AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a staff update on parking management initiatives and provide direction to staff.
Body
Meeting date: June 7, 2022
Department: Public Works, Destination Services & Parks and Recreation
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: NA
Account Number: NA
Funds Available: NA
Account Name: NA
Fiscal Note:
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Background Information:
The Parking Advisory Board (PAB) currently has two Pilot projects that will begin in the near future. The Micromobility Solution, formerly known as “eCab” is in the closing stages of procurement and will provide electric shuttle services to the downtown area. The Downtown Employee Parking Pilot program will also commence soon and will provide downtown businesses with a solution for employee parking with the cost subsidized by the city during the Pilot. Both projects aim to reduce employee parking in the downtown area. These parking management strategy Pilots may reduce parking demand, increase revenues for downtown businesses, and provide a travel solution for residents, visitors and downtown employees.
The PAB has also sent Council two recommendation resolutions for consideration. The first requests Council’s support to fund and implement Texas Department of Motor Vehicle “look-ups” for unpaid parking tickets (Discussion item on the 5/17 Council agenda). The second recommendation resolution requests Council’s support for the PAB to review and make recommendations to the city’s parking code, Chapter 82. This includes directing staff to support this effort (Legal, Police Department, Finance & Municipal Court).
Destination Services
A “Parking Swap” interlocal agreement between the City of San Marcos and Texas State University is set to expire on August 1, 2022. The Property Use Agreement was originally adopted in 2003 and has been renewed by both parties after each extension. Under this Property Use Agreement, the City is authorized to utilize a downtown parking lot behind Fire Station 1 which is owned by the University. In return, the University is authorized to use designated parking spaces along Charles Austin Drive which are owned by the City. The renewal of this Property Use Agreement would extend the “Parking Swap” for three (3) years, from August 1, 2022 through July 21, 2025.
Parks and Recreation
Following the work of a subcommittee, comprised of members from the Parks and Recreation Board and Parking Advisory Board, it was recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board to implement paid parking in the river parks commonly known as City Park and Rio Vista. The City Council discussed the Recommendation on May 4, 2021, and Council provided consensus to move forward with compiling information and further studies on a paid parking program at City Park, not Rio Vista at no charge for residents. Council also provided direction to look at a fee for parking during University home football games at City Park. Staff conducted a four-day survey over Labor Day weekend (2021) at City Park. Staff also vetted paid parking vendor solutions and will present findings during the City Council Work Session. Based on the information gathered, paid parking seems viable at City Park, but will be cost prohibitive at Rio Vista Park. Staff will be seeking authorization from City Council to proceed with an implementation plan for City Park only.
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Recommendation:
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