Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1990MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Keating of January 4, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, Alderman Rainey, Alex Sproul and Gerald Murphy Members Absent: Mark Rivette, David Reynolds, Harvey Pranian, Nels Vexler and Joan Sable Staff Present: Barber, Casey, Jacobi, Jennings and D. Johnson The meeting was called to order at 6:03 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes of the Meeting of December 14. 1989 - The minutes of the December 14, 1989 meeting were approved. Discussion of Ouestions Raised at Administration and Public Works Committee of City Council 1. Gerald Murphy noted that during the study period only 6.5 Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO's) were on duty and the full complement should be 8.5 PEO's. The results should be reconsidered when full staff is present. Chief Jacobi presented a handout (attached as Exhibit 1). Chief Jacobi commented that it is not unusual to experience periods, such as the week of ' the study, when all PEO's are not available. Vacations, sick leave and injuries all affect total complement. A review of hours spent, volume of tickets, etc. appears to be consistent with previous years. The authorized level is 8.5 PEO's. There were 6.5 PEO's available during the study period. One full-time employee is on Injured status and two part-time positions are - currently vacant. Chief Jacobi advised 761. of the parking tickets are written by the PEO's and 24% are written by sworn officers. Alex Sproul asked how the Police Department responds when a parking complaint Is received once daily assignments are distributed. Chief Jacobi indicated the complaint is referred to either a PEO or beat officer for investigation. The Chief noted that redirection of PEO's could adversely impact production rates. Boot car PEO's could handle additional assignments as they are received without adversely Impacting productivity. Alderman Rainey commented that there are cops all over town and the response from the desk that the Police are too busy to handle parking problems is an unacceptable response. Alderman Rainey questioned the need to direct enforcement efforts toward Howard Street on Saturdays. It appears many spaces are empty and PEO's should be directed to areas where congestion is a problem such as Central Street, Dempster Street or elsewhere - not to disregard ticketing on Howard Street, but to direct limited manpower allocation to areas of need. 2. Gerald Murphy suggested that Council consider raising parking fines and other options rather than adding 5.5 PEO's. Chairman Rudy noted that raising the fines would not diminish the need for additional PEO's since currently there appears to be very limited coverage. 10 MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of January 4, 1990......... Page Two Alex Sproul moved to increase the fine for overtime parking (meter feeding and parking beyond posted time limits at signs) to $25.00 from the current $10.00. (The fine for expired meters will remain at $5.00.) The Committee approved this motion. 3. Gerald Murphy noted differences in productivity (tickets written) among different PEO's. Why so much difference? The Chief of Police distributed a sheet showing performance of the PEO'a (see attached Exhibit 2). The Chief explained that different assignments (boot car vo. walking downtown vs. car assignment in outlying areas) affect performance (tickets written) and differences as noted in the study are not unusual. In response to a question from Alex Sproul, Chief Jacobi noted that it is too oarly to see any impact on redirection of enforcement efforts to overtime parking (meter feeding). Alex Sproul asked if the Committee could be provided periodic reports on ticketing activities. Chief Jacobi responded that summaries by ticket type can be provided but summaries by area would be extremely time consuming to produce. Reports should be submitted monthly for Committee review. 4. Alderman Wold requested an explanation on revenue projections. Pat Casey, City Collector, and David Johnson, Assistant Finance Director, were present to discuss revenue projections. They distributed a handout (see attached Exhibit 3). This information still needs to be refined, but it shows actual cash flow. Whereas earlier information assumed money from tickets was collected in the year the ticket was written, the new projection includes a more detailed cash flow. Based on the assumption of collecting overall 44% of the revenue from tickets written and only 35% in the first year, the analysis shows that adding 5.5 PEO's will result in a deficit of $94,072 in the first year. In general, it appears that with startup costs added in year 1, the revenues would be less than expenses for the first year. However, there would be excess revenue in subsequent years. Ihis revenue projection will be refined and extended to a four year summary for distribution at the Administration and Public Works Committee meeting. In response to questions from the Committee, Pat Casey indicated our collection rates, while appearing low, are better than many other communities and recent efforts have been positive in increasing what the City collects. He also noted that increasing the overtime fine (as previously recommended) will increase revenues. She Committee suggested borrowing any first year deficits from the Parking Fund and repaying the Parking Fund in the following years. Gerald Murphy requested a response on collection rates (Evanston's history and comparison to other communities) for the next meeting. 5. Alderman Collens requested information on why the Committee felt now was an appropriate time to update the 1985 Central Business District Parking Study. David Jennings noted the previous study was intended to be a 5 year plan and updates were expected to account for changes in supply and demand of the MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COBBITTEE'ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of January A, 1990......... Page Three Parking System. Extra spaces in the system (such as the 300+ spaces added with the Church Street Self Park and Maple Street areas) need to be added and lost spaces (if any) need to be deleted to reflect current capacity. The retail/commercial/residen- tial mix needs to be reassessed to reevaluate current demands. Alderman Rainey emphasized the need to update the study to assist with long range planning in the Parking System. Gerald Murphy noted the needs of major employers need to be considered. David Jennings indicated part of the study is a survey of employers to include their input in establishing parking needs. Other Batters David Jennings noted the summary prepared for distribution to the Administration and Public Works Committee on December 18, 1989 (summary of the enforcement study discussed at our last meeting) would be distributed to all Aldermen with the next Council packet. Gerald Murphy introduced Pam Beal (My Fair Lady - 1710 Central Street) to discuss problems in the area of her business. Ms. Beal commented on problems with movie theater patrols during extended holiday hours when shows begin at noon. The patrons take all street spaces and her patrons have no place to park. She complained of poor enforcement and no response when she contacted the Police Department. Chief Jacobi will investigate Ms. Baal's concerns. Alex Sproul asked if we could prepare a flier or notice to pass out with overtime meter violations explaining where long term parking exists. David Jennings noted one is available and was used in the past. A copy should be attached to the minutes. A brief discussion of computerized ticketing took. place. Chief Jacobi noted studies indicated full use of computerized ticketing reduced productivity. The management study included in the proposed budget will explore this matter further in FY1990-91. David Jennings reported that the Church Street Self Park is running about 50% of capacity at present and more spaces are available in the Sherman Avenue Garage. Alderman Rainey suggested a notice to businesses to promote the availability of spaces in both facilities. David Jennings will follow up on this with the Chamber of Commerce. Staff will provide a response on parking garage usage at the next meeting. Gerald Murphy advised Committee members of another CTA Hearing on rate restructuring set for January 23, 1990. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.H. Respe tfully submitted, a David H. 11arber EXHIBIT I (Pg. I} EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT BUREAU PARKING EIIFORCEMENT OFFICERS FULL T I ME S M T W R F S S M T W R F S Off/1 0930 X x x X 1800 Off/2 0700 X X X X 1530 Boot Off /3 0900 x x x X 1730 Boot Off/4 0830 x x x X 1700 IOD Off/5 0830 x x x x 1700 Off/b 0830 X x x X 1700 Off/7 0300 x x x x 1700 PART TIME S M T W R F S S M T W R F S Off/1 0900 Valk x x x x 1300 Off/2 1100 Walk x x x x 1300 Off/3 open Walk position DUTIES PERFOR,'IED BY PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Outside the issuance of parking citations 1. Officers all spend one afternoon per week in court. This date is set by the city collectors office. Court is always done during on duty time eliminating the need to pay 'the officers court time with the exception of the am part time officer who does earn court time as court begins after his tour of duty ends. 2. One officer performs at least two mail runs per day between the police department and the civic center. That officer also takes to the post office the registered mail regarding the notifications required prior to disposing of junk cars in the auto pound. 3. On an average, at least one officer per day is required to stand at school crossings due to the illness or other excuse of a regular crossing guard that is absent. When the weather turns cold, many of the guards call in that they cannot make their crossings. Most of the guards are EXHIBIT 1 (Pg. 2) older and cannot tolerate the extreme cold and sxtended hours outside. As the weather worsens, the more PEO'S are required to stand corners. 'then we run out of PEO' s traffic police officers stand the corners. The crossings average 1 hour in the.morning/noon/after school. 4. PEO'S on occasion are required to assist with traffic control at major accidents or at fires that require long term traffic control. Most trees there is only one and at most 2 police traffic ❑fiicers working. In the event of a major fire, many intersections surrounding the fire scene have to be blocked and traffic re-routed. 5. During the period of 1 April through 30 November, all PEO'S are required to assist with the street cleaning ,that occurs during the day shift. The officers start at 9:00am. They are all given specific assignments in the cleaning area and issue citations as appropriate. Enforcement and sweeping ends at 12:00 noon. 8. Snow removal causes the PEO's to be assigned to a crew that is towing vehicles. The officers generally go through an area first and make an announcement over the public address system that cars not moved will be towed. This snow emergency work usually lasts two to three days depending on the amount of -snow fall. This is a 12 hour per day activity. 