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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1999DRAFT - NIT .&PPROVED The Parking Committee A Sub -Committee of the Cin• Council of Evanstom Illinois Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 6:15P.M. Members Present: Alderman Newman, Alderman Bernstein, Giddings, Hammerschlag, Reynolds, and Penman Members Absent: Alderman Wynne (sick) Staff Present. Jennings, Baucom Visitors: Rick Steinberg (arrived 7:45pm) David Jennings presented a summary of Budget Memo #98 which had been prepared for the City Council at the request of Alderman Newman to increase the parking tax on monthly parking permits from S4/month to $6/month. Mr. Jennings explained this would mean the daily tax charged for each person parking in the garages would increase from $0.20 per transaction to $0.30 per transaction. He explained that concurrent with the increase in the daily parking tax, it might be appropriate to increase the hourly fees, which had not been revised in over 10 years. He pointed out the table on the memo which contrasts the current hourly fees in the garages with the rates proposed by Alderman Newman. Mr. Jennings pointed out that the funds received from the Parking Tax go entirely to the General Fund. Discussion followed among the members about the parking tax and the increased parking fees, how people perceive rate increases, and whether a rate increase is really needed. (David Reynolds left at this time - 6:35 p.m.) Jonathan Perman said he has difficulty increasing the parking rates beyond the tax increase as there is no substantive reason for an increase at this time. John Hanunerschlag expressed his opinion that the method of establishing the tax as a flat rate is not the best idea and that the tax rate in Chicago was originally supposed to be based on a percentage. Additional discussion followed about how rates are determined, Chicago's parking tax structure and parking rates in Chicago garages; rates charged in private sector garages versus municipal garages. Jean Baucom and John Hammerschlag both stated that the consumer sees an increase of the tax rate as parking rate increase and does not distinguish between a rate fee and a parking tax fee. Both also stated that going from the current $0.60 to $1.00 is a large increase in the view of Parking Committee Minutes Meeting of February 24, 1999 page 2 the parker. Jonathan Perman said that the increased dais- razes are a problem for the businesses in Evanston who hire minimum wage, part-time employees Alderman Bernstein and Alderman Newman said they believe the parking rates are too low and have been; Alderman Newman said he did not feel asking all -day packers to pay an additional S 1 per day was unreasonable. Jonathan Penman reiterated that, white a dollar a day might not be significant to those around the table, it is significant to those at lower salary range. Jean Baucom said that a person earning S5.25 per hoar will take home 80% of that amount and that she has seen employees in one business on Benison Avenue remind co-workers that they have to go feed their meters in an hour. When she heard this, she commented that E%a=on issues tickets for vehicles parked longer than the 2 hours, and the employees said they go out and rub the chalk off the tires so they don't get ticketed. P►+Is. Baucom said that the increased costs for part -tune employees are significant and that employers need to look at how difficult good workers are to fund and consider subsidizing these employees rather than losing them or encouraging them to meter feed. Discussion continued on the proposed rates. A revised fee structured was established as: 0 - I hour FREE i - 2 hours $1.00 (including the S0.30 parking tax) 2 - 3 hours S 1.50 " 3 - 4 hours S 2.50 " 4-12 hours S 4.50 " 12-24 hours $7.00 " Alderman Newman said he believes those parking for a day or more should pay for this opportunity. Jean Baucom advised that CPS Parking had come to her a few days ago recommending that the City extend the closing in the Sherman Ave. Garage from 9PM to 10 PK Monday - Friday because of the number of all -day parkers w-ho wait in their cars to leave just after 9PM to prevent paying for parking. She said she had advised them to try this for a few weeks to get information on the number of vehicles and revenues and the issue would be evaluated and a decision made about a permanent change in hours. The Committee then voted 4:1 in favor of recommending hourly rate increases for the garages. David Jennings will prepare a recommendation for rate change to go to the Administration & Public Works Committee which describes both pros and cores of the rate change. Jean Baucom advised the Committee that the U. S. Postal Service has requested to renew their lease for the spaces inside the fenced area of Lot 25 on the 1600 block of Maple Ave. She said they have expressed an interest in obtaining additional spaces due to the problems with storing the newer vehicles as the mini -vans and LRVs take up more room than the small Jeeps. Ms. Baucom and David Jennings recommended that the Committee consider relocating the existing 8 permit holders to other facilities and offering these spaces to the Postal Service for several reasons: (1) the Postal Service needs the spaces and there is no other place for them to go, (2) in order to maneuver the vehicles during the morning and afternoon hours, the Postal Vehicles are parking in Parking Committee Minutes Meeting of February 24, 1999 page 3 the alley and in metered spaces on Maple Avenue in front of the businesses. and (3) there is uncertainty as to the ownership and accessibility of the private alley adjacent to the permit spa=s- Alderman Newman said he felt this is a good lot for the Postal Service and that it has generally worked out well to have them there. He asked if there are other locations for the current perwid holders, and Jean Baucom said they could be placed either in the Sherman Avenue Garage, the lot on Oak at the other end of the alley, or in a lot around Grove & Maple. The Committee concurred with the Staff recomnx dation, but requested that all of the permit holders be invited to the next Parking Committee Meeting to present their %iews. Design at Maple Avenue Garage 6EntertainCenter YLU Proiec ) Members of the Committee indicated they agree with the memo prepared by David Jennings. They requested that "distinctive floor identification" be added under Graphics and Signage. David Jennings advised that there would be no angle parking on Maple Avenue and that at the present time the traffic lanes would be 12 feet wide. Mr. Jennings advised that Neil Kenig reconuncrxs making 11 feet wide traffic lanes and adding the extra width to the sidewalk. The Committee concurred. John Harmrnerschlag questioned the use of mid -block knuckles, and Da%id Jennings agreed that there is no value to having them at this point and would direct the developer to make a straight curb on the cast and west sides of Maple between Church St. and Clark St. Mr. Jeruimgs said he has some concerns about the U-turn. He said that, while the radius works. it is very important to keep the area clear where the cars would be turning. This can be done by adding more space for the valet operation. Draft A&M Lease Aff Parking enacts !or OfflCC2eyaU Devr(nnments Within the Research Park: The overall initial comments were that the lease is not favorable to City and has only the tenant in mind, that the lease guarantees SPACES which suggests reserved spaces just for that tenant, that the term of the lease is much too long and would require the City to rebuild if the building were destroyed regardless of whether this was in the best interest of the City, and that the rates require the City to provide cheap parking in an already highly subsidized garage. The Committee briefly reviewed several paragraphs and said that the language should be changed to show: Paragnh l: a ,Permits to park in one of the following garages: Maple A-tenue Self -Park, Sherman Avenue Garage, or Church Street Self Park. ----all permits to be for the same garage ---not a permit that would be valid at any garage. b. Location of parking assigned should include the Church Street Self Park, if the Paiking Committee Minutes Meeting of February 24, 1999 page 4 distance is within the zoning radius or can be increased to include this garage- C . Description of the number of spaces should be more reflective of current desagn. d. ZO f needs some flexibility - should meet zoning at minimiun and greater distance during construction or other circumstances. a. Term should be 30 years with three 10-year extensions. The City should argue that after Scribcor or others pay their building's debt service (assume 30 yrs) they can build their own parking. 