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7.2.A. - Page 15 <br /> the new parking signs and the Smartphone application, but also expressed concern <br /> about improving parking availability further and that the public may have trouble <br /> acclimating to the change. <br /> A Council Member agreed that the downtown is very popular and the parking issue is <br /> part of growing pains. He stated that in the report it is not obvious that the cost and the <br /> time differences are only in premium areas. He asked if it averages a wash or reduction <br /> of parking rates in some areas and an increase in others. Mr. Ekern replied that in <br /> some areas if this were put in place, the rates would actually drop. This Council <br /> Member said that when technology is upgraded, the city may need focus groups to talk <br /> to users and figure out what would be best. He thanked Mr. Ekern for the idea of <br /> parking City vehicles outside the core. <br /> Another Council Member asked for Mr. Ekern to speak about what he previously said <br /> about change. Mr. Ekern said it is important to recognize in this time of change that the <br /> City is moving towards a new downtown and for people to adjust to these rules. He said <br /> that the amount people pay for parking is underpriced so the dollar amount and <br /> extending the hours will probably not be an issue, and it will be important when all the <br /> new construction is in place downtown. <br /> One Council Member said the supply and demand based approach is a good one and <br /> that this is an important discussion as the city looks towards the future. He stated that <br /> he does not have an issue with raising pricing, but prices should not be lowered <br /> elsewhere. He does not want to clutter the downtown with parking signs but have the <br /> signs located outside the garages and showing how much parking is available. He <br /> noted that the number one complaint he gets is about the payment machines <br /> downtown. He advised changing the payment technology so that they feel more like the <br /> old meters. <br /> Mr. Ekern replied that it is about balancing the cost and maintenance of putting each <br /> meter. He said he can come back with pricing and what works and would not work. He <br /> stated the multispace meters are convenient but there are arguments on both sides. <br /> This Council Member said he understands the convenience, but the users and what <br /> they want needs to be taken into account. He stated that he agrees with moving fleet <br /> vehicles and the permit parking approach. Dr. Bell asked if this Council Member is <br /> referring to looking at market pricing for permit parking. This Council Member clarified <br /> that he does not want to be subsidizing permit parking in the downtown. <br /> Another Council Member agreed with this Council Member and noted that the parking <br /> fund, including police, is subsidized at over $1 million a year. She thanked On <br /> Broadway for the benefits it has brought to the community and said this City's downtown <br /> is a hot topic. Her suggestions included opening up partnerships on permitting the <br /> parking garage, having the parking machine on the first floor of the garage, and looking <br /> into double or triple decking the back parking lot. <br /> Another Council Member said the parking fund is not self-sustaining and that once <br /> parking fills up at six o'clock, a lot of people pay for valet parking. She spoke in favor of <br /> replacing the parking payment machines with new ones that are networked, work well <br /> SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL October 21, 2013 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 <br />