1.28.2019 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes

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Council Discussion • Councilor Taylor -supported free, on -street parking, expressed concern about the proposed rate increase, noting that the decision to raise rates is often made before input is received; said many people affected by the rate increase are not able to absorb the added expense and have no option other than to drive to work; said downtown belongs to everyone, not just the merchants; parking fee should not support general services. • Councilor Clark- acknowledged that parking is not free, but is a service provided by the City; it is a value that supports a City goal and the cost should not be passed on to those who come downtown to work and patronize businesses; noted that many people who work downtown have no choice but to drive to work and use their vehicles for work; the costs of the parking program should not be borne disproportionately by them; asked what mechanism the council can use to suspend or alter the parking program fees. • Councilor Syrett - asked for information about the bulk permit program and whether it is being eliminated; said she was mindful of the impacts of the proposed fee increase but doesn't feel that an onerous burden is being placed on able-bodied people who can use alternative modes; supported efforts to address the specific situation faced by employees of Senior and Disable Services. • Councilor Yeh - asked whether any adjustments to the proposed fees were being considered as a result of the comments received; requested clarification about the amount of funds allocated to deferred maintenance and other sponsored programs; noted that while other communities don't charge for parking, Eugene has better access to parking spots. • Councilor Zelenka - asked for data or analysis on the impact of parking fees on Eugene's downtown businesses, noting that it was the downtown merchants who requested an end to the free parking program; said parking fees are consistent with Climate Recovery Ordinance goals; requested more information about options for the campus parking district and the location of permit zones. • Councilor Pryor - said Senior and Disabled Services employees need easy access to their vehicles; supported working out an exception/accommodation for them; asked about the amount of money transferred from the Parking Fund into the General Fund; supported looking at ways to lower or eliminate that transfer as work to shape the community safety funding plan continues; asked about the general availability of metered parking spaces for consumers and employees; more spaces are needed downtown. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Semple, moved to extend the meeting by 10 minutes. PASSED 8:0 • Councilor Semple - agreed that there is not enough parking downtown and no opportunities to provide more which points to the need to raise the rates even more and encourage people to consider alternative modes; explore the possibility of free bus service, downtown trolley; expressed concern about the disparity between parking permit rates. • Councilor Evans - asked for information about the cost to develop new, structured parking spaces, what it costs the City annually to maintain a parking space, whether the new spaces at the Obie development will contribute to the downtown inventory, and the balance between the long-term need for additional parking and the City's CRO goals. • Councilor Clark - noted there is significant council support for looking at ways to alter the program to address the reasonable need for some downtown employees to have cars parked nearby; suggested having another work session to discuss the economic impacts of this issue. • Councilor Taylor - noted that successful retail areas in downtown have access to free parking, many people don't have access to alternative modes or ride -sharing opportunities. MINUTES — Eugene City Council January 28, 2019 Page 3 Work Session