7.. PEO'S are now assigned routine This means that when a complaint citizen, the dispatcher assigned a PEO beet car to handle the complaint. requires a tow, the PEO has to call for complete the assignment as they are not cars. parking assignments. is received from a rather than a police If the complaint a sworn officer to authorized to tow EXRIBIT 2 (Pg. 1) 1989 DISTRIBUTIONS OF TICKETS WRITTEN JANUARY 1989 Number Percent PED 1 1040 (50) PEO 2 1387 (83) PED 3 265 (61) PED 4 994 (43) PED 5 1482 (74) PEO 6 970 (59) (B) . PEO 7 218 (55) (9) PEO 8 1345 (84) (P) PEO 9 1136 (84) (P) Total: 13,731 8837 (64%) OCTOBER 1989 Overtime Zones Other Violations i 465 (23) 1 ( 0) 125 (29) 946 (41) 309 (15) 443 (23) 125 (32) 53 ( 3) 2 ( 0) •1617 (12%Y 3,277 (24%) PEO 1 443 (33) 447 (35) PEO 2 416 (28) 404 (27) PEO 3 709 (55) 112 ( 9) PEO 4 2 (100) - PEO 5 996 (64) 379 (24) PEO 6 261 (49) (B) 77 (15) PEO 7 362 (58) (B) 171 (27) PEO 8 1515 (90) (P) - Totel: 8,506 4704 (55%) 1620 (19%) 1,620 (26%) NOVEMBER 1989 PED 1 448 (30) 692 (46) PED 2 208 (17) 431 (36) PEO 3 469 (62) 25 ( 3) PED 4 176 (60) - PEO 5 1125 (72) 274 (17) PEO 6 234 (58) (B) 60 (15) PEO 7 488 (70) (8) 44 ( 7) PED 8 1296 (91) (P) - Total: 7,777 4444 (57%) 1526 (20%) 1,807 (23%) Full-time Employees: 40 hours per week Part-time Employees: 20 hours per week (B) Boot (P) Part time EXHIBIT 2 (Pg. 2) PARKING TICKETS WRITTEN 1987 Police Officers 149,719 Perking Enforcement Officers 1430675 TOTAL. 193,394 Authorized Strength 1988 41,201 173,076 214,337 1989* 42,526 134,500 177,026 6 full time 5 full time 7 full time"* 2 part time 2 pert time 3 pert time*** E *Through November 1989 - 177,026 " " 1988 198,194 **One PEO on injured status all of 1989 For three months were minus another full-time PEO ***For five months were understaffed by part-time PEO's: 2 months by 2 PEO's, and 3 months by 1 PEO. 1 EXHIBIT 3 Overall Collection Estimates: 215,139 tickets written In 1988 x 7.25 average dollar amount of ticket $1,559,757 x 44% collection rate S 686,293 S 686,293 ; 215.139 = S 3.19 amount collected per ticket 96,260 x 3.19 S 307,069 estimated collection amount for new tickets 307,069 - $251,060 annual costs ; $ 56,009 56,009 - S 87,512 start up costs • (531,502) first year revenue Yearly Collection Rate 215,139 tickets written in 1988 x 7.25 average dollar amount of ticket S 1,559,757 x 35% annual collection rate S 545,915 $545,915 215,139 = S 2.54-amount collected per ticket 96.260 = x 2.54 = S 244.500 annual revenue collected for new tickets S 244.500 - S 251.060 annual costs - (; 6,560) S (6,560) - 87,512 start up costs - (S 94,072) first year revenue The ticket with this notice was issued for "Overtime parking, or parking longer than the two-hour time limit for this space. This practice is Illegal whether or not you return to the car and insert money into the meter. These spaces are for short-term uses. Long-term parking is available in the City lots on Maple Avenue, north of Church Street, for $20 per month. These well -lighted, patrolled spaces cost $1 per day, compared to $2 per dark for meter feeding. If you would Like .information on how to obtain a permit, call the Cltd Parking System at 866 2923. MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of February 1, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, David Reynolds and Alex Sproul Members Absent: Alderman Rainey, Mark Rivette, Harvey Pranian, Nels Vexler. Gerald Murphy and Joan Sable Staff Present: Barber, Casey, Jacobi, Jenninga The meeting was called to order at 6:12 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes of Meeting of January 4. 1990 - The minutes were briefly reviewed by the Committee but no action was taken to approve them. Report by City Collector on Collection Rates, - Pat Casey, City Collector, reviewed his report. Oak Park is the only community which compares to Evanston in tickets written and their collection rate is 25%, or about one-half of Evanston. Other communities issue only a small number of tickets. It was noted that Evanston tickets are issued to a large number of out-of-state violators and 25% of our outstanding (unpaid) tickets are to out-of-state plates. Collection methods were discussed. Only Waukegan uses driver's license suspension to help collect from violators. Evanston is considering this method. The next step Evanston will probably take is to Increase notice efforts to violators from the current quarterly process to monthly. In response to a question from the Committee, Casey noted the City of Evanston does not limit collection efforts to within the city. We look wherever is necessary to collect. Efforts are concentrated on multiple offenders. A collection agency is also used by the City. Their fee is 30% of what they collect. Response to Inquiry on Residential Parking Program - David Jennings described the various Residential Parking Districts and the different times when restrictions apply. He pointed out the demand in the RPD? is the factor governing the hours of restrictions. Response to Su?testion to Promote Availability of Parking Spaces - David Jennings reported he has met with Gerald Murphy of the Chamber of Commerce and plans are underway to promote the availability of spaces as well as the Chamber's validation program for reduced cost for parking in the garages to shoppers and patrons. Status Report on Parking Garage Usage - The Committee was advised that usage in the Church Street Self Park is increasing (330 transient users/day in the first week to over 400/day in week three). Some users (long term) are moving from the Sherman Avenue Garage but there now seems to be a reasonable split between the two facilities. It has been suggested that more Washington National permit holders be moved from Sherman Avenue to Church Street. D. Jennings noted this would not be wise at this time as it now MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of February 1. 1990......... Page Two appears we have a good mix of permit holders, transient parkers and available spaces at both facilities. Staff will respond at the next meeting on waiting lists for permits at the garages. Discussion of PEO Analvsis Prenared by Alex Sproul - The analysis prepared by Alex Sproul has attempted to develop relationships with several variables (staffing, productivity, emphasis on overtime violations with othee• violations, overtime fine level, and collection rate) and the impact those variables will have on moving illegal parkers and on revenue. The Committee discussed how this material, as well as other items previously considered by the Committee, could be best presented to the Administration and Public Works Committee to help them better see the need to add PEO's. Staff will prepare a flip chart type presentation (to be presented by Chairman Rudy) to identify items considered and recommendations being forwarded to the Administration and Public Works Committee for approval. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, q 4 V= h MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Hooting of March 8, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, Alderman Rainey, Alex Sproul, David Reynolds and Bill Demes Members Absent: Gerald Murphy, Mark Rivette, Staff Present: Barber, Jacobi and Jennings The meeting was called to order at 6:05 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes of the Meeting of February 1, 1990 - The Committee approved the minutes of the previous mooting, Discussion - Scope of Manaxement Study - Chairman Rudy indicated that the study should evaluate the items presented in a previous study by Alex Sproul. such as coverage of the various areas within the city, the effect of ticketing and the level of fines with behavior, and the use of technology to improve efficiency and increase overall performance. The Committee was advised that the intent for tonight was to review this outline, add items to the outline so that staff could then prepare a more detailed scope of work for review by the Committee. Once the more detailed scope is approved, staff will solicit proposals for the work. The Committee indicated that staff should attempt to prioritize the items in the scope of work so the consultant would know where the Committee expects him to spend most of his time. In response to a question from Alderman Rainey, staff advised that the study originally developed as an idea in-house to improve management practices to provide more efficient operation of the Parking System. Since part of the study was to review parking enforcement procedures, the Committee became involved in the review of the scope of work. Alderman Rainey suggested that one item to be considered in the study would be the impact on the Parking System if the City were to sell both parking garages and have them operated privately. Staff indicated that this would be a possible item to consider. Alderman Rudy indicated he thought the result Would be higher rates if the parking garages were privately operated, but the study should evaluate selling of the garages and the effoct that the privatization will have on rates. Alderman Rainey commented on how important training was to improve the behavior and performance of the Parking Enforcement Officers. She emphasized that staff should be sure that the training relates to the changes in enforcement direction, especially since new PEO's have now been added to the system. Alex Sproul requested that the study evaluate what it would take for the PEO to be able to enter the license number of an illegally parked vehicle, generate a ticket and then use this same data at the Collector's Office to verify that all tickets have been paid when someone applies for the purchase of a City vehicle sticker. Discussion of Ways to Increase Collection Rates, - Alderman Rainey commented that she thought that our collection rates were already high comparatively with respect to other communities in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Alderman Rudy concurred, but indicated that the City Collector would be MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COKKITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS March S. 1990...............Page Two available at the next meeting to discuss this item in more detail. No further discussion took place on this item. Status Report on the Advertising of Availability of Parking - David Jennings reported on the progress the City and the Chamber have made toward increasing the awareness of downtown customers to the availability of parking in our new garages. He brlprty discussed the return of the validation program and the promotion being developed by the Chamber for the use of tent cards to be located at caah registers in the downtown area and the use of window signs. Larger signs will also be posted at key locations throughout the downtown area. The Chamber is looking into using a small flyer to add or insert into bills which would be sent out from downtown businesses. The Chamber will also ba doing regular advertising in local news media to emphasize the availability of parking. David Jennings presented samples of the proposed directional signing to be added to the downtown area. Funds for additional directional signing have been added to the budget for FY1990-91 and staff in proceeding with