CC MIN 2014-04-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

I SamTrans had been reluctant to move forward as they look at high speed rail. She also enquired about parking for bikes and that might be an incentive to decrease parking. Again, the Council Member also asked if there is a parking need at the upper Broadway area. Mr. Ekern said that is an area with least opportunity for potential growth and the greater opportunity is on EI Camino. Another Council Member thanked Mr. Ekern for the report, and she questioned if the new technology would be replacing the existing one. He confirmed such statement. This same Council Member wanted to ensure that when the rates increase, so too will the service level increase. Additionally, she mentioned that the City should look at areas to put bike racks. Mr. Ekern said that as long as it is feasible to do so, he is willing to receive input from the community. City Manager Dr. Bell added that a challenge they have according to their 10-year parking agreement is the required parking spots. He said that if there is an opportunity to renegotiate then they would discuss the turning of the parking spaces into bike rack spaces for the benefit of downtown. One other Council Member asked about Walnut Creek Parking Program for managing private parking lots. She would like to learn how that city started the dialogue and how they flourished. She thanked the Parking Advisory Committee for its work, and advised staff to test parking technology before it is bought. The same Council Member wanted to know if there were any discussions with the Main Street Business Group, because they don't have the modern technology of the meters at this time. Mr. Ekern did not know if the City has had discussions with them, specifically bout that topic. But, he said it is reasonable to speak with them, especially with the Main Street corridor development. The same Council Member asked if someone from the Main Street Business Group is or could be part of the advisory committee. Mr. Ekern said that they could reach out to them and poll them individually. Dr. Bell added that it is the City's plan to reach out to them on the new technology. Again, the same Council Member said that she's in favor of restructuring the parking program and is pleased with the Parking Advisory Committee's report. She said that for future, she would like staff to provide the Council with updates on discussions with the community. Lastly, she mentioned that in San Diego, there are bicycle cabs, with students riding people around. She would like Redwood City to embrace this for the future. Another Council Member wanted to emphasize that because of the creation and approval of the Downtown Precise Plan, the City is where they are at now involving the parking issue. Therefore, because of the growth of the development and the need for parking, the City cannot shut down while the development is taking place. With regards to rates, he said no one wants to raise rates. From his experience in San Diego and north of San Francisco, he said the parking in Redwood City is very reasonable compared to other cities and raising the rates is the right thing to do. Vice Mayor Foust thanked the City Manager and staff for the comprehensive report. She wanted to know if technology is imbedded in the parking permit cards. Mr. Ekern JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD April 28, 2014 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 11 MINUITE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 135