11/16/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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V. APPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS REGARDING THE WEST UNIVERSITY ON-STREET PARKING PRICING PROGRAM (memo, background information distributed) e City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. City Traffic Engineer Jim Hanks presented the staff report, stating that this was the fourth time the WUN Parking Program had been before the council since the request to submit the grant request was first presented in September 1982. He said the council authorized staff to enter into the grant agreement in March 1983 after approval of the grant was received and that an appeal was made to the program in October 1983. Mr. Hanks then outlined the parking program which would establish a two-hour time limit in the neighborhood but would allow residents to obtain a free permit to park in excess of that limit. He explained that the unique feature of the program was the proposed sale of parking permits to commuters. He said the program was in response to elements of the West University Refinement Plan and would also respond to the parking and mass transportation goals of the T-2000 Plan. He said the program's goal of improving the livability of the area would also meet the effort of the Metropolitan Plan. Mr. Hanks stated that the parking program was supported by the West University Neighborhood, the University Community Liaison Committee, and the University Small Business Association. He acknowledged several individuals which had participated in the recent review of the parking program. He then reviewed his November 16 memorandum to Public Works Director Don Gilman which addressed the program issues and concerns raised by individuals and groups, recommended program changes, and specified changes being undertaken by the University of Oregon, Sacred Heart General Hospital, the Lane Transit District, and the City of Eugene. This memorandum included four program changes to address the concerns raised at the October 10 council meeting. Mr. Hanks emphasized that the parking program was a demonstration project e and that staff was committed to making whatever changes necessary within the remaining 18 months to make the program work. He said staff recommended that the council approve the program, adding that staff had decided to delay implementation of the program until January 15, with enforcement to begin on February 1. Councilor Hansen questioned whether an assumption was being made that the revenue generated by the sale of permits would cover the shortfall of $125,000 per year. Mr. Hanks responded that the initial cost of the program would be high due to the evaluation required by the federal government, but that the implementation cost of the program after the initial two-year period would be much lower, adding that staff expected the enforcement of the program to pay for itsel f. He said the intention was not to sell a large amount of permits. Mr. Hansen calculated that it was necessary to sell 595 permits per month to break even, not including any possible fines. Mr. Hanks responded that the program budget was based on selling 50 permits per month. He added that he would distribute the budget to the council for their study. Councilor Ball said he understood the University was conducting research on the adequacy of the Bean parking lot. He asked if any accommodation could be made for parking for low-income students. Mr. Hanks responded that this issue could be addressed, but stressed that it would be difficult for the City to compete with the $8 per term parking fee for the Bean lot. He stated that the lot could handle over 300 more cars to partially accommodate the 650 commuters to the area. He said that he would pursue the issue of low-income students through the advisory committee. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 16, 1983 Page 6