the purchase of these signs. Report on Ticketing Activity - David Jennings reported that the actual change in ticketing efforts by the Parking Enforcement Officers began in late January and due to the snow situation in mid -February there is very little difference between the number of tickets written for overtime parking in January to February. In response to a question from Alderman Rainey, staff indicated that the method for determining overtime parkers is to chalk the tire on the first pass through the area and then approximately three to four hours later the PEO returns to the area to determine if the car is still in the some location. If the chalked car has not moved, a ticket is issued for overtime parking, whether or not the expired flag is visible in the parking meter. In discussing the amount of time to be spent by the PEO's to attack the overtime parking problem, Alex Sproul said he expected to see at least 50% of the PEO's time spent in this effort. Alderman Rudy indicated that it was important for us to look at other items such as what areas are being covered throughout the city in addition to the number of tickets being written. Alex Sproul indicated that it should not be a difficult task to make assignments to the PEO's to control where they are working and to direct their enforcement efforts. Alderman Rudy suggested that the Police Department take a one month period and concentrate entirely on increasing coverage throughout the community and on writing tickets for overtime parkers and ignore the expired meters. Staff responded, indicating that the numbers presented at the meeting are not a representative figure based on the direction toward overtime parking and that final routes have not been established. The Police Department is looking into establishing equal "beats" for Parking Enforcement Officers. These equal beats will provide for a better system for monitoring coverage, but setting up these equal routes is a difficult task and will not be completed immediately. David Reynolds asked if staff would provide information on what percent of the enforcement effort is in the Central Business District and how much of that effort is outside of the Central Business District. In reviewing the initial information supplied to the Committee, the response was that the graphs were not good and a better report would be necessary which would show 1 � • MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS March 8, 1990...............Page Three actual numbers of tickets written rather than just percent distribution and a standard based on the past year or two experience for comparison would also be appropriate. An analysis evaluating the time spent on various activities by the PEO's should also be included in the monthly report. The Committee indicated that the Parking Enforcement Officers and management in that area need to know that a change in direction away from expired meters and toward overtime parking and other violations is important and they need to be aware that this change should take place soon. David Jennings discussed the negative time motors that will be installed in some areas in the downtown soon. The negative time meter is an electronic meter which not only shows the time left on n parking meter, but once time has expired displays the time since the motor expired so that a Parking Enforcement Officer will be able to tell if somebody is only one or two minutes late, The PEO could then use some discretion in issuing a ticket for expired meters in the future. Alex Sproul asked staff to investigate if there is a way we can determine how long we can ignore enforcement of expired meters before it impacts on the amount of revenue received. Alderman Rainey suggested that the training to he provided for Parking Enforcement Officers include a discussion of how to deal with people to improve public relations. The situation where a customer comes to move a car even though the expired flag is showing could be handled in a positive fashion by allowing the individual to just relocate the car, rather than requiring the officer to issue a ticket. Since our goal is to move the car if it is parked too long, it may be more appropriate and better for public relations to allow the individual to move the vehicle rather than to issue the ticket. The negative time parking meter could assist in this overall improved public relations program. The Committee requested the Police Department to change direction immediately to increase the number of overtime parking tickets issued and attempt to reduce the number of tickets issued for expired meters. Lakefront Parking Restrictions - Alderman Rudy briefly explained a proposal to limit or partially restrict parking in the lakefront areas to vehicles that are not City of Evanston registered vehicles. At the current time, there is discussion about creating time -limited zones in the lakefront area and exempting Evanston residents from the limit. In response to a question on whether or not this plan was to control the use of parks, the response was negative. The main purpose was to make more spaces available in the lakefront area to residents of the City of Evanston. The major area of concern was the area at Clark Street Beach, where parking is free and is currently being used all day for people parking and then walking downtown to work and not using the garages or the Maple Avenue Parking Area. Their use of this area in lieu of the parking facilities available downtown is limiting parking availability to people wishing to use the beach during the summer. Alderman Rudy suggested that the proposal was to deal with the entire lakefront area and not strictly the Clark Street Beach area. Alex Sproul suggested that this item be deferred until we can adequately enforce all areas throughout the city. He was not in favor of adding additional restrictions. Alderman Rainey indicated her willingness to look at the Clark Street Beach area, but not the rest of the areas along the lakefront. Staff will provide a brief report at the next meeting concerning the Clark MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS March 8, 1990...............Page Four Street Beach area and will update parking studies to show how many cars are parking in the area with and without City of Evanston vehicle stickers. Matters for Future Discussion -- Alderman Rainey suggested that we consider adding parking meters in areas where they currently do not exist and suggested the area of Chicago Avenue north of Clark Street be considered, in addition to other areas that could be brought before the Committee at a future time. Othor items suggested by the Committee include: (1) The concept of forgivoness of parking apace requirements for business developers In the downtown area if they subsidize public transportation. (Z) The Committee should review the draft of the Zoning Ordinance and provide any comments to the Zoning Committee as the changes relate to parking within the city. Staff will investigate obtaining copies of this draft Zoning Ordinance and distribute copies to members of the Parking Committee. (3) The Committee should investigate the concept of purchasing vacant land in residential areas as they become available and converting these areas into parking lots for residential parking needs in areas of high congestion. OTHER }BATTERS: David Jennings distributed a small information flyer which will be distributed with tickets for illegal long term parkers which explains why the individual was ticketed and advises where additional parking is available for long term parking. Chairman Rudy thanked the Committee members for their efforts in providing information to City Council for the recommendation to add 5.5 Parking Enforcement Officers in the FY1990-91 Budget. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, David H. Barber Public Works Director Draft - Not Anprovod MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of April 12, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, Alderman Rainey, Alex Sproul, David Reynolds, Bill Demes and Gerald Murphy Members Absent: Mark Rivette Staff Present: Ayers, Barber, Casey and Jennings The meeting was called to order at 6:08 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes of the Meeting of March 8. 1990 - Alex Sproul clarified his request, noted on Page 3 (15th line) was not for an additional study but only requested if this was possible. Alderman Rainey requested the information flyers noted on Page 4 be forwarded to the Administration and Public Works Committee for their information. The Committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting. Increasing Collection Rates - Patrick Casey, City Collector, presented the informa- tion contained in his April 3, 1990 letter to the Committee. He directed the Com- mittee's attention to the flow chart attached to his letter, showing the many steps followed to collect on issued tickets. The three main efforts are: (1) quarterly notices, soon to be sent monthly; (2) boot list; and (3) collection agency. The notice procedure will be improved soon to contact persons with outstanding violations more frequently. tic. Casey noted this effort will cost more for forms and postage but the anticipated increased revenue should cover these costs. Efforts to increase follow-up on out-of-state offenders will also begin soon. In many cases once parents receive notice of violations for cars used by children attending Northwestern, checks are received to cover the violations. The Boot Notice is currently producing this result. The Driver's License Suspension Program is currently being reviewed by the Law Department. This program will probably not prove worthwhile in the near future. It appears a new Division may be needed to implement this program. It seems it may be at least one to two years away before staff will be prepared to submit a recommendation on this program. Alex Sproul asked if it would be possible to connect issuing City Vehicle Stickers to Outstanding Tickets. Patrick Casey noted that 85% of Vehicle Stickers are issued by mail now and connecting these efforts may reduce compliance to Vehicle Sticker purchases. Sgt. Ayers noted that there are currently an estimated 18.000 individuals who have not obtained Vehicle Stickers. Some may be included in this list who gave improper addresses or who have moved. The first attempt to follow up _� will be with post cards. This will be followed by a night time canvas of the city. Sgt. Ayers noted that Parking Enforcement Officers will be used in this effort. The City will also be trying to get leasing agencies to comply with the requirement to register vehicles. Access to records was noted as a problem to ensure compliance. Patrick Casey noted the City obtains a computer tape of registered vehicles from the State each October to use to mail notices. In response to a question from the Committee, Patrick Casey indicated the penalty for not obtaining a Vehicle Sticker on time is $10.00 plus the sticker cost goes up by $20.00. The penalty can go up to $50. He also noted the violation of not purchasing a sticker is not included as a boot list eligible violation. MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS April 12, 1990...............Page