September 1st, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Chairperson Trimm made the statement regarding the Open Meetings Act as required by statute.
1. Chairperson Trimm called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and asked for roll call. Other members present were: Davis, Lueders and Kuzelka.
2. Next, was the motion to convene. Member Davis made the motion to convene. Member Lueders seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 4 - "yes" (Davis, Kuzelka, Trimm and Lueders) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
3. Next, was the motion to approve the minutes of August 18th, 2009. Member Davis made the motion to approve the minutes. Member Kuzelka seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 4 - "yes" (Trimm, Davis, Kuzelka and Lueders) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
4. Next was the discussion and recommendation regarding parking signage on the eastside of E Street between 5th and 6th Street. Member Davis made the motion to discuss. Member Kuzelka seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 4 - "yes" (Trimm, Davis, Kuzelka and Lueders) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
Mr. Lambert was present and spoke to the committee in regards to parking on the east side of E street between 5th and 6th streets. He stated that he would again ask his employees to park on 6th street although he noted that their position was that when they moved and parked else ware other business took up those spots. Mr. Lambert stated that regardless of what the other business do he plans to take a proactive approach and request his employees park somewhere else. He notes that he probably has the most employees and figures this will have an effect on parking in the area although he does not feel it will solve the problem because he believes that there has always been a problem with parking around the square. He hopes that other business will follow suite and states that he will probably run an editorial in the paper discussing the situation and encouraging other business to do the same. Member Trimm noted that First National allows people to park in their spots as well. Member Lueders questioned any available parking south of Tooley’s. Member Davis stated that, that was owned by the county. Lambert states that he thinks just asking his employees to move will be sufficient and that it should make available 10-15 parking spaces. Although, he notes the runners will still need to use the spots out front. Member Trimm asked how many employees Lambert has at his downtown location. Mr. Lambert replied that he has approximately 25. Member Trimm states that off square parking would be nice. Mr. Ridder is present and spoke to the committee in regards to parking in front of his store. He stated that parking for his customers is a problem because of the lack of it and safety entering his store. He noted that some of his customers request to park in the 15 minute stalls. Member Lueders notes that those stalls are not specific to Lamberts and can be used by anyone so his customers can park there if they like. He believes that there is not a sufficient amount of parking downtown and that this is causing business to leave the downtown area. He stated that his main issue is safety and the condition of the curb. Mrs. Ridder was present and spoke to the committee stating that the existing curb albeit damaged is painted for loading and unloading. Member Lueders asked if they have a big need for that and Mrs. Ridder responded that they sell a lot of furniture so they feel they need that loading and unloading zone. She noted that the police department cannot enforce the parking because there is no vertical sign so they are requesting a sign be put there. Member Lueders pointed out that if they sign the loading and unloading for them they will have to do that for everyone and she does not feel we should do that. She noted that typically if it is painted loading and unloading people won’t park there for long periods. The Ridders stated that that has been a problem in the past. Member Trimm questioned the definition of loading and unloading. Member Lueders questioned if they have loading and unloading access in the alley. They do not. Member Trimm questioned how many spaces they would require. Mr. Ridder stated he wants at least one. Member Trimm suggested a timed limit sign. Member Lueders noted that if they sign the parking spots then they end up restricting spots that could be used for shoppers. Mr. Ridder again noted the unsafe condition of the curb. He stated that his wife fell and he is fearful that others might also. Member Lueders questioned if there is a second phase of the downtown renovation project that will fix the sidewalk in that area. Bedlan stated that there was a second phase. Parker stated that to the best of his knowledge there has been nothing done with it. Bedlan stated that as discussed at the last meeting the streets department will fix the curb and put a handrail in to address the safety concerns. The Ridders hope that this work is done soon before someone gets hurt and brings action against the city. Member Lueders noted that in defense of the city there are limited budgets and manpower and they must prioritize projects. Mrs. Ridder also noted that there are no handicapped spaces on her side of the street. Member Davis stated that he has some reservations about putting more signs up and questions if moving the 15 minute signs up between the business would work. Mr. Lambert states that he would prefer not to move the signs and thinks that if they can give him a little time to address the issue with his employees and other business the problem will be fixed. He also noted that his employees are downtown customers as well but he will still request they park else ware and if there is a problem then he asked that the business with the problem contact him and he will have the employees move their vehicle ASAP. Member Lueders suggested signing one loading and unloading zone and questions where there is handicapped parking in the area. Bedlan stated that handicapped parking is located on both the north and south end of the block and the west side of the street. She notes that adding any handicapped parking in the middle of the block on the eastside of the street would not be feasible due to the elevation of the sidewalk. Mr. Ridder stated that handicapped individuals have to wheel through the street to access their cars. Member Lueders noted that they can access handicapped parking from the sidewalk on either the north or south end of the block. Bedlan pointed out that if the board of public works chooses to add a loading and unloading sign they will then have 3 timed signs on that block which the street department believes is excessive for the area and that if other business request more timed signs then the streets department and the board of public works will need to address signs in the entire downtown commercial area. Member Lueders and Kuzelka discussed reducing the loading and unloading zone to one signed loading and unloading stall. Bedlan also wanted to make everyone aware that if they sign the loading and unloading stall then it can only be used for loading and unloading and not for customers to park and shop. Therefore, further reducing the available parking for shopping customers. Member Kuzelka suggest a 20 minute parking sign. Bedlan stated that it was noted by police at the last meeting that only vertical signage is enforceable and the resolution that painted the stalls in question did not specify signs – only painting. So when the street department fixes the curb they will repaint it as-is unless, a new ordinance requires them to do something different. Member Lueders again questioned if the Ridders want to give up a space to loading and unloading. Member Davis questioned Ridder about what kind of sign he would like. There was no response. Bedlan asked if the existing 15 minute parking would be adequate for their loading and unloading needs. Ridder states that he is not sure what the answer is. Member Kuzelka asked if they could just let the issue rest and see what happens for now. Mr. Ridder questioned what would happen if someone was injured loading and unloading in the street. Member Trimm states that a sign will not prevent all accidents and asked the committee what recommendation they would like to make to council. Member Lueders stated that she is reluctant to take away anymore spaces for shopping with a loading and unloading space. Member Kuzelka stated that it might help them to have a space to load. Bedlan noted that unless the committee recommends something else the 15 minute signs will stay where they are and the curb will be replaced as is with the two existing painted stalls and a railing will be added. She questioned if the Ridders could use the existing 15 minute signs for their loading and unloading needs. Mr. Ridder stated that, that would be acceptable to him. Member Davis made the motion to repair and paint the curb, add a hand rail and make no change to the current signage on the east side of E street from 4th to 5th streets. Member Lueders seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 4 - "yes" (Trimm, Davis, Kuzelka and Lueders) / 0 - "no". The motion passed
6. There was no comment from the public on non-agenda items.
7. With no further discussion, member Davis made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Member Lueders seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 4 - "yes" (Trimm, Davis, Kuzelka and Lueders) / 0 - "no". The motion passed. Chairperson Trimm declared the meeting adjourned.
Laura K. Bedlan
Public Works Committee Secretary