99 years is much too long and far exceeds a parking garage's life, requiring the City to always provide parking ---even rebuilding to meet this tenant's lease. b. The current model ties up the property for 250 years and no one can predict that far in advance a. Delete "current lowest monthly rate then being charged by Landlord for spaces in its public garages." Rent should be the amount l2aid by general pikers for mol3thly parkin. The made] lease means that the Tenant would get the lowest rate including any special deals that have been made, such as the reduced rate for Rotary or John Buck. This garage is already highly subsidized and the Tenant would be getting a bargain at the currently market rate for permits otherwise he would have to build parking and have the higher debt service_ No deals should be made for special reduced rates. b. Rent should be made on the same basis (monthly) as others parking in the garage as it is difficult for the operator to have various payment terms. a. This paragraph currently allows the Tenant to determine the method of parking and the maintenance and operations of the facility. This should never be the case. The City should be the sole entity making such decisions. b. Language used regarding the maintenance and repairs says in accordance with laws in one place and then in a first-class manner in another place. First-class should probably be changed to reflect that repairs will be made by an experienced, well - qualified contractor. Parking Committee Minutes Meeting of February 24, 1999 page 5 C. "Landlord further agrees to pay all taxes and assessments...." This sentence - I be revised. First the property and garage belong to the City and arc non-taxable. Second, the paragraph as wTitten makes the City responsible for paying the pwicasg tax which, according to the City ordinances, must be paid by the parker. The City should not be indemnifying the Tenant under any circumstances! Here again is the need to remove "Spaces" and replace it with "garage" Mis-typed word: "Number of Radng spaces..." should be parking spaces Again, spaces should be changed to permits. "Commuters" - needs to be better defined as all employees who drive to the area are commuters. Alderman Bernstein left at 8:05 p.m. Again, these sections should be removed. The City should not be co%vring the Tenant nor promising to rebuild this structure in case it is severely damaged by fire or other catastrophe. Appropriate language should be determined by the appropriate attorneys; however, in Sections 170 & H revisions should be made so as not to imply that "spaces" or areas have been or will be designated spccifically for the "tenant's sole use". What is being granted is the permission via a permit to park in available panting spaces on a first -come -first -serve basis. The determination to place certain parkers (ex. Monthly parkers) in upper levels must be at the discretion of the City and not the tenant. Parking Committee Minutes Meeting of February 24, 1999 page 6 John Hammerschlag commented that the kase has been prepared in accordance with offr<xftta@ development terms and not the use of parking spaces in a garage. He saki it is important fur the City to select attorneys in these matters wino are going to protect the Citr's rights rather than give everything to the tenant as appears to have been done in other leases. The garages must be financed and built by the City which is a %try big savings to the developers. and the City should be able to meet its debts and expenses rather than continue to subsidize almikdy heavily sub6dized projects. Status eLP„ arking EaftwmM Mmie A Vacancies David Jennings reported that the two Parking Enforcement Officers left at the Police Department for the months of January and February will be moving over full-time effective March 1 st and that the two vacancies have been hired and they, too, will be starting on March 1 st. Jean Baucom reported that it will take some time to get people trained, and that the next goal is to assess the current beat structure, the parking regulations and needs, and revise beats, if necessary, and to determine if additional personnel will be needed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean Baucom Parking System Manager DRAFT' - NOT APPROVED The Parking Committee A Sub -Committee of the City Council of Evanston, Illinois Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 7:13 PAL Members Present: Alderman Newman, Alderman Bernstein, and Alderman Wynne Hamn,crschlag and Reynolds Members Absent: Giddings and Penman Staff Present: Jennings, Baucom, Aiello Visitors Present: Stephen Kardel (Scribcor), Dave Downey (Julian, Toff& Downey), Ben Randall (Attorney for Scribcor), Tom White (Arthur Hill Co.) Rick Steinberg Judith Aiello. Assistant City Manager, presented a summary of events outlined in her memorandum to the Parking Committee dated March 23, 1999, which had been faxed to each of the Committee members. Ms. Aiello advised that representatives of Scnbcor are at this meeting to discuss the terns of the revised draft lease. John Haminerschlag advised the Committee for the record that Ben Randall who is present to represent Scribcor had represented him in the past and that he (Hammerschlag) does not believe there is any conflict for him to have Mr. Randall at the meeting representing Scribcor. Aldermen Newman and Bernstein expressed their concern that the new lease allows Scribcor to cancel the lease but this option is not available to the City. Mr. Kardel pointed out that in the Research Park development plan the parking was intended to meet the zoning for all of the buildings constructed in the Park. He said Scribcor had asked for an exemption, but permission was not received. He said they would like a 99 year lease to be able to satisfy long-term zoning needs for their building as well as to satisfy the prospective lenders that future parking would be available since parking cannot be added to the building once it is constructed. Mr. Kardel continued that his firm has been working on this project for the last two years and that the parking is the last matter which needs to be addressed before construction. He pointed out that his firm could not proceed to build unless they can obtain Financing now and later have the ability to sell the building in the future. Minutes of the Parking Committee MeethV Meeting of March 24, 1999 page 2 Dave Downey advised that the first question from letn5crs who see the project is "where's the parking?" Lenders, he said, see this development as a suburban dc%-&%pmcnt. and as such, see parking as a major requirement for financing any long-term project. Alderman Newman asked why lenders care if mortgages are 30 years. Mr. Do%?.=v advised that lenders arc only doing 10 year mortgages with 30 year amortization. About Year 9 they begin to look at refinancing and the remainder of the term. if the term is 30 years, then they see the otth, 20 years as the refinancing period rather than long-term. Alderman Bernstein asked why, if after 30 years they'-.r recouped their capital investment by paying off the loan, they (Scribcor) could help pay for construction of other parking later on. Ms. Aiello responded that there are terms relating to the bond issuance and payback in question. Alderman Newman stated this really doesn't address Alderman Bernstein's questions. He said he could not commit for Councils in the future to this long term commitment of 99 years to keep parking just for this building. Mr. Kardel said Scribcor would be happy to buy the land at the end of 40 years and build parking for their building. Alderman Newman responded that the City pays twice: now and later to rebuild if the building should be destroyed or need to be reconstructed. Stephen Kardel summarized that the City had asked for development proposals without parking for the lands in the Research Park. His firm had submitted a proposal and spent time developing a design with did not include parking. Subsequently, they were told they must rent 100 spaces, and they do not have any problem with this. However, they must plant for a building life of 99 years and need to have a commitment that parking will be available for the entire term. Mr. Kardel said they would pay for the spaces at the end of 40 years if they could be guaranteed the right to use them. Alderman Newman asked what would happen if at the end of 40 years the garage was deteriorating and the City did not want to spend funds to rebuild in that location. He said it was likely that Scribcor would file a law suite that the City wasn't fulfilling its commitment. He suggested that at the end of 40 years the City would make a good -faith effort to rebuild and discuss the arrangements at that time. Mr. Kardel responded that to "discuss" the issue is unsatisfactory because it means the City could say "No". Alderman Newman said it might not snake good sense at that time to say the City would rebuild parking there to meet Scribcor's 100 space needs when a better opportunity for use of the land might be present. He said he could agree that the City would relocate them into alternate City parking within the zoning radius. Mr. Kardel said they would agree to buying the land at the fair market value of the land and building their own parking if the City doesn't want to rebuild on that site or that they would be willing to pay for the construction of spaces to meet their needs. Alderman Bernstein said he felt the two parties are really similar in their thinking and not as far apart as it