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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-19-1998 City Council Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 19,1998 — 3:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Pape at 3:06 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE City Attorney Leibold led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:ALONGI, BRINLEY, KELLEY, PAPE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:METZE Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, City Attorney Leibold, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Brady, Public Works Manager Payne and Deputy City Clerk Bryning. PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS There were several requests to speak which the Mayor deferred to the time of discussion of the item. DISCUSSION ITEM Main Street Parkine. City Manager Watenpaugh indicated that Councilman Alongi brought the issue of parking on Main Street to his attention and noted that several concerns were expressed by the local businesses. He explained that this item was set for a Study Session prior to setting on the City Council Agenda to allow Council to gain the information necessary to form an opinion. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that included with the Staff Report is a set of minutes from January 9, 1996, as well as the Staff Report that was presented at that time. COUNCILMAN METZE ARRIVED AT 3:11 P.M. PAGE TWO — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 Paula Maniscalco, Enchanted Treasures, 169 North Main Street, stated her frustration regarding the parking on Main Street. She stated that she is not in favor of timed parking on Main Street however, she explained that she would like to see a volunteer program through the business people on Main Street if the City cannot do signs or assist in the problem. She stated that the businesses need the space for their customers. Joe Zahabi, Elsinore TV & VCR Service, 112 South Main Street, stated that if his patrons cannot find a parking spot on the street, they give up and go elsewhere. He asked that the City address this problem though limiting parking to 2 hours. Wanda Moore, Collectors Corral, 133 North Main Street, stated something must be done about the parking problem in the Downtown Area. She noted that they have tried in vain to talk to the other merchants on the street. She stressed that everyone that is in attendance is a small business and if a parking place is available, then it means that someone may come into the business and shop. She further noted that if there is no parking, the public would just drive on and find somewhere to shop. Fred Dominguez, Elsinore Barber and Beauty Shop, 115 N. Main Street, stated that this issue has been addressed before and he is strictly against restrictions. He noted that the businesses on Main Street have enough restrictions by being a Special District. He further noted the difficulty of getting a Business License if the business is located on Main Street versus anywhere else in the City. Mr. Dominguez noted the problem that the City will have with enforcement. He stated that with a two hour parking restriction, customers would go elsewhere. Dolores Mayhall, Mayhall Print Shop, 138 North Main Street, stated that the City has had two hour parking on Main Street and it was successful. She noted that the average customer spends approximately 20 minutes in most of the stores and if they can't get a parking place, then they go elsewhere. She stated that she does not know if timing will be the answer, however something must be done to correct the current situation. She further noted that the owners of the different businesses have been contacted and asked that they no park on Main Street and it has been ignored. Allene Hawkins, Venus Printing, 159 North Main Street, stated that she did not know if a time limit for parking would be an answer. She explained that she is less impacted by this situation than the other businesses since she is on the far end of Main Street, however when the City has a function at the Cultural Center it does impact her business due to a lack of parking. She stated that if the merchants are not going to park on Main Street, then they PAGE THREE — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 should be parking in the City Parking Lots and the City should be responsible for vandalism. She noted incidents that have occurred to her employees and explained that she feels that there is enough activity on Main Street to prevent vandalism. She stressed that she would be willing to park in the City Parking Lot as long as the City is responsible for the vandalism that is done. She questioned if the amount of handicap spaces on Main Street was necessary. Council stated that it is an ADA requirement and is gauged on the amount of spaces. Jan Howard, Memory Lane Antiques, 117 South Main Street, stated that she has a severe problem with parking since she does not have high visibility that the other shops have. She noted that she has a continual parking problem and if there is a delivery she is forced to go to her neighbors and ask them to move to get to the front of her own business. She further stated that she does not know what the answer is and would not like to see her customers limited to two hour parking, however if she has no parking she has no customers anyway. She stated that one of her business neighbors informed her that it is against the law to require her employees to park elsewhere. She stated that if the merchants and their employees' park in the Parking Lots then maybe there could be some type of patrol to make it safer. Larry Regis, N.P. Energy, 