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110 <br /> REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER (continued) <br /> ■ <br /> Item No. 3 (continued) wl <br /> permits might lead to reduced income because of lack of use; the expectation that weal <br /> there might be some very short term reduction the first year; the fact that <br /> interest earned on the bond fund goes into the General Fund; the fact that the <br /> meters were installed in 1955 and the cost of operation has increased so that <br /> revenue does not cover it; the fact that income from parking fines does not go into <br /> the parking district funds, but that fines do pay for meter enforcement; and the <br /> fact that other cities either have higher meter costs or assessments to merchants <br /> for parking. <br /> Mitch Webber, 1458 Hudson, operator of business on Broadway and representing the <br /> Downtown Association, referred to the some 1165 signatures of shoppers obtained in <br /> a recent 3-day period on a petition protesting any increase in parking fees. Mr. <br /> Weber suggested it might be possible to buy off the bondholders at a lower cost <br /> than value as they might prefer to be able to invest the proceeds where they could <br /> obtain higher interest rates. Mr. Webber said that businessmen in the City are at <br /> a disadvantage because of the parking meters, citing the City of San Mateo as one <br /> which generally does not have meters. Mr. Smith explained that San Mateo has a <br /> complicated schedule of substantial assessments on merchants to cover cost of <br /> providing and maintaining parking. <br /> Discussion followed and Mr. Webber, Mr. Smith and Mr. Ference commented and replied <br /> to questions concerning the objections to any parking fee increase from merchants <br /> and shoppers; the failure of merchant organizations to suggest any alternative <br /> which would take care of bond service and maintenance; the poor conditions of some <br /> parking lots; the increase in cost if maintenance is delayed; the fact that <br /> maintenance will be required as well as funds for future planning even if the bonds <br /> are bought; whether the meter income would be adequate if bond service was not <br /> required; the difference of opinion among businessmen as to whether or not the <br /> meters should be removed entirely; the likelihood of "all-day parkers" eliminating <br /> use of spaces by prospective customers; and the practices of other cities. <br /> Henry Dankovsky, 2227 Broadway, coffee shop owner, suggested that about 800 parking <br /> meters could be installed on Veterans Boulevard where they would bring in <br /> considerable revenue, but that patrons of businesses such as his on Broadway cannot <br /> Irma <br /> afford the proposed increase. It was pointed out that very few people park on <br /> Veterans Boulevard, since most shoppers use the lots provided by the businesses <br /> there. <br /> Nancy Montiel, Redwood City, suggested the number of 36-minute meters could be <br /> increased as well as the number of 2-hour meters in the Main Street lot and that <br /> perhaps the parking permit fee could be raised, but not doubled. <br /> Joan Jordan, President, Downtown Association, said she has not been aware of the <br /> condition of the parking lots, but will examine them, noting that the meters in the <br /> Main Street lot were recently repainted when the work did not appear to be <br /> necessary. <br /> Discussion continued and Mr. Webber, Mr. Smith, Mr. Ference and City Attorney <br /> Schricker commented and replied to questions concerning Council's hope of receiving <br /> suggestions from merchants since the income from meters is inadequate for bond <br /> service and maintenance; the past and present benefits provided by the meters and <br /> revenue from the parking district; the possibility of asking the Director of <br /> Finance to consider alteratives outside of meters, such as business assessments; <br /> whether the immediate problem or the long term arrangements should be addressed <br /> now; the need for additional information if alternatives are to be considered; <br /> whether interest on the bond fund should not remain in the fund; whether the City <br /> can and should subsidize the parking district; and the means by which loans from <br /> other funds might be paid off. <br /> M/S: Stangel/Rhodes to reject the proposed parking meter rate increase, providing <br /> information is made available that there is an acceptable alternative. <br /> The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. MINUTE ORDER NO. rommil <br /> Reg.Mtg. <br /> 7/13/81 • �.� <br /> Page 6 <br />