Business Retention and Development Committee Agenda and Packet 2016 09 06

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Business Retention & Development Committee Meeting Minutes August 1, 2016 Page 2 of 6 APPROVAL OF AGENDA Approved APPROVAL OF JUNE 6, 2016 MINUTES: Approved, with Chris Pritchard abstaining as he was not at the June 6th meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: NONE DOWNTOWN PARKING: Economic Development Director Aaron DeJong gave an overview of downtown parking per the packet and the presentation attached to these minutes. Downtown needs significant parking supply to address the current and future parking supply shortfall to meet on-site parking requirements. The recent community citizen survey noted downtown parking as a concern. To achieve significant parking supply additions without removing buildings for surface parking, DeJong stated a parking structure will be needed. Commissioner Reichenberg suggested gradually increasing fees if changing prices for the fee -in lieu payments for parking spots. David Sinkey said the currently low parking - fee -in -lieu amount is seen as a detriment for properties to proposed a development that needs to make a fee -in -lieu payment. This is because the fee is so low that it is seen as a reason to not approve a development since the City cannot take the fee and provide the parking. Chair Loo said the line item for parking study was removed. Is BRaD discussing this to make recommendation for Council or simply discussion? What is the purpose of this discussion? Proposed 2017 CIP has $40,000 for parking study. Reichenberg believes BRaD will fail in its mission if we fail to make a recommendation. David Sinkey said there are private entities in town that are willing to be a partner in a solution. What is lacking from the private perspective is what Council's direction is and what the City will bring to the table on this issue. Commissioner Menaker said the needs are 3-fold:1) it is an economic development issue. 2) It hurts our brand. Need to go vertical. Need good day time population. 3) Social benefit of relieving pressure on neighborhoods. That is a quality of life return on investment. Parking needs a public private partnership. Private sector needs to know the direction. He recommends a task force made up of BRaD members, public, and Council members similar to the recent Rec/Senior Center Task Force.