148 South Main Street, addressed the economic development of the area and noted the changes that have occurred within the City in the last four years. He further noted the success of the open -air market, however the City does not provide them the privilege of being able to park the next time they visit the downtown area. He explained that if he did not have parking on the side of his building, he would be hard pressed to find a parking place. He noted the fiscal restraints that the City has and the problems with enforcement of a two -hour parking. He suggested parking solutions and possible enforcement by the businesses themselves. He stressed the need to use the City Parking Lots. He noted that the problem is the parking and asked that the Council address this issue. Rick Zwiefel, Main Street Antique Emporium, 101 South Main Street, presented a petition with the signatures of people that would be in favor of some type of limited parking on Main Street. He read two letters representing the thoughts of the persons who signed the petition. He noted that there are twelve or so cars of employees that park on Main Street and take valuable parking for customers. He explained that the Downtown had two hour parking in the past and after the streets were remodeled the signs were removed and then reinstalled; shortly after that the issue went before Council and the signs were removed. Mr. Zwiefel stated that the only people that this will directly impact is the business people. He explained that the restrictions that Mr. Dominguez addressed are part of a package that PAGE FOUR — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 he introduced when Mr. Dominguez was on Council and it was of the benefit of the Downtown area. He suggested that the merchants that promote the Open Air Market provide signs indicating public parking in the back to indicate public parking lots. He stated that when there was two hour parking in the Downtown Area there was no complaints it was just obeyed, however now that it is not in effect, the problems are there for the different merchants. He noted that the majority of the merchants want to have a limit on parking. He asked that prior to the Council taking the issue to a Council Meeting that they form a committee to address this issue between the Council and the merchants to present firm ideas to Council. Mayor Pape brought the discussion back to the table and opened it to Council. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley noted that in the letters, the number one choice is "customer parking only" signs and the last choice is two -hour parking. She stated that she would like to find the best possible solution to the most people possible. She explained that if there were a two -hour parking limit, it would not be any good if it is not enforced and that is the issue. She stated that her particular concern is cost and she is looking for a solution that is not costly and does not pull a policeman off the street to marls tires. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley stated that the City spent a lot of money on the parking lots and they are not being utilized. She asked the City Manager if there is there a possible solution through security to make the parking lots safer. She asked about cost and the obligations of Guadalajara Restaurant for security. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the cost would depend on the amount of security that Council wished to have. He noted that at one time the City was paying to have a Security Officer walk Main Street, which included the parking lots. He noted that Guadalajara Restaurant by contract is required to provide some type of security designated by the City for the parking lot on Poe Street. He further noted that the patrol does not need to be done by a sworn Police Officer, but rather can be done by a private Security Officer or a CSO. He explained that it could cost anywhere between $7.00 to $12.00 an hour. Mayor Pro Tem Kelley questioned stickers in the window of the merchant and employees cars. Mr. Zwiefel stated that the only problem with that is making sure that the employees actually use the stickers. There was general discussion regarding the use of stickers. Larry Regis stated that there are other opportunities that can be explored and it is up to the merchants to enforce rules with their employees. He stressed that the purpose of this meeting is to find solutions that are both PAGE FIVE — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 fiscally sound and something that the City can work in cooperation with the Downtown merchants. He noted that the majority of the merchants are willing to work with the City to solve the conflict that is ongoing. Councilwoman Brinley stated that she does not want to see citations issued in the Downtown area. She stressed that she would not like to see limitations set on Main Street because she has spent more than two hours on Main Street. She noted that she has had lunch and then visited several shops and it took more than two hours. She explained that the City does not have enough funds at this time to assign a police officer for the Downtown area only. Fred Dominguez stated that the problem is the use of the parking lots and he feels that the solution is to have someone who can patrol the parking lots to make it safe for people to leave their cars. Councilwoman Brinley suggested that a Main Street Parking Committee be formed to address the issues and find solutions. She stated that she would not be opposed to the City providing better signage, however she feels that the City cannot afford to assign a special patrol officer for one area only. City