Two Sgt. Ayers advised the Committee that the night time sweep to find violators has not yet started. The effort previously used officers hired back at overtime rates (from the Traffic Bureau) and completed the operation in three to six weeks. PEO's could be now used but they would not be available during the day time. In response to a question, Sgt. Ayers said their department had not been using sworn officers for this operation for several years. The Committee recommended the night time swoop be conducted with hirebacks rather than PEO's. Sgt. Ayers noted the procodure is time consuming and usually includes four to six individuals. The first part of the shift is spent in the field collecting possible violators. License numbers recorded are checked on a computer to determine if a violation exists. The officers return to the field to issue the ticket. If the car is gone, the ticket is mailed. David Reynolds noted this would be a good application for computer technology discussed at previous meetings. Sgt. Ayers advised a computer equipped car will soon be in the field and can be used to assist this operation. Alex Sproul asked staff to investigate the possibility of just mailing tickets if stickers are not purchased. Staff will respond to this request. Lakefront Parking Studv - the study submitted for Committee review was conducted between 1:30 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. The weather was cold and cloudy and cars were parked all the way to Greenwood, but some spaces were available. David Reynolds noted he has observed that as enforcement of time zones has increased, more spaces are available in those areas, but more packers seem to be moving to the Lakefront area. There still seems to be a lot of spaces (over 200 in mid -afternoon) in the Church Street Self -Park, so efforts to move parkers to the garage have not been effective yet. David Jennings noted that at peak usage .there are still about 125 available spaces in the garage. Alderman Rainey commented that the Administration and Public Works Committee may be receptive to an ordinance to add restrictions to parking in the Lakefront area. There was discussion by the committee on the types of restrictions which would be appropriate for the Lakefront area. The consensus was to have the restrictions change during the "beach season", similar to the way Lake Shore Boulevard is changed to a one-way street during the summer. The Committee suggested that no parking be allowed without an Evanston City Sticker between October 1 and April 30 and that two-hour parking be allowed for vehicles without an Evanston City Sticker from May 1 to September 30. To avoid confusion, staff suggested that the signs be changed on the appropriate dates rather than show both regulations simultaneously. The parking would remain unrestricted on Saturday and Sunday all year long. Staff will submit a sample ordinance for Committee review for the neat meeting. Report on Parking Enforcement Officer Ticketing Activity - Sgt. Ayers advised the Committee that PEO's are responding well to the change in ticketing emphasis. Efforts in the downtown area appear to be having an impact. Ron Isaacson, Mindscape, spoke to the Committee to advise of the negative impact of increased ticketing efforts. He advised of three customers who said they will not be returning since they received tickets. The Committee was advised that many of his customers come to shop, eat lunch, etc., and two to three hours is not enough time. Mr. Isaacson came to relate to the Committee his concerns as well as the concerns of his fellow merchants. He also requested the Committee reconsider the F meeting time (Thursday - 6:00 P.M.) as many merchants cannot make the meeting. He -- MINUTES OF THE MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS April 12, 1990...............Page Three told the Committee he does have signs directing customers to the Holiday Inn Parking Lot. David Reynolds, in response to a comment from Mr. Isaacson, emphasized the goal of the increased ticketing effort toward overtime parking was to make more spaces available for customers and not additional revenue. Sgt. Ayers advised the Committee the PEO's have been directed to write no overtime tickets for parking less than throw hours. In fact, PEO's do not begin making their second pass until three hours after they mark the last car, so some violators have as much as four hours at a meter. When direction of enforcement was initially changed, some tickets were written at the two hour limit, but this was changed to the longer time period. Chairman Rudy clarified the difference between the overtime violation (S25 fine) and the expired meter violation ($5 fine). Mr. Isaacson requested the Committee reconsider leaving space on the lower levels of the Sherman Avenue Garage for short time parkers. In response to a concern expressed by Mr. Isaacson, David Jennings advised that there is security in the garage and if someone requests, a guard will escort customers to their cars. The garage is also well lighted. The Committee requested the Chamber contact its members and advise them of this service. Alderman Rainey encouraged merchant feedback to help monitor the effects of this new enforcement effort. Sill Domes noted that many long term parkers are now wiping off chalk marks. Sgt. Ayers responded that license numbers are also being recorded so tickets can be issued. Mr. Demes expressed his feeling that the long term parking problem is a real dilemma. The spaces need to be treed up but yet customers should not be alienated by ticketing efforts. Hr. Isaacson suggested the use of receipts showing purchases in the downtown area could be used to justify overturning (invalidating) parking tickets. Alderman Rainey noted customers lunching downtown should be encouraged to use the parking garages. Then more foot traffic (potential customers) would be in the downtown area. She noted that customers walk that far at malls and that foot = traffic is the reason for their success. If you park at Old Orchard you would end up walking the equivalent of three or four blocks. Foot traffic is not generated by the quick stop (in/out) customer. Alderman Rainey also com:aented that the Committee should be careful about overreacting to comments too quickly since these ticketing efforts are new. The Committee set the next meeting for Tuesday, May 8, 1990 at 6:00 P.K. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:38 P.K. Respectful y submitted, a dH. Be Public Works Director MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of May 8, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, Alderman Rainey, Alex Sproul,'David Reynolds and Joan.Sable Members Absent: Gerald Murphy, Mark Rivette, Bill Demes Staff Present: Ayers, Barber and Jennings The meeting was called to order at 6:08 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes of the Meeting of April 12. 1990 - The minutes were briefly reviewed by the Committee and approved as submitted. Report on Ticketing Activitv - Sergeant Ayers advised the Committee that one Parking Enforcement Officer has resigned, effective tha end of the month and an additional PEO has also quit, so that the full complement of officers will be -down by the end of the month. In addition to the materials submitted with the packet, Sgt. Ayers distributed a graph showing ticketing activity from January through the month of April. In response to a question from the Committee, Sgt. Ayers indicated that the number of tickets for overtime meters in April is lower than in March, primarily due to the start of the street swseping program on April 2, 1990. In addition, Sgt. Ayers responded to a question indicating that the Parking Enforcement Officers are spending at least 50% of their total time toward enforcement of overtime parking meters. The Committee commented that there wer3 still a large number of expired meter tickets being written. Staff concurred, but pointed out that the overall number of tickets has increased and the percentage of expired meter tickets has decreased from about 60% or so in January and February to 49.1% in April. Alderman Rudy commented that he has started to hear a large number of complaints, but this is probably due to the increased ticketing effort and more probably due to a higher fee associated with the overtime ticket. In response to a question from Committee member Reynolds, Sgt. Ayers indicated 312 manhours were spent in April for tasks other than writing tickets, which included 115 manhours for school crossings, 30 manhours for assistance on special street cleaning, 42 manhours for mail runs, 56 manhours for court time and 69 manhours for other miscellaneous tasks. This is about 137. of all manhours for the month. Alderman Rainey questioned Sgt. Ayers about the use of PEO's for alternate side parking. She indicated that in the past she has seen uniformed Officers working in the alternate side parking program and questioned if we are replacing these Officers with the new PEO's. Sgt Ayers indicated that we are not replacing the Officers with PEO's and that the alternate side parking program has always been enforced with the Parking Enforcement Officers. Some of the special posting operations where towing has been involved did utilize some of the uniformed Officers for enforcement. Chairman Rudy requested that staff investigate the past practice of using uniformed Officers and Parking Enforcement Officers for alternate side parking enforcement and asked for a response from Commander Washington. Committee member Sproul asked Sgt. ,Ayers if he has noticed any change in parking patterns. Sgt. Ayers responded in the positive and Alex Sproul also responded that that was his general feeling in observing the parking pattern in the city. Alex Sproul MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL CONNITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS May 8, 1990..............Page Two indicated he would like to see continued efforts to increase enforcement of overtime parking to the maximum extent possible. ProDosed Ordinance to Restrict Lakefront Parking - David Jennings prepared two memos which he felt responded to the wishes of the Committee from the last meeting. The memos outlined the proposed restrictions at the Lakefront but failed to include that the restriction would not be extended to weekends. He also indicated that the reason he used in the proposed memo to Council would have to bo changed based on the legal opinion supplied by the City's Law Department. Alex Sproul indicated he received a phone call from Mary Singh indicating there was substantial support to carry the winter restriction (which does not include the two hour provision for non-residents) year round. Staff responded to Committee member Reynolds that to obtain a City of Evanston vehicle tax sticker the applicant must reside in the City of Evanston. David Reynolds asked if you could buy a City sticker and not be a resident of the City of Evanston. Staff indicated that it was probably possible to use a false address but the City Collector's Office usually checks for driver license or other form of registration to verify residency. Alderman Rainey emphasized that the intent of the Committee in reviewing this proposal was to move the all day parkers from the Lakefront into the new Church Street Self Park. She stressed that it is important that the City not present an anti -visitor image to outsiders. Art Newman, a neighborhood resident, requested that the Committee consider extending the restriction to weekends and give the residents of the City of Evanston preferential Lakefront parking. The audience relayed to the Committee that there not only has been no negative response to this proposal but their review of this proposal has generated a positive response from city-wide residents. People contacted indicated enthusiastic support to move out-of-town parkers into the parking garage. The Committee pointed out that the proposal being considered is only for the area along Sheridan Road from Greenwood north to the Clark Street beach area and did not include restrictions in other beach areas along the Lakefront.