City Council Minutes 2015 07 14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes July 14, 2015 Page 16 of 26 Staff requested Council direction on whether to (1) implement any of the options described above in 2015 and request a subsequent budget amendment, (2) identify a preferred alternative and proposed funding in the 2016 budget for implementation in 2016, or (3) maintain the existing level of parking markings and enforcement. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Muckle favored painting curbs and suggested beginning in the downtown area. Council member Lipton was in favor of signs. He felt signs have a lower initial cost and the cost for ongoing maintenance is also lower. He felt the stencils are difficult to see, but signs are very explicit where parking is allowed or prohibited. He supported starting with signs because it is customary. He felt enforcement is difficult with stencils and painted curbs. Council member Keany agreed. Council member Stolzmann favored painting curbs red opposed to the proposed yellow. She suggested beginning with starter streets critical to the downtown area. Mayor Muckle inquired whether the signs would be placed at the driveways and alleys. Public Works Director Kowar stated the signage would only be at dangerous intersections. Council member Loo inquired about the public sentiment about signage or curb painting. Public Works Director Kowar has heard some preference for curb painting and stencils. He had not heard public demand for signage. City Manager Fleming commented he heard diverse comments; some want painted curbs, some want signs and some like the stencils. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ stated the Parking Committee was interested in getting cars off the comers. Council member Loo asked Chief Hayes if he has a preference on enforcement on parking signs or curb painting. Chief Hayes explained the police department prefers a clear indication of what is allowed and what is prohibited. He explained because there may not be a sign, it would not prohibit the police department from doing parking enforcement. The direction given to police officers and parking ambassadors has been to look at cars parked too close to intersections, which may cause a safety hazard. Whether the Council approves signs or curb painting, the police department is interested in public safety. To date, from the Street Faire and the Taste of Louisville, 109 tickets have been written for safety violations, 58 written warning were issued and 54 verbal waming were given. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton felt Public Works Director Kowar's description of placing signs at dangerous intersections was vague. He felt staff should present a more comprehensive list, but until then, Council should direct staff to install signs in the downtown area.