will the rising cost of gas affect your summer plans?? Sam Frodge, who is employed by Action Parking, Inc. as a PEO, replied, ?Yes, it?s going to make a big difference. After making car and insurance payments, I don?t have any money left for the tank. I?m already riding my bike ten miles to work everyday.?
Staff stated that Mr. Frodge is to be commended for riding a bicycle and helping the parking situation.
C. Staff reported that in the May 2008 Sneak Preview?s ?Word on the Street?, Sina Moore stated that better parking is needed downtown; and her boyfriend, who attends RCC, cannot leave in the middle of class to move his car. Staff wrote a response letter to the Sneak Preview?s Editor, which was published in the June 2008 edition. Staff wrote that there are numerous facilities offering 3 and 4-hour free parking within or near the RCC Campus; including leased parking in the Evergreen Parking Structure, at 8th and Fir Streets, which offers RCC students reduced the cost of $25 for one full school term.
IX.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Submitted by:
Frances Cano
Administrative Support Technician
Approved by:
James Smith, PhD
Parking Committee Chair
6.11.2008 Agenda
I. Attendance
A. Roll Call
II. Approval of Minutes
A. Minutes of May 14, 2008
III. Communications from Audience
IV. Court Report
V. Correspondence
A. Letter, dated May 14, 2008, from Dave Bierwiler, Fire Chief, City of Medford
Fire Department, re: April 30, 2008 thank you.
B. Note, dated May 20, 2008, from Melissa Gurr, re: thank you.
C. Letter, dated May 13, 2008, from Glenda Hull, re: overtime citation. Staff
response letter, dated, May 22, 2008.
D. Letter, dated April 29, 2008, from Rhonda Dail, re: delinquent fee. Email, dated
May 27, 2008, from Denise Bostwick, Municipal Court Clerk, re: Judge?s
decision.
VI. Old Business
A. Updates:
A. Alley Parking Permits
B. Action?s Collection Agency
B. Repainting in Library Parking Lot
C. Lane separator painted in Middleford
D. Update: Downtown tic-marks
VII. New Business
A Presentation: Downtown Medford Bike Parking Facility, RVTD, Paige Townsend
B. Request by Sweet Water Café, re: use of parking spaces
C. Request by Action Parking, Inc., re: change Parking Enforcement start time
VIII. Announcements
IX. Adjournment
Next Meeting: Wednesday, Juy 9, 2008
