City Council Minutes 1999 04 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Keany state that if a parking district was formed under the auspices of the City, it could be considered an enterprise fund, effectively taking the funds out of 'de-Brucing'. He explained that if a cash fee in lieu of were collected, the City could buy available properties downtown, using these funds. Davidson stated that while the fees could be placed into an enterprise fund, the City would not be permitted to contribute any tax dollars to the fund. Howard stated that he does not believe that Council is willing to subsidize parking any more and he is tired of discussing the issue. He felt that this issue is one that should have been solved long ago. He expressed concern that, if the City becomes the parking broker and parking fails, it becomes the City's fault. He stated that by passing this Ordinance, the parking would ride with the expansion of the properties. Lathrop stated that this Ordinance, as written, states that any person who wants to expand downtown must provide 2.5 parking spaces per 1,000 sf. He felt that this would cause business owners to do what they have to do in order to get parking spaces, which would be a detriment to the downtown area. He expressed support for establishing a fee that would be high enough to cover the cost of parking. Levihn agreed with Lathrop that this would result in parking lots between houses, throughout downtown. He expressed support for a cash in lieu of fee and stated that he would not vote in favor of the Ordinance, as currently written. Lathrop questioned whether Council could continue this Ordinance for one month and still be within the moratorium period. Light replied that the moratorium expires May 17, 1999. If Council continues this Ordinance and wants to take action at a later date and wanted this Ordinance to become effective prior to the expiration of the moratorium, it would be necessary to adopt this Ordinance by an emergency clause. The other alternative is to extend the moratorium by Ordinance. Davidson asked for clarification that the current requirement is four spaces per 1,000 sf. Light replied that if a development project downtown submits a PUD, then the Commercial Development Design Standards & Guidelines apply and if it's an office project, the parking requirement is four spaces per 1,000 sf. Davidson questioned whether there is anything in the current Ordinance that would prevent individuals from tearing down houses and building parking lots. Light replied, no. 15