AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a staff presentation and hold discussion regarding the implementation of near-term parking management strategies, and provide direction to staff.
Body
Meeting date: December 6, 2016
Department: CMO - Kevin Burke, Economic Development & Downtown Administrator
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
CITY COUNCIL GOAL: Economic Vitality and Responsible Finances
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENT(s):
Economic Development Goal 4: An enhanced and diverse local economic environment that is prosperous, efficient and provides improved opportunities to residents.
LUG201: Develop a parking plan in downtown.
NHG202: Develop a plan to reduce congestion and parking issues caused near campus.
NHG406: Develop a plan to manage parking demand.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this item is to present the near-term recommendations of our parking management consultant, Kimley-Horn, and to seek direction regarding implementation of these recommended action items.
Based on input received from City staff and community stakeholders, the project team recommends the following near-term action items:
Recommendation # 1: Enhance and Expand the Parking Enforcement Program
It is recommended that the City of San Marcos immediately pursue implementation of an enhanced and expanded parking enforcement program using License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. This recommendation reflects feedback from downtown stakeholders and Council Members requesting enhanced and expanded parking enforcement while continuing to advance plans for on-street paid parking. A Technical Memorandum with guidance on the procurement of Mobile License Plate Recognition technology is attached.
Recommendation # 2: Uniform 2-Hour Parking Time Limit Downtown
It is recommended that the City of San Marcos immediately implement changes to existing on-street time restrictions to adopt a uniform 2-hour parking time limit for the entire downtown area. The application of this uniform time limit approach combined with the additional citation data that will be derived from the new LPR system will be considered “pilot programs” and will be reviewed and evaluated as parking management program implementation continues. This recommended approach is geared toward simplifying parking regulations for both parking patrons as well as making the implementation of the new mobile LPR system less complex.
Recommendation # 3: Pursue New Parking Supply Additions
As parking enforcement program enhancements are made and planning for paid on-street parking continues, a likely result will be displacement of employees and students from on-street spaces. Providing as many on-street parking spaces as possible will be an ongoing need. City staff will identify underutilized on-street areas and potentially underutilized off-street areas that could add to the overall parking supply at minimal expense. Approximately 20 - 30 new parking spaces, in locations to be determined by staff, are anticipated.
Recommendation # 4: Begin Development of an Employee Parking Program
In anticipation of the impact of a potential on-street paid parking program, it is recommended that the City begin developing an “employee parking program” and other basic Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies. The concept of an “Employee Parking Program” is a collection of strategies focused on providing long-term parking for employees.
Staff requests direction from Council to pursue implementation of these near-term parking management recommendations and bring individual items, such as LPR system procurement and amendments to the Traffic Register, forward for Council consideration and formal action.