may sound. He said he understands their need to provide parking for the life of the building. and the City will need to make some concessions. too. Alderman Newman added in Year 41 he would agree to lease Scribcor 100 spaces in one of Evanston's downtown garages. it was pointed out that the Sherman Avenue Garage and the Maple Avenue Garage would be the only ones within the current zoning radius. Minutes of the Parking Committee Mccting Meeting of March 24, 1999 page 3 Representatives from Scribcor said they would not want to pay for building the spaces and then be charged the monthly rental fee for these same spaces. Alderman Newman said that the monthly rental fees do not cover the actual costs and identified some expenses related to the City's current garages. He said the rates have been subsidized and that the funds from other parking lots and meters have been used to pay for the debt service of the garages. Discussion followed among Alderman Newman and representatives from Scribcor regarding why they should pay for spaces plus the rental fee when others just pay the monthly rental fee, that the City is being asked to make a 99-year commitment whereas it does not have this to others, and that Scribcor is receiving a tax break by not having to build the parking themselves. John Hammerschlag said he believes the City should match the term of what the lenders require now. Alderman Bernstein said the City would find an equitable way to give Scribcor access to the parking they need. Ben Randall commented that the City should not be asking for both the construction costs and the full monthly rental fee. Alderman Newman said a pro-rata share of operations expenses could be agreed to. Discussion followed regarding how to determine pro- rata - based on Scribcor's use or number of total spaces built for their use versus the total in the garage. Scribcor representatives said they did not believe they should be subsidizing all of the garage spaces. It was reiterated that Scribcor benefits by not having to pay property tax on the parking spaces. Alderman Newman questioned the "useful life" of the Maple garage and if it would last 40 years. John Hammerschlag said that 40 years is a reasonable period, but felt the term should be defined as "useful life" and not a specific number of years. Alderman Newman then proposed that Scribcor pay for construction of 100 spaces and pay a pro-rata portion of operations expenses for these 100 spaces or relocate to another garage if at the end of the useful life some other development of the parcel where the garage is would be in the City's best interest. Alderman Ne,A-man then said he would like to request a letter from a commercial lender as to what they would require. Mr. Randall advised that lenders want evidence of -ownership- to the spaces which the industry considers to be a 99 year lease. Alderman Newman questioned the clause which would allow Scribcor to terminate the lease. Ms. Aiello pointed out that, while the clause exists, the Zoning Board would not allow Scribcor to terminate the lease because they would have no other parking to meet their zoning requirement and must lease parking from the City. Representatives from Scribcor said they would like to have the right to terminate at the end of the first 40 year period. Alderman Newman said he has a problem with providing Scribcor with "the lowest monthly rate" and believes the wording should be to provide the parking at the "prev-ading" monthly rate. Representatives from Scribcor said they are asking that they be charged the lowest rate offered to any other tenant just in the Maple garage. John Hammerschlag said the City is building and operating this garage and, if the City wants to make a deal as an incentive to attract other businesses in the downtown. it should be able to do this without changing Scribcor's rates. Ben Randall from Scribcor responded that initially the City solicited and asked them to do a project without a parking component on the parcel. They did this. Now the City is asking them Minutes of the Parking Committee Meeting Meeting of March 24, 1999 page 4 to pay for rebuilding the spaces at the end of 40 years plus pay a percentage of the operations costs. He questioned why they subsidize parking for others who get a lower parking rate in this facility. Alderman Newman said that there are situations where it is necessary to do this. He cited the Levy Center where members are provided parking as part of their membership fee. If the City wanted to charge them S 10 or S 15, then based on Scribcor's request the City would haws to pass this low rate onto Scribcor because it is the "lowest monthly rate." Mr. Randall said they do not have a problem with lover rates for the Levy Center and suggested the wording could be to make the agreement in such a way that no other commercial development or commuter would get a lower rate than Scribcor. Discussion followed about the current city parking rates, how the City subsidizes parking, the value of not having to build parking and pay property taxes, why rates should be used to assure meeting debt service obligations. and using rates to fill spaces. Mr. Randall said they could agree to paying the same general rate charged to the public. Alderman Newman summarized that the new agreement would indicate that Scribcor would be charged the "prevailing rate" - over the counter rate and that the City could give them notice of any other rates to be given other commercial developments. Aldermen Wynne and Bernstein stated that this contradicts what has just been agreed to, because it suggests that Scribcor can conic back anytime and try to get their rate changed to equal a lower rate. Alderman Newman acknowledged the Aldermen's' comments and said that the wording in paragraph 4 of the agreement should be changed from "current lowest" to "equal to the over-the-counter rate." In paragraph 5, it was clarified that the parking tax is to be paid by the lessee and not by the City. John Harnmerschlag commented that the stalls are not to be "reserved" stalls and asked whether any arrangements are being made to have permit parkers parking in the upper levels of the deck. David Jennings said this has not been put in. but the design of equipment will include such options. Judith Aiello advised that Bond Counsel requires that parking spaces not be reserved or designated. Discussion followed as to when the revisions are needed. Scribcor was asked to have revisions to Nis. Aiello by gam Friday morning (March 26th) so that copies could be made and distributed to Aldermen prior to the City Council meeting on Monday night, March 29th. At this time, Messrs. Kardel, Randall. and Downey and Ms. Aiello kfl the meeting. Puy FM NNW 111 rs David Jennings advised that he and Tom Hannula ( Walker Parking) met with Paul Weller of Northwestern University regarding the property design of the parcel in the northwest comer of the blockface bounded by University Place, East Railroad, Clark Street. and Maple Avenue. Mr. Jennings advised that Northwestern University wants the southeast corner of the 50.000 sq. Foot parcel revised to provide a better footprint for maximizing the parcel's usable space in developing the parcel later. While they do not have a building in mind. the shape of the current parcel does not lend itself to the best development of a building. Tom Hannula said that the entrance/exit driveway into the new garage from University Place could work if it were moved further east to return a comer of property back to Northwestern; however. entering cars will be "in the face" of the exiting traffic, which is poor design. Minutes of the Parking Committee Meeting Meeting of March 24, 1999 page 5 Discussion followed about the amount of land %%ttich Northwestern requested as part of the various land trades, and Ms. Aiello advised they had requested 50,000 square feet. Alderman Newman said he thinks Ron Naylor should conic ion to discuss NU's needs and desists. Ms. Aiicilo advised that a decision needs to be made prior to the April 5th Council meeting, when the pared is to be divided. Alderman Newman said that the City should stay with the current division and shapes of the land and that, if NU wants to pursue the matter, it would need to set up a special meeting to present that issue. It was decided to hold off approval of the previous meeting's minutes as they had just been received. David Jennings advised he has received a request from Mailboxes Etc. requesting some short-term parking during their heaviest weeks during the early summer. Mr. Jennings reviewed the other uses in this area and recommended that the City change the 2 how time limits to 30 minute limits at 3 or 4 meters for a trial period since there are year-round needs for short-term drop off and pick up at this locations (East side of Sherman on the north side of Grove). The Committee gave its approval for this trial. Tom White from the Arthur Hill Co. presented a schematic drawing of the east side of the proposed Maple Garage based on the requests for relocation of the entrances, exits, and stair towers. He said that pay -on -foot stations would be located behind the elevator tower on the east side and that the front facade is supposed to be louvered. Discussion followed on the merits of using louvers, having wide open slots between the concrete slabs, and the use of other materials to maintain the openness to meet building codes for air. The Committee agreed that its desire is to have as much natural light as well as an attractive building and asked Mr. White to bring back other alternatives in April for the Committee's review. 