__ Alderman Rainey indicated that the Committee should be obligated to request input from the Recreation Department on the impact that this proposal would have on Lakefront activities. She also emphasized that she would not support an extension of this proposal to other Lakefront areas. Committee member Joan Sable indicated that she concurs with Alderman Rainey's position. The Committee discussed the two hour non-resident provision which would apply in the summer only and whether or not it was advantageous to continue this two hour non-resident provision on weekends. The Committee == members did not desire that this provision be extended to weekends. Committee member Sproul moved to prohibit parking along the Lakefront from Greenwood Avenue to the Clark Street Beach for non -Evanston residents seven days per week, 355 days per year. Alderman Rainey requested that this motion be held until the Recreation Department and the Chamber of Commerce have had a chance to comment on the impact that this change would have. Members of the audience relayed to the Committee that they felt people who pay taxes in Evanston deserve a preference and requested that the Committee allow this proposal to go through the normal procedure and not to hold this item up in Committee. Chairman Rudy relayed to the Committee as well as the MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS may 8, 1990..............Page Three audience that it is normal practice if an Alderman or Committee member requests an item be held for further information that the matter is usually held until that information is provided. Alderman Rainey indicated that this proposal is a major change along the Lakefront and it affects a major asset of the community and we should proceed carefully on this issue so as to not appear elitist in our attempt to restrict parking. She pointed out that this issue was initiated by the Committee and was not raised by a great concern of a great number of residents of the City of Evanston. The Committee is only attempting to move all day parkers into the new parking facility. She stated she wanted to be sure that we do not extend this type of parking restriction, as well as other residential only parking restrictions, to too many areas of the city so that outsiders entering the city would have to go only to locations where they have to pay for parking, A member of the audience pointed out that this restriction as proposed would help west siders from the City of Evanston to have better access to the Lakefront facilities. Other people using the Lakefront can use the new parking garage which is only two'blocks from the lake. Alderman Rainey requested a response by the Recreation Department on the impact this proposal would have on their programs and requested that When a proposal is prepared in ordinance form it be sent to the Administration and Public Works Committee so that they are aware that this is being considered by the Parking Committee. In response to a question from the Committee, David Jennings indicated that the City Code seems to be silent on the need for a public hearing on this parking requirement, but would provide a response in the next packet. Alderman Rainey also requested that staff consider a program whereby beach users could also obtain a validation sticker or some type of validation, similar to that proposed for the downtown area, to give parkers using the garage a discount similar to that with a validation sticker. Discussion on Northwestern University Parkinz Regulations - Alderman Rudy related to the Committee that a recently enacted parking restriction by Northwestern University would provide that only Juniors and above would be provided parking stickers to allow them to park their cars on University facilities. This meant that others with cars would be required to park cars on City streets surrounding the campus area and may increase the parking demand in these areas. Alderman Rudy requested this be on the agenda so that the Committee could discuss this issue. In the least, he wished to make the Committee aware of this proposal so that if anything needed to be - done it could be. There was no additional discussion on this matter by the Committee. Other Matters: Alex Sproul asked the Committee to consider modifying the restrictions to dual sale of parking spaces in the parking lots surrounding the Chicago/Main Business District. At present, additional parking stickers are sold for daytime use in the lots surrounding this district for employees in the area. At present, there are not many takers to this program due to the restrictive hours for daytime parking of employees. The current hours under HINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS May 8, 1990..............Page Four the daytime parking permit are 9 A.M..to 5 P.H. His observation_ in the parking lots surrounding this area show that there appear to be plenty of parking spaces and moved to amend the hour rootriction..from 9 A.H. to 5 P.H. to new hours of 6 A.H. to 8 P.H. David Reynolds requested that staff consider selling a limited number of permits and monitor the occupancy of the lots and increase the number of permits sold if spaces are available, The Committee approved this modification. A few residents from the Sherman Gardens Condominium Complex were present relating that not enough spaces are available for all of their cars in their lot and that they are required to park on the street near their building. They related that the area is used by a lot of vehicles with out-of-town license plates and that the rostrictions on the loading zone adjacent to their property is not enforced. They requested information on how their people could get a permit to park in front of their building and restrict this use to only residents of the Sherman Gardens. Alderman Rudy indicated that it would be more appropriate for this group to speak to their aldermen on this issue since this did not appear to be the responsibility of the Mayor's Special Committee on Parking Needs. The next meeting of the Mayor's Special Committee on Parking Needs will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 1990 at 6:00 P.H. in Room 2404 of the Evanston Civic Center. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.H. Public Works Director r 3 MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of June 12, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, Alex Sproul, Bill Demes and Gerald Murphy Members Absent: Alderman Rainey, David Reynolds, Joan Sable and Mark Rivette Staff Present: Ayers, Barber and Jennings The meeting was called to order at 6:07 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes of the Meeting of May 8, 1990 - The minutes were briefly reviewed by the Committee and approved as submitted. Report on Ticketing Activity - Member Sproul asked why the Parking Enforcement Officers were sent to a course which appeared to be more appropriate for sworn police officers. Sgt. Ayers responded that there is limited training available for civilian employees and after a search of various courses available at different locations the Chief and others in tho Police Department felt that this was the course best suited for the PEO's. Sgt. Ayers indicated that he felt that the new ticketing efforts have been having an impact on parking behavior in many areas. Bill Demes indicated his agreement with that statement, indicating that there are now parking spaces available in the Davis Street area around his business. In the past, when programs to redirect parking were implemented, the lack of follow-up allowed packers to return to their old habits. He indicated the continued follow-up under this program is having positive results and moving illegal all -day packers. Sgt. Ayers indicated that the current staff of PEO's is down two full-time positions and one supervisor, but that steps are now in progress to replace those people in the near future. Sgt. Ayers indicated that the PEO's are spending a large amount of time covering for crossing guards. At present they are covering for six full-time positions and additional positions for crossing guards not reporting due to illness. This crossing guard coverage is hurting the ticket writing effort expected by the PEO's. The Committee requested that staff (Chief Jacobi, Barber, Jennings, Washington and Ayers) meet to discuss this matter to redirect efforts of Parking Enforcement Officers to that of parking enforcement. The report was accepted by the Committee. Proposal to Restrict Lakefront Parking - Chairman Rudy reminded the group that the last motion on this matter was for a restriction to be in place seven days a week, 365 days per year which would allow only cars with City of Evanston vehicle tax stickers to park in the area along the Lakefront. Chairman Rudy noted that he has received several items of correspondence on the issue in addition to those included with the packet. David Reynolds could not be present at the meeting and submitted his comments in a letter dated June 12, 1990. A letter from Katy Boldt, 1318 Greenleaf, was circulated and a letter submitted from Calf and Dragon Company, 507 Davis Street was circulated. Alex Sproul noted that he had attended the Chamber Board meeting and the general consensus of the Chamber Board was that they were opposed to parking restrictions which would discriminate against Y MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 12, 1990..............Page Two non-residents of the City of Evanston who are coming to the city to patronize businesses in the community. He also indicated that the Chamber was concerned about any measure that would exacerbato the downtown parking problem and would oppose a measure that would move cars into the downtown area where parking is already a problem. Mr. Sproul commented that the general attitude that has been presented is that since other communities restrict Lakefront parking, the City of Evanston would therefore be justified to also restrict Lakefront parking to residents only. No indicated that he felt the City of Evanston was not of that spirit and that the City should give a more open appearance and he indicated he would not like to see restrictions based on the feeling that 'Iwo pay taxes, therefore we are entitled to privilege". He commented on the contents of Joan Sable's letter submitted