Manager Watenpaugh commended the merchants for their willingness to allow Council to assist in this problem. He suggested that a committee be selected to meet with the Police Chief and staff to further discuss ideas and solutions to the problem with parking on Main Street and can be brought back to Council, in a timely manner, with options for Council to consider. Councilwoman Brinley concurred. Councilman Alongi stated that this issue has been before Council several times in the past. He noted that the City built the parking lots and then bought a motor scooter which was designated for the patrol of Main Street and other areas of the City where there might be parking problems. He indicated that he has not seen this vehicle on Main Street for a very long time. Councilman Alongi stressed that there is no guarantee that a vehicle will not be vandalized no matter where it is parked and it is not fair to expect the City to accept the responsibility. He further stressed that the City has spent a lot of money on the parking lots and they should be utilized and if they are he feels that the problem will not exist due to increased activity. He indicated that the Sheriff s Department had promised that if the City purchased the motor scooter that they would patrol the parking lots and different areas of the City for parking problems and this has not been done. He stated that he felt that two -hour parking is a good idea since it would encourage use of the parking lots. He indicated that there is nothing that cannot be done in two hours on Main Street and if someone is going to be longer than two hours they should be parking in the parking lots. Councilman Alongi stated that he could not understand why the merchants PAGE SIX — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 would allow their employees to park on Main Street in front of the businesses because if people don't find a parking space, they drive on to somewhere else. He explained the purpose of the handicap parking. He explained that there is plenty of parking on Main Street if it is utilized. He stated that he would fight any sign that designated "customers only ", since it is a public street and cannot be confined to customers only. He further stated that the two -hour parking is a win/win situation, since if it solves the problem Council gets the credit and if it doesn't work it is the merchants problem, however he has no objection to appointing a committee. Councilwoman Brinley stated that she felt that a committee would be a good answer since the merchants can work with staff and the police and bring back their suggestions for Council consideration. Mayor Pape stated that enforcement of a parking area can be set by the employer and is a part of the employee rules and regulations or at least explained to them at the time they are hired. He noted that if the lack of parking is affecting the business and customers are not coming in, then that person is not going to have a job. He indicated that he feels it is the City's responsibility to make sure there is a safe place of a car to park in the City parking lots. He stated Council is able give direction to make sure that the parking lots are patrolled on a more regular basis. Mayor Pape noted the cost of enforcement for two -hour parking and the fact that it is just not feasible. He explained the duties of the Patrol Officer and the Community Service Officer. He stressed the need to have them continue the current job rather than mark tires every hour, however if the officers on duty drive through the parking lots more often and they are used more then it helps to prevent stalking of the parking lot. He stated if there are people spending more than three hours on Main Street, then they are spending time and money and we don't want to chase them away with limited parking. Councilman Metze stated that he does not feel that stickers or "customer only" parking will work and he does not want to discourage the person who is having lunch and then shopping for antiques to have to leave after two hours. He indicated that he is in favor of signage for the parking lots and does not oppose forming a committee. He stated that the merchants providing private security is another option. He questioned that 10% of the merchants are taking up all of the parking spaces. Members of the audience confirmed the numbers and explained that it was the merchant and employees that use the parking spaces in front of other stores and leave only a few spaces for customers in front of their own establishment. Councilman Metze noted that some of the merchants that are in favor of two -hour parking have parked on Main Street for the last six years and he questioned the available parking spaces if they are guilty as well. He stressed that there PAGE SEVEN — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 is a problem and he is in favor of signage for the parking lots as well as the fact that security would help, however he is opposed to restricted parking. There was general discussion regarding merchants parking on Main Street. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that he could ask the Police to be more visible, however he would need direction from Council to bring a CSO on board to patrol the parking lot. He explained that the "customer only" signage would not be possible since it is a public street. City Attorney Leibold stated concurred and explained that it is a public street and it would be impossible to enforce. Councilwoman Brinley noted that she is not always good at keeping track of time and felt that a two -hour parking situation would not be effective for business. Mayor Pape reviewed the actions discussed and stated that if the merchants would require their own vehicles as well as their employee's vehicles to be parked in the City's parking lots that would open several more spaces. He further stated that the City would work with the Police Department to make sure that there are extra patrols through the parking lots. Councilwoman Kelley stated that she would like to see a cost breakdown if the City should decide to hire a CSO or Private Security; see the merchant responsible for the solution since it is their business; see a committee formed and decisions made by the merchants themselves prior to Council review. She noted that the merchants are the ones who will have to live with the decisions that Council makes, therefore she would like to have another Study Session to give the opportunity for further review. Councilwoman Brinley concurred with Mayor Pape's suggestion. Councilman Alongi noted that if a person were cited for a parking violation then they would be less inclined to repeat the offense. He noted the Street Sweeping Program and explained that we don't get everyone one of the people, however enough people have been cited to cut down on the parking problem on street cleaning day. He stressed that the two -hour parking would be the same. He stated that the CSO could work the downtown area part of the day instead of all day at the Outlet Center. He stressed that it would make a difference. Councilman Alongi stated that it is not a difficult decision and should be implemented through two -hour parking. PAGE EIGHT — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 Mayor Pape opened the discussion to the general audience and several suggestions were made as follows: The use of surveillance cameras to observe the parking lots which would cost approximately $1,500 each for equipment and operation; Use of parking lot across from the Cultural Center for City functions instead of parking on the street; Consideration of Economic Development with City Council commitment; Merchant contribution to private security for the parking lots; A block captain could mark tires for two -hour parking and save the cost of an officer; Signage for parking lots with periodic patrol from the Police Department. Mayor Pape asked how staff felt about signage for the parking lots. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that there is no problem with providing signage, however it appears as though it is an image in security rather than parking itself. He noted that through the discussion he felt that the people would feel more comfortable if activity was occurring around the area their car was parked. He concluded that if there was security in the parking lots that the majority of merchants and their employees would park there rather than two -hour parking. Councilman Alongi stated that Council does not have businesses on Main Street or on the Street everyday, and therefore cannot know what problems are occurring. He noted that Council depends on the merchants to keep them informed what would be best for their businesses. He further noted that if it is restricted parking, then it is the obligation of Council to investigate that avenue and try to provide that service. He explained that the City does not provide 100% services on any of the services that the City provides, nor does any other City. Councilman Alongi explained that a Police Officer cannot be at any one place 100% of the time and the only way anyone can receive 100% service is through private service that the person or persons pay for themselves. He suggested that a committee be formed with a member of staff and a small amount of merchants to bring options back to Council to consider for the Downtown. He stated that he would not attend another Study Session in regard to this item. Fred Dominguez summarized the comments made by the audience and concurred that a committee is the best way to approach this issue. Councilman Metze stated that the majority of people stated that they were not in favor of a two -hour parking limit if there was another alternative. He noted that only two persons were strongly in favor of a two -hour parking limit. He noted that the overall comment was that the City does something to assist in solving the problem. He indicated that a committee was the best solution to address this situation. Councilwoman Brinley concurred and explained that the City built the parking lots to encourage business in the Downtown and the City has PAGE NINE — CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION — AUGUST 19, 1998 invested in the Economic Development of the Downtown. She suggested that the Committee look into security for the parking lots to encourage parking in that area. Mr. Zwiefel asked about the motor scooter for traffic control. City Manager Watenpaugh explained that because of the budget cuts the traffic control has been switched to bicycle patrol and noted that the Mayor suggested that the officers swing through the parking lots as they leave and return on their patrol. Mr. Zwiefel noted that if there was an ordinance in place the merchants and employees would probably follow the rules if there were signs in place even if there was not consistent enforcement. There was general discussion in regard to the effectiveness of the signage if there was little to no enforcement. Mayor Pape directed the merchants to set up a committee and meet with City Manager Watenpaugh. He asked that the committee look into the cost of cameras; the cost of security; and increased patrol by the police. ADJOURNMENT The City Council Study Session adj Respectfully submitted, ATTEST: VICKI KASAD, C TY CLERK 'eO` 4:31 p.m. tea; U094" W. PAPE, MAYOR