01 11761-IMMIRM David Jennings advised that some of the businesses feel the available street parking on 1700 and 1800 Benson is overwhelmed by Athletic Club users. The restaurants are concerned that during the evening hours after 4 P.M. it is difficult for customers who want to pick up orders to locate parking within a reasonable distance. Alderman Newman said he is aware of these concerns and has performed a little poll of the area and saw employees feeding meters. Jean Baucom said she had been in Mcrle's one afternoon for a pickup at which time she observed a conversation between the bartender and a waitress in which the bartender reminded the waitress she needed to go out and feed her meter in about an hour. Ms. Baucom advised that when she commented that Evanston issues tickets for vehicles which parking longer than 2 hours in those spaces, the employees responded that they simply go out an rub the chalk off the tire so that their cars don't get ticketed. Minutes of the Parking Committee Meeting Meeting of March 24, 1999 page 6 It was suggested that the meters on the cast side at the businesses be revised to a one -hour time limit, since most people going to the health club require closer to 2 hours. This would allow enough time for people who want to come to these restaurants during the lunch peak time to be able to locate parking in the bhvk. David Jennings said we could experiment with this without going to City Council. The Committee asked Mr. Jennings to proceed with a trial. David Jennings advised he is tailing with Sears and that Neil Kenig is looking at this. Alderman Newman advised he wants information for the next meeting even if it requires going into Executive Session. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean Baueom Parking System Manager Draft — Not Approved The Parking Committee A Sub -Committee of the Crry Council of Evanston, Illinois Minutes from the Committee Meeting Of April 28.1999 Alderman Newman caned the meeting to order at 7:12 p.tn Members Present: A]dermen Newman, Bernstein, and Wynne ]on Perman and John Hammerschlag Members Absent: Paul Giddings, David Reynolds Staff Present: Jennings, Baucom, Aiello, Alterson Visitors: Tom White (Arthur Hill Co.), Rick Steinberg Hill Proiect Garage The Committee was advised that it might be advantageous to add approximately 140 spaces and that the impact to the overall design is being analyzed. Tom White said they are looking at sonic kind of architectural treatment over the entrances/exits for those looking from Clark St. toward the west. Mav Meeting -- Schedule It was noted that there is a need to reschedule the May meeting. Ald. Bernstein advised he would be out of town May 6 — 15. Ald. Newman said he will be away May 13 - 18. Ald. Wynne pointed out that there is a special Council on May 19" and a City/School meeting on May 20`h. Aid. Newman summarized that basically May 6 — 20 is out. February & March Minutes The February minutes %vre approved without changes. The March meeting's minutes were distributed, but were to be held until the end of the meeting since members had not had an opportunity to reN iew them. Benson Ave. Short -Term Loading Zone at Meters - NighttimeTrial Period David Jennings advised that the food -pick-up zone was implemented on Friday, April 23'd starting with 2 meters in front of Merles. 4PM was the earliest this program began. There is no response from Merles nor comments from packers to -date. Discussion followed about the possibility of changing the 2-hour time limit on the east side of Benson to a I hour limit. Jean Baucom advised that it does not take very much to reprogram the meters, but it will take time to get one -hour stripes to go on the meters advising that as the rnadmum time limit. Aid. Newman asked staff to notify the merchants on the blocl before changes are made. Alderman Bernstein asked how long the trial loading zone would be in effect on Benson. David Jennings adyacd one month. Aid. Newman advised he had noticed some signage regarding "carry out-. but it was not designated just for Mcrle's. Da%id Jennings has a map which locates otb r places that might need a short-term evening loading zone. Aid. Newman said said the Committee should look at the costs and that the Chamber should notify other businesses and business areas to see what their needs might be. World's Largest Garate Sak David Jennings and lean Baucom presented the problems caused by the lack of parking in the past due to the Garage Sale and expressed concern if the Council approves the Sale for the current year. .old. Newman asked Jon Perman to meet with Mr. Jennings and Ms. Baucom to see if they can come up with a plan. He also said that the Chamber should have a parking plan when it brings its request to the Council to hold a sale for this year. Residential Parking District Hours, David Jennings, Jean Baucom, and Jon Perman presented the need to revise some of the parking district rest-k-tions on some streets due to need for parking around the CBD. Aid. Newman said he believes these hours should not be changed now and that efforts need to be made to incaease the number of spaces around other train station for commuters. Interim Parkin¢ Plan David Jennings presented a listing of options which included recommendations for using areas of Sheridan Road at the lakefront for all -day parking. Aid. Newman said he thinks efforts should be made to spread out parking into the other Wards so that the is, Ward is not the only Ward burdened during construction of the new garage. John Hammerschlag suggested that residents be allowed to park for free but charge others to park on the lakefront. Aid. Newman asked staff to look at alternative parking around churches in the downtown, such as 14 Presbyterian, and at Wm. Scott Funeral Home, Donellan Funeral Home, the King Homc, and Audio Consultants. Staff was also asked to add Scribcor #2 to the list. Ald. Bernstein asked that other options that are environmentally friendly also be included. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean Baucom Parking System Manager Draft -- Not Appmved The Parking Committee A Sub -Committee of the City Council of Evanston, Illinois Minutes from the Committee Meeting OtJune 9, 19" Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m Members Present: Aldermen Newman, Bernstein, and Wynne Jon Perman, Paul Giddings, David Reynolds, John Hammerschlag Staff Present: Jennings, Baucom, Aiello Visitors: Tom Hanula (Walker Parking), Tom White (Hill Company) Aldermen Gene Feldman and Edward Moran, 17 neighborhood residents from the Davis -Sheridan -Lake area Hill Proiect & Interim Parkin¢ Plan Judy Aiello advised that the Church & Maple property (Lot 62) has been sold to the Arthur Hill Company. Tom White advised that they are ready to proceed with building the theaters, which will have a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, and with building the hotel. Plans will begin with fencing and site preparation with construction to follow. Ms. Aiello advised that additional lands are to be transferred and that more cars will have to be moved out of the area. Alderman Newman said he wants people to know that he was not aware of the change in striping of stalls on the lakefront (Sheridan between Greenwood & Davis). David Jennings summarized the list of various options which could be used for interim long-term parking, which had been previously discussed by the Committee:: # 1 - 3-hour area on the lakefront will be reduced to allow all -day parking. #2 - Reduce 2-hour time limit on streets which have parking on 2 sides of the street so that only l side has a 2-hour limit. #3 - Utilizing unused spaces in other city lots and garages. 