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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 /> and are readable. She noted that Walnut Creek has a parking group that meets and a <br /> private business is working with local businesses to have their parking available to <br /> community members. She asked about permit costs, stating that permit costs were low <br /> in order to wean people off of all day street parking, but is it enough not being charged <br /> or does there need to be more marketing for permit parking? <br /> Mr. Ekern said permit parking is beneficial as long as the demand and expectation is <br /> there. This Council Member said there are more remote street parking areas where it <br /> would be cheaper for people to park rather than to pay for premium spaces. She asked <br /> if it would make sense to have stackers. Mr. Ekern stated that it is not the right time to <br /> do that, but there are some housing projects coming forward and in order to keep their <br /> costs within range they are looking at stacking cars. She expressed interest in this as <br /> an option, particularly for those parking longer term, and also asked about flex permits. <br /> Mr. Ekern stated that he does not have a response to that tonight but it could be part of <br /> a conversation with a parking consultant. She also asked if businesses are going to be <br /> required to do transportation demand management programs and Mr. Ekern replied that <br /> it is part of development requirements. <br /> Another Council Member commented on the complexity of the study reports and noted <br /> that every city on the peninsula has a parking problem and that Redwood City's used to <br /> be much worse. He recommended keeping a flexible mind and looking for new <br /> opportunities to improve parking. Vice Mayor Gee stated that the parking rates are to <br /> stimulate turnover. He stated that business owners and employees need to park away <br /> from the core, because that would help the businesses. He stated that the start of <br /> construction is a good time to start phasing in changes over time and he also expressed <br /> concern about lowering rates. He stated that if the technology is there, it will have to be <br /> replaced so having those prices increased will be important for that. He commented on <br /> planning for technology replacement and would like to see the parking fund pay for <br /> these ongoing costs. <br /> Mayor Aguirre said she ag�ees with a lot of what was said. She said it bothers her <br /> when she sees employees parking directly in front of businesses downtown. She said <br /> there is a need to set the tone and standard as a city and that the rate will increase <br /> mobility in that area. She would like to see options from staff. She noted that there are <br /> lots that are empty during the day and the city should look at renting those empty <br /> spaces out to businesses. She has heard from people outside this area about what <br /> Redwood City is known for and that the City needs to be prepared on how to handle a <br /> successful downtown. <br /> SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL October 21, 2013 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 <br /> Page No. 16 <br />