05/08/1989 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Kaylee Brown, 84400 Boods Road) identified herself as a University of Oregon student and private consultant who uses free parking downtown while she attends school. She reported that Lane Transit District informed her that between 600 and 800 University students transfer from downtown to campus daily. She suggested that many of these st~dents park downtown and then ride the bus to campus, and thus contribute to the downtown parking problem. Ms. Brown recommended that a convenient park and ride area be provided for students with bus service to campus at 10-minute intervals. Russ Brink, 138 East Broadway, spoke on behalf of Downtown Eugene) Inc. Board of Directors (DEI). He distributed written testimony in support of the recommendations of the DDDRG. DEI considers available, convenient parking more important than free parking to downtown retail and professional businesses. Mr. Brink supported structuring the downtown district as a IIbenefit" district in which those paying the assessment receive the benefits in the form of programs and projects developed by members of the district (as opposed to the current method in which the public sector controls the funds). Mr. Brink called rent a function of the marketplace and said building owners are unable to pass on all of their expenses to tenants. He requested consideration of a reduction in the ad valorem portion of the tax as well as in the gross receipts tax as a way of addressing concerns with tax inequity. He pointed out that by eliminating abuse of the free parking program, more free parking will actually be available to customers, and added that this should be a point used in promoting the public.s acceptance of the proposed changes. Ruth Miller, 2460 Malabar Drive, spoke as a member of the Friends of Downtown and said she concurred with the comments of Mr. Frear. Ms. Miller read a prepared statement and said she opposed reducing the number of free parking spaces downtown. Calling the three-hour limit a good compromise that will help with enforcement, Ms. Miller said it appeared that the proposed metered parking will result in a $60,000 surplus and a tax cut. Ms. Miller encouraged examination of the Salem parking program as part of an effort to address concerns with equity. There being no further requests to speak, Mayor Miller closed the public hearing. Mr. Luell explained that revenues associated with lease holds in the Parcade and the Overpark and with the rental of parking spaces in those structures are considered income in those particular funds (which are separate enterprise funds). Responding to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Luell added that the revenue is dedicated to expenses associated with the parking garages, specifically operations, maintenance, and replacement. Mr. Luell stated that he was unaware of any connections between City staff members and parking structure construction companies or of any conflicts of interest. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 8, 1989 Page 3