94 - Creating angle spaces in several areas: Oak Ave., north of Church Sherman Ave. (Dempster to Greenwood) Greenwood St. (Sherman to Chicago) #5 - Oak & University Iot - already approved #6 - Valet Parking in City garages (primarily lower level and roof level of Sherman) #7 - Reduce restricted parking in areas around other CTA/Metra stations. Mr. Jennings noted that the Evanston Vehicle Sticker District around the Main St. Stations has operational problems due to daytime street cleaning regulations, which already reduces parking by 50116 two days each week. AkL Newman asked when spaces will be lost and how many. David Jennings advised that Lot 62 at Maple & Church has approximately 225 spaces and will be closed amumi July I'. In late August. Lot 20 south of University Place will be closed and affects approximately 400 parkers. Discussion followed among Aid. Newman, Judy Aiello, Jon: Perman,, John Hasnmerschlag, and David Jennings regarding the number of short-term users who will be displaced, the number of on -street parking that will be lost and the number of construction workers who will likely need parking. Mr. Jennings advised that construction workers will directed to park on lands in the construction that will not be built on until later. He added that the number of short-term users being displaced is minimal. David Reynolds said that he thinks using all of the lakefront parking for all -day parking is a poor idea. He showed his map and said he found 169 vacant spaces, most of which are unrestricted. Mr. Reynolds said he had taken a compass and basically drawn a circle to match the radius from the Lot 20 area to the lakefront in order to locate the additional vacant spaces. His belief was that if people can walk 3-4 blocks from the center of the CBD to the lakefront they can also walk this distance in all of the other directions and that some parking at the lakefront should be left available for those going to the beach and park. Aid. Newman asked David Jennings to address why only east of the CBD had been identified as an option in the list. Mr. Jennings responded that this area has a lot of vacant parking year-round and that in the past this had been where CBD employees parked. He noted that, while the snap showed the radius people could walk as far as Dempster and Wesley, it is highly unlikely this will occur. He explained that where people work in relation to the area plays a big factor in where they will park. People view going west of Ridge Ave. and the train tracks as being too far and out of the downtown area. He noted that whenever there are physical barriers such as traits tracks, people view the area on the other side as being too far and dangerous. Aid. Moran asked about the decision to allow parking in an area around the Central St. Metre Station, which had been part of a Residents' Only District, and what was the rationale. Mr. Jennings said that the intent here was to relocate only some commuters, who take Metra and did not have to use the Davis St. Station. Aid. Newman said that many would be happy to take trains from other locales if spaces were available. A visitor in the audience said that the Central St. area is already out of control and feels changes will negatively impact that area and just add to problems in a ripple effect. Tom Conley, a resident on Forest Pl., commented/queried from the audience that there should be some consideration given to Whole Foods old lot, (2) asked if the number of spaces is a real need number or just the number of spaces there were in the lot, and (3) this whole thing is a "pain" and isn't the parking primarily for commuters and shouldn't the "pain" be on them. He noted that the commuters are those going to Chicago vs. Evanston employees. Aid. Wynne pointed out that the changes are temporary and not long-term and that the ordinance should have a sunset clause. Visitor Mark Simon introduced himself from the audience and said he is happy to share parking and the parks, but said the Committee shouldn't pick a neighborhood to force the parking into. He said he would like to see removal of the 25 perpendicular spaces that were just added and would like to see the 3-hr area not change until fall when pai*ing actual needed to keep the impact off. A brief discussion followed among Committee members and the audience regarding the property on the south side of Church St. where Dave's Kitchen and The Pine Yard had been located: Could the lot be used? How long it would be available before development? Description of the development being planned for that property. Aid. Feldman discussed the Council's decision years ago to install the Evanston Vehicle Sticker District around the Main St. stations to preclude non -Evanston residents from using the neighborhood as an all -day parking lot while they commuted to Chicago. He expressed concern that if a change is made, it would result in offering parking to non - Evanston commuters and asked if that was the Committee's intent. He asked how important is it to open parking around the Metra stations to non -Evanston residents.. Jon Perman commended the residents who had spoken so far for their willingness w share parking. He said we often take for granted these two major lines and the fact they have come under pressure for maintaining ridership. He said it is important not to ignore commuters at our own peril and that we need to keep pumping ridership up. This, he said, is one of the burdens we bear by having these two major trains. Both Aid. Feldman and Mr. Ferman commented that it is rr_cessary to find a balance. Aid. Wynne and Aid. Feldman noted that streets east of Chicago Ave. in the Main St. area are not restricted. Aid. Wynne, Ald. Feldman, Jon Penman and Ald. Newman agreed that the reason many business areas exist are because of the train stations and the development over the ),cars around the train stations. Ald. Feldman said he wants to support both the business areas and the train stations, but he is concerned that changes do not attract other commuters to Chicago who do not currently park in Evanston. Ald. Newman said that due to the other needs of this evening's meeting, he would hle to address removal of the 25 newly -created spaces on Sheridan Rd.. David Reynolds said the neighborhood would also like to see removal of half of the changes to the 3-hr parking area. Discussion followed among the Committee members, the audience, and David Jennings regarding why angle spaces, street widths and parking, location of spaces, people driving the wrong way on Sheridan, pedestrians, weekend parking volumes. A visitor, who identified himself as O'Brian, said the addition of the "few" spots were the 'lipping" point for the neighborhood. He said they now have concerns about fire trucks being able to get into the area, and that he believes the park is a trust and that Evanston residents won't be able to find places to park. He added that the Committee should tie the sunset clause to the end of construction of the garage. Ald. Newman noted Katie Stallcup's letter, in which she points out the needs of school buses picking up children and recommends that an area be designated along the lakefront for Evanston residents to be able to use the park. Ms. Stallcup also encourages the 3-hour time be restored all around the lakefront when the garage is completed. Visitor John Chapman, a resident on Lake St., said he had fought to get restrictions to open up access of the lake&ant to everyone, and he is concerned that this is being reversed. Aid. Newman noted receipt Of letter from William Friedlander from the 1100 block of Judson commenting on the impact of the extra parkers in the area. Visitor Daphne Cunningham introduced herself as a resident at 228 Greenwood. She asked when was the survey done and said that if it was done in winter it did not show the need for late afternoon parking when families come to the park and lakefront. Another resident, Holly, said that she wants all of Sheridan put back to the way parking was two weeks ago. Aid. Newman added that he would like to see it go back and that he does not need a plan right now. He said he believes David Jennings meant well; however, since David Reynolds had identified other spaces the 25 wouldn't be needed. He asked the Committee for its opinion of removing these new spaces, and everyone agreed that action should be taken to remove them and restore the area. Aid. Moran said he would like to know if any work was to be done at any other train stations. Aid. Newman asked if the meeting on June 23'd could be held at 5:30 p.m. He also asked about the possibility of meeting on the 16, 24°' or 17d. It was agreed to meet on the 1116 at 6PM. He asked that specific issues be placed on the agenda: - Sheridan Road West Side & East Side of Main St. Sunset Provision Central Street area The Committee took a brief break at 7:43 p.m, at which time the neighborhood residents left the meeting room. When the Committee reconvened at 7:57 p.m., the visitors consisted of Aid. Feldman, Aid. Moran, Arthur Hill, Marty Stern and Tom Hanula. Aid. Newman, John Hammerschlag, and Arthur HUI discussed methods of construction for the garage. Mr. Hammerschlag said he recommends post -tension because it is more durable and more user-friendly. Mr. Hill say they could go either way and that they would support the desire of the municipality. Marty Stern said that Mr. Hill needs to open the pavilion in October 2000 and that it is most desirable to open the garage at the same time or earlier due to the cinema contract and the heavy penalties which will have to be paid if the garage is not open. The meeting then focused on the design options for internal circulation and size of the garage options. Tom Hanula presented several options in drawing formats. Options A & B have flat bays, which are easier for retail on the ground level and for the people to follow due to the repetition. Option C is a double -threaded system, which means that each time you make a complete loop you have actually gone up 2 floors. A plus for this is being able to keep the two lower levels closed until mid -morning, because they don't have to be part