06/24/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e space each month. He noted that few attending the commission's forum owned downtown businesses and added that "Saturday Market" day is one of the most profitable days of the week. ODD Task Force Chair Mike Schwartz said some businesses are using the validated parking system already and that it is working well. He noted that the system is also working well in Portland, Seattle, and other cities. In response to a question from Mr. Ehrman, Mr. Jensen said the key issue is that customers not have to pay for parking. He said the three-hour monitored system used by the Fifth Street Market works well. The average stay at the market lasts about one hour and fifteen minutes. In response to a concern from Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Schwartz said downtown mer- chants need free parking, whereas non-downtown merchants need validated park- ing. Mr. Jensen commented that one of the greatest difficulties at the Fifth Street Market was enforcing parking regulations. Once enforcement was pro- vided, parking spaces became more available. Mr. MacDonald felt that $300 per parking space per year seemed high and won- dered if it was realistic to expect enough revenue from a contract with Down- town Eugene, Incorporated. Mr. Schwartz responded that the $300 figure was developed by City staff. In response to a question from Mr. Nicholson, staff member Scott Luell said that 7880 bonds would not affect the ODD's reserve. e Ms. Ehrman wondered how the City would address businesses experiencing high customer turnovers, such as Nautilus, which claimed that it would be put out of business by a validated parking system. Mr. Boles said there were only two people at the forum advocating the ad valorem tax. He felt that Option A supports safety and avoids the "punish- ment" of parking tickets. In response to a request from Mr. Miller that the council concentrate on Option A, Mr. Luell explained that Option A assumes that the program would experience a net loss the first year but break even after that. He said another issue was that of money versus public relations. Mr. Rutan said there is no perfect solution. He said he wanted to encourage "turnover," and felt that cheaper rates for staying longer would compromise this. He recommended a flat rate and free Saturday and Sunday parking. Mr. Stafford said it was his understanding that turnover was not imperative because there is generally parking available at the Parcade. Ms. Aspinwall- Lamberts said the issue of parking space turnover involved a delicate balanc- ing. She said the commission wanted people to be able to do a number of things downtown during the same visit. Ms. Ehrman said she appreciated the point that Saturday is a good revenue day, but she also wanted to provide for those coming from out of town; thus, e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 24, 1991 Page 3