with the packet material and supported her comments. After giving this matter a lot of thought during the last month. Mr. Sproul commented that the users of the beach should get a priority in the summer time, but that the restrictions should not apply year round. He proposed the Committee consider a restriction from Memorial Day to Labor Day which Would impose a three to four hour time limit to allow people to use the beach. and that all -day packers should relocate to the parking garage. Bill Demos indicated that he would like to find some compromise somewhere between the comments made by both groups. In response to a question, David Jennings indicated that the rates for downtown parking in the long-term lot are $22.00 per month and the rates for parking in the garages are $62.00 per month. Art Newman advised the Committee that he does not agree with the Chamber's position. He commented that the parking garage was built to alleviate the Chamber's concerns of downtown parking and that the garage has not yet been filled to capacity. There comes a point when the interests of the residents of the city supersede the interests of the Chamber of Commerce. He stressed that this proposal needs to be processed through the entire approval process of City Council so that all sides can be heard on this matter. Residents on the west side of the city need parking along the Lakefront. He thinks that it is reasonable to give the residents of the City of Evanston preference for parking in this area. Mary Singh advised the Committee that last February the Southeast Evanston - Association Board began to discuss this issue. They felt that the Lakefront would be more of an asset to the community if the residents of the community could have more access (i.e. more parking). She cited the letter submitted by David Reynolds showing the many spaces available in the parking lots in the downtown area for only $1.00 per day, so low cost parking is available for all -day parkers near by. She suggested that people who live along the Lakefront are not requesting relief as has been indicated by a member of the community, but that the relief being requested is for all residents of the city, especially those who do not live near the lake. The efforts should be to move all the parkers away from the Lakefront and give Evanston residents access to the beach. Chairman Rudy advised those in attendance that the Committee was going to send something in the form of a proposed ordinance to the Administration and -_ Public Works Committee but that the Committee was now dealing with the issue s MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 12, 1990..............Page Three of what to send to the Committee in that ordinance. He advised the group that the issue could also be brought to the Administration and Public Works Committee as a reference from other Aldermen or possibly through a request by the public at a meeting of the Administration and Public Works Committee. He advised that his general feeling is that an ordinance submitted with the resident only restriction would probably have a difficult time passing through City Council. A middle of the ground solution would have a more probable chance of being adopted. Art Newman indicated that he had been to several groups during the last several weeks to discuss this issue and so far has not met any resident apposed to the Evanston only restriction at the Lakefront. If they cannot get this restriction added at this Committee, then the groups will have to go the Administration and Public Works Committee to get that restriction added. Something must be done to get the employee parkers away from the Lakefront area. Alex Sproul commented that the idea presented earlier "that the parking garage was built strictly for the concerns of the Chamber of Commerce" is absolutely not true. The garage was built to solve a parking need in the downtown area and was supported by many groups, not just the Chamber of Commerce. Alderman Rudy also commented that the debt retirement for the parking facility is paid entirely from Parking System revenues and no general tax money is used in the repayment of this debt, so only the users of the Parking System support the debt of the new parking garage. Gerald Murphy commented that the parking problems along the Lakefront are not of any individuals design. but that much of the development i❑ the downtown area occurred prior to the development of requirements for parking facilities being constructed along with new development. He commented that he has received several calls about employees who will not be able to afford parking in the downtown area if they are required to move from this area along the Lakefront. He advised that the Chamber is working on a program to promote the use of parking facilities already in place and to direct -- employees to the parking garages and the all -day lots on Maple Street. He commented that if all of the parking spaces in the parking garages were sold to permit holders adequate revenues would not be raised to pay for the debt. The higher costs generated by transient parkers are also needed, so we should be careful not to oversell the parking garages with all -day parking permits. Finally, Mr. Murphy co=ented that the Chamber has no position on the weekend restriction of parking to City of Evanston - residents. Annette Stover indicated she represents several groups within the City of Evanston who are not adjacent to the Lakefront and reminded the Committee of the letter submitted by the Evanston Neighborhood Coalition which voted unanimously to support restriction which would only allow parking to vehicles with a City of Evanston vehicle tax sticker. She advised that other groups are requesting this restriction to all Lakefront areas, not just the area under consideration along the Clark Street Beach. Chairman Rudy indicated the Committee would be dealing with the matter one step at a —_ time and that currently the matter along the Clark Street Beach was under MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 12, 1990..............Page Four consideration. He advised that other Lakefront areas present different problems and that those areas would be dealt with individually at a later time. (Gerald Murphy left at 7:0O P.M.) A resident from the Sheridan Square area on the south side of the city commented on parking problems that are occurring in that neighborhood associated with the use of the Lakefront during the summer time. Chairman Rudy commented that a two hour limit on parking year round along the Lakefront area with an exemption for vehicles with City of Evanston vehicle tax stickers is a proposal the Committee should consider. This proposal would move the all -day parkers from the Lakefront and would give access to citizens of the City of Evanston. His proposal would be in placo seven days a week, 365 days per year and would cover the time period from 6:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. each day. Chairman Rudy also commented on the letter received from the historical Society and considering that this proposal may move all -day parkers to the Greenwood Street area, a possible four hour restriction along Greenwood may alleviate the potential problem pointed out by the Historical Society. Bill Demos commented on the impact of all of these parking restrictions and that the Committee and the City need to be very concerned with the overall appearance and impact that this has with respect to a few of the large businesses in this community. He indicated that we all have to work together to resolve this problem and we cannot afford to lose the major taxpayers in the city over additional regulations. The Committee briefly discussed occupancy levels in the various parking structures in the downtown area and requested a report by David Jennings at the next meeting. Art Newman indicated that he agreed with the general comments that we do not _ want to chase large businesses, such as Washington National, from the city = with additional regulations, but also felt that a $22 per month parking fee In the all -day lot on Maple Street was not unreasonable. He indicated he works in downtown Chicago and a monthly parking permit could cost as much as $160 and that CTA passes would cost between $50 and $60 per raonth if you chose to commute, so the $22 fee seems reasonable in the Evanston area. He requested the Committee give consideration to the proposal submitted by Alderman Rudy and then move on to the other areas along the Lakefront. _- In response to a question from the audience, Chairman Rudy indicated that - handicapped vehicles would also be exempt from the two-hour parking restriction along the Lakefront. Alex Sproul indicated that he favored a proposal different from Alderman Rudy's which would restrict parking during the beach season only, seven days per week to a three hour limit, increase parking permit availability in the parking garages, reduce rates at the Maple Street parking facility, provide -_ MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 12, 1990..............Page Five no exemption to City of Evanston residents, and no restrictions during the remainder of the year. Since only three members of the Committee were present at this point in the meeting, Chairman Rudy requested that a time for an additional meeting be scheduled by staff and that all members be contacted in the next few days so that all members would havo a chance to discuss this matter at an open meeting. Since the comments submitted by a few other members indicated additional discussion would be appropriate on this matter, he requested that this meeting be set for somotime within the next two weeks and also requested that those persons in the audience requesting to be contacted about the time and date for the meeting sign a sheet and staff will make phone contact with those people prior to the next meeting. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.H. Respectfully submitted, David H.-barber Public Works Director MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of June 26, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, Alderman Rainey, Gerald Murphy, Joan Sable and Bill Demas Members Absent: Alex Sproul, David Reynolds and Mark Rivette Staff Present: Ayers, Barber and Jennings The meeting was called to order at 6:10 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes off. the Meetingof June 12. 