of the circulation pattern. Options A & B would allow only I level to be closed off. Option C would use counters or gates to deal with closing upper floors once they become full. Options D & E have 1 flat floor, which is not retail -friendly. Discussion followed primarily between Mr. Hanula and John Hammerschlag regarding the travel time in peak periods for the car in the farthest space back to the exit gate. They both agreed that Option B has too many turns and is too long. Option A is Okay. Option DIE does not offer desirable flat levels. Option C could also be used for I 200 sps,,e& Mr. Hammerschlag asked about the ground floor plans for Optil ns A & C. Option A sends care out naturally to University Pt. while option C sends :srs out to Cleric St. \tr. Hammerschlag said that in Option C he would like to see a 3"' exit lane to \laple A% c=v— Aid. Newman asked Mr. Bill about his preference of single or double helix, stating he would personally like to keep up to 5 floors, because he is concerned that shoppers %wn't go higher and that he wants them (shoppers) to have the best parking available to than because they basically have no other option. He also prefers orientation to Mapie Aid. Newman also said he wants a commitment that graphics will be very good and %cry ckar in order to reduce the confusion for the short-term packers. The general agreement of the Committee was to utilize Design Option C. With regard to the size of the garage, the original Hill proposal reflected a garage of 1000 spaces. The City finds it advantageous to increase the number of spaces to at kast 1200. KLOA has been asked to re-cvaluate the Hill proposal based on (a) redevelopment of the Sherman Ave. garage, and (b) potential and additional developments in the downtown,. If they try to distribute the demand between the two garages, each facility would need to be 1400 stalls. The question arose out of the discussion as to whether or not the Scars project would be coming back to the City to ask for additional spaces. Discussion followed by Judy Aiello, David Jennings, Marty Stern and Aid. Feldman. Basically, the Klutznik (Sears) project is still concept and has not acquired any lend; there are no documents; and there are no studies or numbers. Ms. Aiello advised that due to other development planned, the City won't have land or financial ability in the future to building more parking, therefore, should recommends adding another floor regardless of whether the Klutztniik projects comes in. Aid. Feldman said he would like to frame the issue. Marty Stern advised that the issue of balancing if Sears does not come could reduce the number of spaces to be built in the Sherman Ave. garage. He said the risk is not having spaces and then Sears comes and Hill project is very successful. Aid. Feldman ask if 1200 spaces rather than 1400 spaces would hurt other projects. Arthur Hill advised that he started 3 years ago and proposed a 1000 car garage. Now be has invested nearly 52.5 Million thinking they understood what the City wanted., which was that the garage would pay for itself otherwise he would have penalties if it did not. He questioned why Evanston had not foreseen the need for other parking and said that there are difficulties now and they will have to go back to the hotel and apartments because changes in dimensions of the garage impacts views from apartments and hotel rooms. In addition, they are now in competition with other retail development on other City properties. He pointed out that increasing the height of the garage is a major concern and that the City had said it wanted a very customer -friendly and very valet - friendly design. Aid. Wynne said she thinks Design Option C offers lower level customer parking and she would like to hear what happens if the new Sherman Avenue garage has to take up the additional 350 spaces and how tall it would end up being. John Hammerschlag and Tom Hanula advised approximately 1400 spaces would require 13 levels and that 1200 would be 10-11 floors depending on where parking actually starts in the building. Aid. Newman said he recalls the Klutav'k proposal was 2 levels of parking undeWound. July Aiello said that the issue was having parking that was user-friendly. AkL Newman said he told Klutauk that he would not support 1200 underground because no one would know parking exists. A question was raised that, if more changes are made to the Maple garage..'tt" .:..g changes to the other building, does the Hill Co. have to cover the additional costs. The response was no. The comment was made that in the Klutznik proposal Sears would have direct entry from the garage. Ald. Wynne pointed out that the Committee had planned the Maple, garage so that parkers had to come outside and pass other businesses. Judy Aiello said that the Sherman Ave. garage will not be primarily to serve Sears. John Hammerschlag asked questions regarding changes in the garage floor plan and the impact on the hotel and the apartments from a marketing viewpoint. Aki. Newman commented that 2400 spaces includes spaces for growth and for B.1.R.L. Tom Hanula suggested a creative approach would be to notch out over East Railroad and build in the airspace, leaving adequate room for truck traffic and utility repair vehicles. The Committee asked Mr. Ham la to have Walker do some scenarios regarding other possibilities and to also look at the number of elevators and cost estimates for the next meeting on the 23nd. Arthur Hill said that if they can do designs for the 17 and they look productive, then he can proceed with estimates. The meeting was adjourned around 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean Baucom Parking System Manager Draft —Not Approved The Parking Committee A Sub -Committee of the City Council of Evanston, Illinois Minutes from the Committee Meeting Of June 17,19" Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Members Present: Aldermen Newman, Bernstein, and Wynne Jon Perman, Paul Giddings, David Reynolds Members Absent: John Hammerschlag Staff Present: Jennings, Baucom Visitors: Alderman Gene Feldman Interim Paricine Plan Alderman Newman reviewed numbers to determine the number of spaces needed during construction: 1253 for Sherman Ave. Garage and all lots in the Research Park Less: 667 available in the Sherman Garage 596 = 600 for BIRL and Shaw Building needs In the land swap, NU would provide BIRL parking between Parcel 7 and Englehart's lot. 600 Los: 150 — BIRL 480 Less: 160 — Lot 63 and Oak/Emerson 270 Add: 130 for Safety Variance 400 In the May 20`s memo, applying Item 3 400 spaces Less: 100 that are available in Sherman Garage, Church St. Self Park & Lot 14 300 Less 90 from applying Items 4 & 5 (1700 Oak angle spaces, University PL 210 Sherman Ave., Greenwood & Lake) He said that using ]tems 1, 2, and 10 we come up with 210 spaces. Item #1 contemplated 270 spaces by using both sides of Sheridan Road. If one the east side is used, the number would equal approximately 150 spaces (under the old striping plan of 60 degree & parallel stalls). So, 210 stalls Less: 150_9a2ls from Sheridan Rd. 60 spaces Less: SO_s' ac_� at Central/Greenbay Metra area 10 spaces Policv Issues: 1. only accommodate those people -who have permits in Research Park lots now. 2. Contemplate screening for first for Evanston residents who are CBD employees to the permits. Before doing this, it is necessary to find out if it is legal. Ald. Newman said that the current plan and items just discussed does spread people around and limits and minimizes the number of residential smXts that will have to be used by commuters. Alderman Feldman asked how they Committee plans to handle relocating others who hear about the new permits on Sheridan Rd. Discussion followed Committee members about the importance of having more enforcement on the 2-hour sides of streets and of having a sunset provision so that the lakefront employee parking does not become a permanent policy. Ald. Newman asked when restriping will take place on Sheridan Rd. because he does not want more heavy use on the weekends than already exists. David Jennings said he would try to get this done in the next 2-3 weeks, explaining that the City only has 3 people to do both signs and pavement markings. An area resident who cam into the meeting that the neighbors are concerned about the volume and the number of people who drive the wrong way. He said he saw two cars turn the wrong way when he went home last week after the meeting. Mr. Jennings agreed. To try to get the angles returned back to parallel stalls on the west side in the two sections by July 4`h. Aid. Bernstein asked whether the City can sell street parking. David Jennings staff is already looking into this. David Reynolds commented that he thought the residents were against selling permits. It was then commented that, "What's the alternative? Anyone car park and there will be more people parking?' The resident commented that he is concerned that this would be come a good revenue stream and then will become a long-term revenue source. Everyone on the committee agreed that the sunset clause should be tied to the completion of the Hill garage. Aid. Newman added that it is in the interest of the City to push people into the garages for the revenue to support these garages. David Reynolds questioned what if the project is such a huge success and there aren't enough spaces down the road. The aldermen responded that a sunset clause is a legal term to review a regulation. Mr. Reynolds proposed that the ordinance reflect the intention of the Committee that the lakefront parking be ended at the time the Hill garage is opened. The Committee agreed. Aid. Wynne and David Jennings pointed out that the assumption is that we will only have the Hill project. If another project requires ciosure of the Sherman Ave. garage prior to the compktion of the Hill garage, the City will have to revisit this issue (sunset clause). The Committee asked staff if the permits will be different from those for the existing Residents Exempt Program. Staff replied )v& The Committee also asked during what hours permits should be required and what price they planned to charge. Staff recommended permits be required between 7am-5pm.and that the cost be the same as what people had been paying for their Lot 20 permits. The Committee agreed. The Committee expressed a desire to have a pamphlet published providing information about where commuters could park and include a map. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean Baucom Parking System Manager Drag — Not Appro%xd The Parking Committee A Sub -Committee ojthe On- - Council ojEranston. Illinois Minutes from the Committee Meeting Oi October 27, 1999 Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Members Present: Alderman Newman, David Reynolds, Jon Perman, and John Hammerschlag Members Absent: Aldermen Bernstein and Wynne and Paul Giddings Staff Present: Jennings, Baucom, Aiello, Alterson Visitors: Steve Kardel (Scribcor), Mary Barberry (Our House.Com), Morry Fisher, Dan Dolin, John Terrill, Dan Coffee, Jim K]utzn& Klntznik Proiect — GsraLe John Hammerschlag advised he has reviewed the plans, but has concerns that it really works. Dan Dolin said that all 4 issues from the last meeting with Mr. Hammerschlag have been addressed and that there has been progress with Walker and the design tears. Mr. Hammerschlag acknowledged that there has been progress and said there is a proactive approach. He said he does, however, need a little more time for review. Discussion followed about the locations of the entrances and exits. The presentation showed one entrance and one exit on Davis and one entrance and 2 exits on Benson. The overall concerns expressed were (a) that there is not sufficient queing, (b) the "outside presentation" for drivers, and (c) direction of traffic. Aid. Newman said that, due to the narrowness of Benson as well as the buses, he wants to see as much entry off of Davis St. as possible. Everyone agreed that the signage and architectural treatments are important for both the project and for the success of the parking component. David Jennings said that the KLOA studies show traffic directions from both sides to be equal. He added that he has hired someone to review Benson Ave. for the following: 1) cut in some bus bays; 2) slight angle bus bays (sawtooth); 3) relocate canopy west toward the station to better accommodate buses and truck traffic. He said that since there are Mo train stations, we need to use other creative ways to route buses and still accommodate riders. Jon Perman asked if it is possible or does it make sense to have two exit lanes onto Davis. David Jennings said that there is still enough time to evaluate and see how a dual right turn would work. Ald. Newman commented that helping the flow is a higher priority than the size of the retail because, if people aren't comfortable, they won't come back. Dan Coffee expressed his concern of entrance traffic speed due to the ease of entry versus pedestrian safety. David Jennings and John Terrell discussed the presence of a Davis St. elevator. The current 2 banks of 3 elevators is less convenient for people going south, but are better overall of the project. Everyone agreed that it is important to have a glass stairwell on Davis. John Hammerschlag said that he had 2 recommendations: First, graphics are even more important in garages this size; and second. re-*,enue control equipment should be the same in both garages. Hill Prolect: Since there were no representatives from this project, the Committee asked John Hammerschlag to look at the revised drawings, noting that Walker is supposed to have made changes as previously requested. David Jennings added that the graphics should be one step above functional level. Mr. Hammerschlag asked if Desman will be doing a peer review, and Mr. Jennings advised they would. Judy Aiello advised that the budget will be available in the next 2-3 days. David Jennins advised that the Site Plan Review Committee had given approval At this point, Alderman Newman asked for a motion to go into Executive Session. Jon Perman made the motion, and it was unanimously passed. The Committee broke for Executive Session at 6:35 p.m. The Committee reconvened at approximately 6:50 p.m. Farmers' Market John Hammerschlag asked about the Farmers' Market for 2000. Judy Aiello said that the goal is to stay within the area. She provided a brief history of he locations of the Market and said she hoped it would be back on Benson or Maple, but the matter is still to be decided. Levv Center Parking in Church St. Self Park David Jennings reported that the City has agreed to reserve 30 spaces on the first floor and that they will be signed for Levy patrons only and that a permit must be displayed. Mr. Jennings was asked how this decision came about, and he replied it had been part of the negotiations to get the Levy Center relocated from Maple &. Church. He added that if the spaces are not used the signage will be removed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully subulhted, Jean Bauoom Parking System Mang" Draft — Not Approved The Parking Committee A Sub -Committee of the City Council of Evanston, Illinois Minutes from the Committee Meeting Of December 8, 1"9 Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. Members Present: Aldermen Newman. Wynne, and Bernstein Woolridge and Giddings. Perman arrived at 6:40 p.m. Members Absent: Hammerschlag Staff Present: Jennings, Baucom, Aiello Visitors: Mike Goebig, Stephanie Kappei, Steve Cohen, Tom Fitzgibbons, Karen Rosen, Cheryl Tyres, Terri Wuytack, Troy Thiel, Dorothy Dare, David Reynolds New Garage Construction — Status Report Judy Aiello advised that the project began about 34 weeks ago to clear the site. O'Neill is the contractor, and they did the Library and brought the project in on time and under budget. When they started some of the preliminary work to do the caissons, the digging hit an old incinerator pit approximately 5 feet thick concrete. This unexpected problem did cause some delay, but they are now proceeding and still have a goal of November 1, 2000. Ms. Aiello reported that some design issues had been presented to Council, and the first change orders (proposed budget vs. actual bid) will be going to Council- S22 million is the ballpark for costs. The City will purchase the garage after its completion. She further advised that Desman Associates has been engaged to assist in supervising construction. The Desman Project Manager for Church St. Self Park is expected to be the manager for this garage. He will be observing daily operations on -site, attending the weekly project meetings, and monthly bank review payments. The Bank also has an architect/engineer observing. David Reynolds asked if the contract for signage had been signed. David Jennings and Ms. Aiello said no because the basic signage program has been done by Walker and that they will be looking for a graphics designer to enliven and enhance the graphics. Alderman Newman asked that the final designs be brought to the Committee for review. Aid. Newman asked about the retail areas and said he hopes the City has the opportunity to review the tenant. Paul Giddings added that he hopes the City does not get involved any more than necessary in getting retail tenants and that the City should let the Hill Company do it so there is not competition with downtown. Aid. Newman responded that the City, however, will be the landlord. II David Jennings advised the Committee that Committee Member John Hammetschlag has been providing invaluable help and assistance on the nuts and bolts of both design and operations for the new garage project. dermanic References David Jennings explained that Aldermen Engelman and Rainey had expressed concerns about the interim parking plan and the impact this might have on both the Lincoln St. area and the lakefront and that both had requested references be forwarded to the Parking Committee. Alderman Newman said that the Committee had given thought to the interim parking plan and felt that the parkers who had been displaced needed to be spread throughout the City rather than have to be totally absorbed in the I" Ward. Committee Meeting Dates for 2000 David Jennings distributed a draft listing of dates based on the Economic Development