1990 - The minutes were briefly reviewed by the Committee and approved as submitted. geport on usage of Parkina Facilities - David Jennings submitted a summary of usage in the Maple Avenue Parking Lots, the Church Street Self Park and the Sherman Avenue Parking Garage. (The report is attached to the Minutes.) The Maple Avenue Parking Lots, which include Lot #20, Lot #63 and Lot #62, have 849 parking spaces available and to date 685 permits have been issued, leaving a vacancy of 164 spaces. The approved level of permits in the Church Street Self Park is 350 and 347 permits have been issued, 220 of which have been issued to Washington National. There are 600 public spaces at the Church Street Self Park. In the Sherman Avenue Parking Garage, with a total capacity of 695 spaces, 351 permits have been issued, with 80 of those permits to Washington National. Mr. Jennings indicated that the number of transient parkers in the Church Street Self Park was approximately 9,850 in April, 1990 and 10,396 in May, 1990. In the Sherman Avenue Garage the transient parkers totalled 9,185 in April and 9,565 in May, 1990. On the busiest day in April at the Church Street Self Park there were still 132 spaces available. on the busiest day in May, there were still 79 spaces available. On the average day in April there were 169 spaces available and the average day in May there 159 spaces available. Mr. Jennings pointed out to the Committee that the figures on the spaces remaining in the facilities are not automatically recorded, but that employees periodically record numbers to develop these reports. The automatic counting equipment is currently not operating at the Sherman Avenue Garage so that space available on the busiest day and average day could not be determined. The equipment will be operational when the improvements to the office area are completed. Chairman Rudy commented on the proposal to move all day parkers from the Lakefront into the parking garages. He noted that there were approximately 200 spaces along the Lakefront and previous reports indicated that 20 or so of these parkers had City of Evanston vehicle tax stickers, so that the proposal would move approximately 180 vehicles into either the Church 3 s.= MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 25, 1990..............page Two Street Self Park, the Sherman Avenue Parking Garage or the Maple Avenue Parking Lots. lsased on the data in Mr. Jennings' report, there appear to be a sufficient number of parking spaces to absorb these 180 parkers. In response to a question from the Committee, Mr. Jennlrsgs indicated that it appeared 261 of parkers in the garage parked less than one hour and parked for free. Thirty percent of the parkers parked between one and two hours (50C); 9 1/2 percent of parkers parked between two and three hours ($1.00); 5.1% parked between three and four. hours ($2.00); 28.8% parked between four and twelve houru ($4.00); and 1/2 of one percent parked between 12 and 24 houru ($5.00). These numbers include only transient parkers, not permit parkers. Alderman Rainey commented that if the proposal were to pass and we cleared all of the all day parkers from the Lakefront that were not City of Evanston residents, we would probably move some of the permit parkers from the garage who had City of Evanston vehicle tax stickers to the Lakefront. Mr. Jennings responded to a question from Chairman Rudy about how many parkers at the Lakefront could be expected to be Washington National employees. He noted that approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the parkers in the central area under- consideration were probably Washington National employees, but the parkers in the south area under consideration were probably employees of NBD Bank. Parkers in the north area under consideration wero probably employees of Northwestern University. Gerald Murphy noted that the Chamber has received several calla on this issue and many of those calls were from people who cannot afford to pay for parking and use this area for free parking to allow them to work in the Evanston area. In response to a Committee question, David Jennings indicated that the number of permits issued for each garage could be increased from the level of 350, but that this would not =_ necessarily increase all day parkers unless the new permits were issued to non -garage users. He noted there are several people parking in the garages all day that do not have parking permits. (28.8% as noted earlier park between 4-12 hours.) Gerald Murphy asked if the City Police Department logged incoming phone calls to report parking violations. Sgt. Ayers responded in the positive but indicated that the reports received are only marked as parking complaints and are not more specific. The report of Police activity is given to the Police Services Committee on a monthly basis. kefrant Parkina Prouosals -- Alderman Rainey began the discussion by indicating she had spoken to both third ward Aldermen and the Committee Chairman on this matter. She suggested the Committee step back and consider whether it is = treading on an area not originally intended to be dealt with by the Committee. She suggested that the Administration and 3� ems= 3 '-Frma6, .+■ MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 26, 1990..............Page Three Public Works Committee was the more appropriate body to be dealing with this major policy issue. The proposals that are now being considered by the Committee affect parkers City --wide and would also have an impact. on those people coming into the City and parking along the Lakefront. Alderman Rainey requested that this issue be forwarded to the Administration and Public Works Committee for their consideration. She suggested it would be possible to establish a subcommittee of the Administration and Public Works Committee to deal specifically with this matter. Alderman Rainey noted that when this issue is forwarded to the Administration and Public Works Committee it will most likely be completely reevaluated regardless of the recommendation by the Special Committee on Parking Needs and felt that it would be easier for all parties involved to have the Administration and Public Works Committee begin their deliberation on this matter now. Chairman Rudy indicated that the most this Committee could expect to do would be to make a recommendation and pass that recommendation along to City Council. He noted that he does not sense that there is a unanimous position developing on this issue by the Special Committee on Parking Needs. Chairman Rudy noted that there are currently three proposals before the Committee and these proposals should be passed on to the City Council for their consideration. Alderman Rainey noted that these are not necessarily the only three options that have been discussed and more issues need to be considered as this matter is dealt with in the future. She also indicated her concern with sending this issue to City Council with a split vote. If this Committee were to forward a recommendation with a split vote, she also felt that the Administration and Public Works Committee may not give this issue a priority consideration. Gerald Murphy noted that he thought there was a consensus on the number three proposal. Alderman Rainey, however, commented that she had never seen the proposal before it was distributed in the announcement for the meeting and that she would not support that proposal. Gerald Murphy noted his concern that sending this issue at this time gives the appearance that the Committee has wasted its time on this matter. Aldermen Rudy and Rainey both commented that the discussion has been positive and that the minutes will be forwarded on to the Administration and Public Works Committee so that they have a feeling for the discussion that has taken place. Alderman Rudy noted that, while the Committee's direction from the Mayor was broad in nature and that the issue as originally proposed was within the prerogative of the Committee's review, it appears that the issue has now become more of policy oriented matter and needs to be dealt with by the larger body of the Administration and Public Works Committee and City Council. MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 26, 1990..............Page Four Alderman Rudy indicated that the number two proposal, as proposed in the meeting announcement letter, was more in Line with the original intent of the Committee to move all day packers from the Lakefront into the parking facilities. [fill Demas noted his support of Alderman Rainey's idea and felt this move would be positive to get more discussion on this inaue from more members of the community. Alderman Rainey commented that she felt the Parking Committee was within its area of responsibility when it was dealing with the issue of moving all day parkers to the garages, but now felt that the issue of parking along the Lakefront has escalated into a broader issue that is beyond the purview of this Committee. Alderman Rainey moved to forward this issue and all pertinent information to the Administration and Public Works Committee. The Committee voted 4-1 (Murphy voting nay). Art Newman pointed out to the Committee that the issue that has been discussed so far at the meeting dealt primarily with the Clark Street Beach area and asked what would happen with the parking restrictions at other beach areas within the City. Chairman Rudy responded that the Administration and Public Works Committee will be forwarded the entire parking issue as it relates to all lakefront areas within the City. Another citizen pointed out that a proposal for adding two hour parking only on weekdays would be less of a problem overall and should be considered. Alderman Rudy indicated that this is very close to option three as proposed but, as noted in previous discussions, the two hour parking limit did not appear to be enough for beach use during the summer. Another citizen pointed out that his company, located in the 500 Davis Street building, has several employees who need the free parking to allow them to work in the downtown area. He was concerned with the expense of having to park in the parking facilities and felt that the parking along the lakefront should be allowed to remain as is to allow people an option for parking in the downtown area. He noted that the proposal would be giving spaces to lakefront owners and would not be helping other areas in the community. Alderman Rainey commented that for these reasons it is better to discuss this with the Administration and Public Works Committee since the impact is greater than just the lakefront area. Joan Sable pointed out that similar problems exist in other areas of the city where business district employee packers are parking in residential areas surrounding the business district and she suggested the Central Street/Poplar Avenue area as an example. Art Newman pointed out that staff should begin to develop information on recreational parking usage along the lakefront to assist the Administration and Public Works Committee as it MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS June 26, 1990..............Page Five considers this matter. He also noted that during the debate on the construction of the Church Street Self Park most of the neighborhood interests were against the parking structure and that the Chamber of Commerce acted as an advocate for the project to assist the downtown businesses. He commented that the City's and Chamber's interests prevailed at that time and felt that the neighbors in the area uhould get special treatment at this time. In response to the comment about the cost of parking for some employees in the area, Joan Sable noted that the City may have to bite the bullet and reduce rates for parkers so that we do not jeopardize losing business in the downtown business areas because of the cost of parking. Chairman Rudy pointed out that when the City reduces those rates either other parkers in the Parking System pay for the cost of parking or the general tax payers end up picking up the bill for the cost of parking. He commented that reducing rates does have an overall impact on the cost of service to all citizens within the city. One citizen pointed out that the Evanston Neighborhood Coalition does not see this proposal as a benefit to lakefront owners but a benefit to all Evanston residents who need parking to use the lakefront area. She also noted that the cost as previously presented for parking in the garage at $60.00 per month plus $2.00 tax is essentially the same cost as a monthly CTA pass. Alderman Rainey commented on the idea of the City subsidizing parking fees. She noted that currently under consideration in the Capital Improvement Plan are two major improvements at the Sherman Avenue Garage amounting to $416,000 and noted that these items in her opinion were not needed and that Council could consider using these funds to help subsidize parking costs. David Jennings noted that the current rates at our garages are market rates in the area and that the proposed expenditure noted by Alderman Rainey is not currently in the budget in the Parking System. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:23 P.M. Respectfully submitted, David H. Barber Public Works Director I rr Draft - Not Ao r v MINUTES MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS Meeting of August 14, 1990 Members Present: Alderman Rudy, Alderman Rainey, Joan Sable and David Reynolds Members Absent: Alex Sproul, Mark Rivette, Bill Demes and Gerald Murphy Staff Present: Ayers, Barber, Jacobi, Jennings, Nilsson The meeting was called to order at 6:06 P.M. by Chairman Rudy. Minutes of the Meetino of June 26. 1990 - The minutes were briefly reviewed by the Committee and approved as submitted. Introduction of Lieutenant Dennis Nilsson - Chairman Rudy introduced Lieutenant Nilsson who will be replacing Sgt. Rick Ayers. Lt. Nilsson will be attending the Committee meetings in the future and has been assigned to oversee the Parking Enforcement Officers. Discussion of Parkins Enforcement Officer Activity - The Committee reviewed the letter submitted to the Administration and Public Works Committee from Joel Asprooth, City Manager; David Johnson, Assistant Finance Director and Patrick Casey, Collections Manager, dated July 23, 1990. Alderman Rainey advised the Committee of questions raised by Alderman Collens at the Administration and Public Works Committee meeting of August 13, 1990. Her first comment was with respect to one sentence on page 2 that indicates the Police Department is working to increase the number of expired meter tickets written each month and her second comment was about Table II attached to the report that showed only a 3% increase in tickets written for overtime parking in two hour zones. Alderman Rudy noted concern that had been expressed to him by the City Manager that the Committee was giving direction to the Police Department to not write certain tickets. Alderman Rainey pointed out that she felt there was a deal struck to hire the 5.5 additional Parking Enforcement Officers and that these officers were going to concentrate on parking violations dealing primarily with meter feeding and overtime parking in zones rather than additional enforcement on expired meters. Chief Jacobi indicated that since the new PEO's have been hired there has been virtually no expired meter enforcement in the downtown since the shift has been to overtime parking violations. Since the full complement of PEO's has not been achieved to date, and with this direction away from expired meters, there is a significant decrease in the number of expired meters written as indicated in the report to City Council. The Chief advised the Committee that the full complement of PEO's will be on board in the next week or two and that with these additional employees a full concentration can be made on all areas of parking enforcement and with this more aggressive approach to parking enforcement there will be an increase in the number of tickets written for expired meters. Joan Sable noted a problem with meter feeding near the Post Office in the Central Street area. The Chief advised the Committee that all areas will be enforced, including the area on Central Street. In response to a question from the Committee, Chief Jacobi indicated that in his opinion he did not see any need to make changes in the boot program at the current time. Also in response to a Committee question, the Chief advised that for a period of time when a few of the additional PEO's were hired and vehicles were not yet available, some PEO's were riding two per vehicle. MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL. COMMITTED ON PARKING NEEDS August 14, 1990..............Page Two This is no longer taking place since there are now an adequate number of vehicles for all PEO's. In response to a question from Joan Sable, Sgt. Ayers noted that the most common complaints he has received since the new program started involve people insisting that they moved their car during the period being measured and returned to the same area or the same space and that the ticket they received was not justified. Sgt. Ayers noted he has not heard any complaints from store owners or businesses in the recent past. To enforce the overtime parking at meters Sgt. Ayers noted that his officers have been chalking tires or recording license numbers. The recording of license numbers has only been in a few areas where people have been removing the chalk marks. Sgt. Ayers noted that a new ploy to bypass the system involves a few employees from one business who are relocating their cars within the two hour period with each others vehicle and maintaining spaces in the downtown area. David Jennings noted legislation in other communities has been implemented which makes removal of the chalk an illegal act. Chief Jacobi noted that this legislation is currently being reviewed by the Law Department. In response to a Committee question, David Jennings indicated that we will be restudying certain areas to see if the parking enforcement methods employed to date have been effective and will have a report at the meeting in September. &port on Ticketinq Activity by Parkina Enforcement Officers - The Committee questioned the need to continue to assign Parking Enforcement Officers to Other services, such as mail runs and school crossing guards. Chief Jacobi indicated that efforts in all areas have been put in place to reduce the impact on Parking Enforcement Officers to make the PEO's available more frequently for their parking enforcement activity. Sgt. Ayers also noted a change in court procedures which would reduce the amount of court time required for Parking Enforcement Officers. The report was accepted by the Committee. Discussion of Draft Proposal for Parkinq Manaqement and Ooerations - David Jennings briefly commented on the draft proposal and advised the Committee that _ he attempted, in preparing this draft, to incorporate the previous Committee concerns. He advised the Committee that S40,000 has been budgeted in the Parking Fund to pay for this study. David Jennings also noted that other departments have not yet reviewed this proposal and after the Committee looks at this proposal he will be forwarding it to the Collector's Office and the Police - Department to incorporate their comments and concerns before it is distributed. Alderman Rainey requested that an item be added to include a brief analysis of the impact on the sale of the Parking Garage. David Jennings indicated that we could incorporate this into the proposal, but it was his opinion that the sale of the Parking Garage would impact the rate structure by increasing the cost of short term parking in the Parking Garages. Based on prices at other privately run facilities in the downtown area, our top end all day fee is competitive. The bottom end fees (short term parkers) are different, with the City's facilities providing the lowest short term parking cost. David Reynolds noted that it was important to let people know where the City's parking facilities are located. David Jennings responded that a marketing plan had been put in place. Additional signing will be added in the downtown area this summer and the proposal being considered does include a section on marketing of the parking system as noted on page 2 of the proposal. In response to a question from the Committee, David Jennings noted that there might be some possible confusion on administration of the Parking System since it does cross several boundaries (i.e., Collector's Office, Police Department, Traffic Engineering and Parking System). David i MINUTES OF MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKING NEEDS August 14, 1990..............Page Three Jennings also noted that there is already a good working relationship between these departments and that he did not see a great problem with administration of the Parking System in the future. The Committee was advised that staff anticipates seeking proposals on this program in September with a response due sometime in late September or early October. The draft proposal was accepted by the Committee without additional comment. New Business - In response to a question from the Committee, David Jennings advised that several hundred liquid crystal display electronic meters have been installed in the downtown area. These meters do include the provision to record negative time. The Committee was advised that the negative time is recorded based on when a coin is put into the meter and does not adjust when a vehicle leaves the parking space. David Jennings also advised that we have no maintenance cost history on these new electro-mechanical meters but that we are monitoring our operations with these new meters to determine an experience record. The Committee then discussed problems with double parking in the 500 block of Davis Street, especially in the late afternoon and early evening hours. The Committee suggested that consideration be given to extending the time for use of the meters from its current end at 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. After discussion, the Committee decided that this one area should not be changed different from all other parking areas in the downtown since this would be confusing. David Jennings advised that he would conduct a turnover check on this block and report back to the Committee in the future. David Jennings advised the Committee that the Lakefront area, recently under consideration by the Committee, was restriped and that an additional seventeen parking spaces were added. This was accomplished by modifying the angle of the parking spaces from a 45 degree angle to a 60 degree angle. Additional space at the end of each parking row was also incorporated to allow for some extra spaces. The Committee was advised that the Administration and Public Works Subcommittee to discuss Lakefront parking would be meeting on August 21, 1990 at 7:30 P.M. in Room 2404 of the Civic Center. The next meeting of the Mayor's Special Committee on Parking Needs will be September 11, 1990 at 6:00 P.M. in room 2403 of the Civic Center. There being no further business before the Committee, the Committee adjourned at 7:02 P.M. Respectfully submitted, David H. arber Public Works Director