Committee's schedule for 2000. The listing was unanimously approved. Status of Valet Parking on Research Park Surface lots David Jennings advised that the City had put out an RFQ for the 2 lots. Our House.com, which is the major tenant for the 1880 Oak building, has advised they will need valet parking by February I ". Mr. Jennings advised that the revised date will be taken to the Council at the first meeting in January. Mr. Jennings advised that the City has installed a temporary asphalt surface on the 1881 Oak lot that should last at least 1 year. Steve Cohen asked from the audience about the purpose of valet parking in this area. Mr. Jennings explained the concept of stack parking, which allows vehicles to park in tandem and maximize the space available. Tom Fitzgibbons asked about who would be using the lots: the 4 buildings in the Research Park or anyone? He also asked if permits will be the same and if the costs to their tenants will remain the same as the old Lot 20. Ms. Aiello and Mr. Jennings both said the lots are for handling the needs of the Research Park buildings' zoning requirements and that the cost will remain the same as they have been paying. Mr. Jennings explained that the operation will require permit parkers to park their own vehicles in the lined spaces first. If the lot becomes full. the attendant will have the parker park in the aisle and leave his key, in case it is necessary to move the car before the parker returns. Interim Parking Plan Ald. Newman asked fir. Jennings to share comments that he received at a recent meeting, which involved some employees in the downtown. Mr. Jennings said there were approximately 20 people who attended and they expressed the program needed some fine tuning. Also employees from Cass Communications (1800 Sherman building) said the lakefront parking is not user-friendly, that is too far to walk, and it is too dark. Mike Goebig, manager of 1800 Sherman, said that the concern of his tenants is that someone will get hurt or hit on Sheridan Road where cars go 40-50 MPH and that there is no pedestrian right-of-way. He asked about the reasoning behind selecting the east side versus the west side for the R parking program for emplo%ces i one Committee adyrisesd Mr. Goebig that it has already approved changing to the west s:de or, one of the blocks - Mr. Goebig said that approximately 150 in his building lost parkinz and that the tenant& fell it is a hardship. He asked that the meters on Elgin Rd.. Benson .A%e. to Sherman be made all -day parking or permits. Discussion followed bti the Committee and staff as M what was changed from short-term to long-term and the reasoning that had been applied at each location.. Ald. Newman said is he willing to look at this area but that staff shoats contact other retail in that area to see what their needs are. Iic also said he feels that IVOID Sherman should look at other methods to meet their tenants parking needs including N.-Al parking to increase the use of their own lot. Mr. Gocbig said he would be interested in working on this with David Jennings and wanted to know who would be paying for va C2 if implemented on his property. David Reynolds asked how the spaces are currently being used at 1800 Sherman. Mr. Gocbig replied that they ha%e 115.000 sq. feet and that the parking is 144 restricted spaces and 40 visitor spaces. Jon Perman asked if it would be feasible during the next year for them to reduce the number of visitor spaces. Mr. Goebig said he doesn't feel this would be to sell to his medical tenants. David Jennings said that employers are encouraged to create programs for their employees and asked if they do anything. Mr. Gocbig said the building does not. Karen Rosen said they are willing to subsidize parking for their employees, but there is nothing available. Stephanie Cohen, employee of SACHS at 1800 Sherman, said 45-50 of their employees have been displaced. They are concerned for their personal safety walking so far to the lakefront_ She said several students have been muggcd recently and said that there are no lights on Clark at the lakefront. She added that on Mondays, Wednesdays. and Fridays they compete with Evanston Athletic Club employecs shuttling cars around every two hours. Aid. Newman asked its. Cohen how many of their employees are Evanston residents. Ms. Cohen said she did not know, but that most are not. Steve Cohen asked Aid. Newman why he had brought up Evanston residency. Ald. Newman said that there is an Evanston Vehicle Sticker District around Main Street and that Evanston residents could park there for free and take one of the trains up to their Jobs. Jon Perman advised he had talked with NU about any available parking they might be able to share. NU currently has several projects under•+ay «hich also increases their parking demand. however, if they find they have extra spaces they wili look at making them available to the City. Discussion from the audience and the committee returned to lighting issues near the lakefront. David Jennings explained that is not easy and that it is not possible to add additional lights to the existing system. He said he will look into the possibility to change ballasts and increase the light levels, but he could not say at this time that it would be possible. Aid. Newman said several years ago tree trimming was dropped from City services due to budget issues and that the result now impacts lighting levels because tree limbs interfere. Ald. Newman asked if it would be possible to put Clark Street higher on the list for tree trimming. Mr. Jennings said he would contact Forestry. Steve Cohen, 1840 Oak. said that since the loss of daily permits for the lots he now has to park above 4 blocks away. He said he tried to get a handicapped permit, but his doctor said no. He said that a new co-worker has already gotten Z tickets at meters, and one was 5 min. after the 3 hour meter expired. He asked who is using the ? hour parking and why can't it be all -day. He also asked why there is no parking on 10aple Ave. Discussion followed among the Committee about the types of permits that had been availabtc- who could obtain them and how many were being used. It %vas noted that the one -day Visitor permits were originally for use by true visitors, but many of the employers abused this privilege by allowing their employees to use these. Someone suggested moving tE-- District R area from Sheridan to F.Jgin road and then opening up Sheridan to free all -day parking for those employees wiIlir1g to walk. Cheryl Tyres asked about the impact on the Sherman Ave. Garage. David Jennings said that this garage is to be tarn down and that the current schedule is for April, 2000. Aid. Newman and others on the Committee expressed their hope that this will be delayed until fall. Mr. Jennings said that other a3ternatives have been proposed; however, the cumnt plan is tied to the current construction and will be revisited before the Sherman Ave. garage is closed. Someone questioned what about changing the cast side of 1700 Chicago Ave. from 2 hours to all day. Jean Baucom explained there is a need for short-term parking in this area to serve the 636 Church St. doctors as well as some of the uses on Chicago Ave- and said there is also concern that students will fill these spaces if they are changed. Aid. Newman advised the audience that the Committee will keep on trying to assist them with parking and again encouraged the 1800 Sherman building management to work on valet parking for their lot. Reduced Rate $Dace Permit4 for Rotary Jean Baucom explained the history of the reduced rate that had been approved for Rotary when the Sherman Ave. garage was not being fully used. The rate had been that Rotary paid S40 for each permit plus tax for one year in advance. Ms. Baucom asked the Committee if the rate should be extended for 2000 since the garage was not expected to be in existence that long and because the demand for parking spaces indicated a reduced rate was not necessary to maximize use of this facility. Aid. Newman made a motion to continue the old rate for the first 3 months and to advise Rotary that the garage made be closing and that, while the City will develop an interim parking plan, Rotary should mart making plans of its own. Aid. Wynne seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. Downtmvn Parking Karen Rosen expressed her concern about the loss of parking when the Sherman Ave. garage closes. She asked for more specific information on when it will be closing, and Aid. Newman responded there is no date because the agreements have not yet been signed regarding the "Sears Project". Aonointment of Associate Member The Committee discussed the fact that David Reynolds' term as a regular Parking Committee had expired, that he had been a long-time member, and probably had more expertise with residential parking than any one in this town. Alderman Wynne moved to appoint Mr. Reynolds as an Associate Member of the Committee. This was seconded by Paul Giddings, and unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned around 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jean Baucom Parking System Manager