city of birmingham advisory parking committee city commission room 151 martin st., birmingham, mi

174 Pages·2016·11.27 MB·English

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM
ADVISORY PARKING COMMITTEE
CITY COMMISSION ROOM
151 MARTIN ST., BIRMINGHAM, MI
[phone]
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2016, 7:30 A.M

1. Recognition of Guests
2. Approval of Minutes, Meeting of June 15, 2016
3. Parking Structure Rate Changes - Update
4. Rooftop Valet Parking – Phase 2
5. Evening Only Monthly Permit Update
6. Ad Hoc Parking Development Committee Update
7. Construction Update
8. Monthly Financial Reports
9. Meeting Open for Matters Not on the Agenda
10. Information Only:
Miscellaneous Letters and Articles
13. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: August 17, 2016

Chester St. Parking Structure

Persons with disabilities that may require assistance for
effective participation in this public meeting should contact the
City Clerk’s Office at the number [phone], or (248)
644-5115 (for the hearing impaired) at least one day before the
meeting to request help in mobility, visual, hearing, or other
assistance.

Las personas con incapacidad que requieren algún tipo de
ayuda para la participación en esta sesión pública deben
ponerse en contacto con la oficina del escribano de la ciudad en
el número (248) 530-1800 o al (248) 644-5115 (para las
personas con incapacidad auditiva) por lo menos un dia antes
de la reunión para solicitar ayuda a la movilidad, visual,
auditiva, o de otras asistencias. (Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964).
City of Birmingham
ADVISORY PARKING COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
Birmingham City Hall Commission Room
151 Martin, Birmingham, Michigan
Wednesday, June 15, 2016

MINUTES
These are the minutes for the Advisory Parking Committee ("APC") regular meeting
held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. The meeting was called to order at 7:37 a.m.
by Chairman Lex Kuhne.

Present: Chairman Lex Kuhne
Gayle Champagne
Anne Honhart
Steven Kalczynski
Judith Paskewicz
Vice-Chairperson Susan Peabody
Al Vaitas (left at 9 a.m.)

Absent: Lisa Krueger

BSD: Richard Astrein
John Heiney

SP+ Parking: Catherine Burch
Sarah Burton
Jason O'Dell

Administration: Mark Clemence, Police Chief
Ellen DeView, Staff and Services Coordinator, Police Dept.
Austin Fletcher, Engineering Dept.
Paul O’Meara, City Engineer
Carole Salutes, Recording Secretary

The chairman welcomed the newest board member, Gayle Champagne.

RECOGNITION OF GUESTS (none)

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 18, 2016

Dr. Vaitas requested the following change:
Advisory Parking Committee Proceedings
June 15, 2016
Page 2 of 7

Page 1 - His requested change to the previous month's minutes should read:
"Dr. Vaitas favored the two-tier parking rates in front of businesses
in the Lot 6 area."

Motion by Dr. Vaitas
Seconded by Ms. Honhart to approve the Minutes of the APC Meeting of
May 18, 2016 as amended.

Motion carried, 7-0.

VOICE VOTE:
Yeas: Vaitas, Honhart, Champagne, Kalczynski, Kuhne, Paskewicz, Peabody
Nays: None
Absent: Krueger

NEW PARKING METER TECHNOLOGIES

Mr. O'Meara advised the City plans to reconstruct Old Woodward Ave. next year
between Willits St. and Brown St. Key City staff have been exploring ways in
which this signature project can be as innovative and well thought out as
possible. One suggestion that was raised was to look at the advisability of
switching to a multi-space parking meter system. Birmingham employed a multi-
space system in 2007 with some meters installed on N. Old Woodward Ave. That
system met with poor results, and was subsequently replaced with the more
traditional meters.

As a result of these discussions, our Police Dept. (who oversees the parking
meter maintenance area) as well as SP+ (our parking structure operations
contractor) were asked to offer their perspectives on this question. The report
from SP+ focused only on multi-space meters, since that was the direction they
thought the City wanted. The Police Dept. looked at the matter both from what is
available in multi-space meters, and what is available with individual “smart”
meters. Prices that were supplied are based on a conversion of the entire
downtown area. Likely, if and when a decision is made to switch to a
different parking meter concept, the City will want to try the Old Woodward Ave.
project area first, and then move forward with other areas at a later date.

Chief Clemence explained how he researched parking meter technologies.
Based upon his study, he recommended that should it be decided that a new
parking meter system is warranted, the best solution for the Police Dept. is
single-space smart parking meters (with optional sensors) as opposed to multi-
space pay stations.
Advisory Parking Committee Proceedings
June 15, 2016
Page 3 of 7

Ms. DeView provided a brief overlook of the two systems. Her biggest concern is
that whatever direction is taken, the equipment is compatible with the hand-held
devices their parking officers use to issue tickets.

In response to Mr. Kalczynski, Mr. O'Meara stated they would like to encourage
the use of Parkmobile on the street and they are in the process of implementing
that now in the garages. People will be able to use their cell phone to put the QR
code on the screen and hold it up to the machine as an ID, rather than using their
credit card. Ms. DeView noted the single-pay and multi-space meters are all
token friendly now and that could be a great idea for promotions. Quarters can
also be used.

Mr. O'Meara described how multi-space meters require more thinking on the part
of customers. Upon getting out of their car, the customer must have their license
plate memorized or else have a parking space number. It was noted that both
single-space and multi-space meters are solar powered and use batteries rather
than an electrical hook-up. Ms. Burch said that one complaint they have heard a
lot is that people cannot read the screen on the multi-space meters.

Chief Clemence provided samples of two types of single-space meters for the
committee to consider, the IPS and the Duncan CivicSmart. Both are Parkmobile
compatible. The group thought the IPS display seemed much more user friendly
and easier to read. The Chief explained the side wings are where the sensors
would go. Sensors indicate when a car pulls out and then they zero out the time
that is left so that when the next car pulls in the time is at zero. Parkmobile
automatically zeros out the time as well. Ms. DeView said if a sensor compatible
model is purchased, sensors can always be added at a later time in-house.
Sensors run about $300/space. She thinks they make sense in terms of a
potential revenue stream for the City. Vehicle sensors would cost $360 thousand
extra plus a $3 monthly charge/meter.

Chief Clemence noted if meter poles are taken out then no parking zones cannot
be designated to allow for some project to take place on a particular day except
with the use of barricades. Chairman Kuhne thought multi-space meters work
best in a lot as opposed to on-street parking.

Chief Clemence suggested that a 60-day trial can be done with Duncan and IPS
meters along Pierce and Martin. From a technology standpoint the meters will
provide a lot more information than is currently available. The IPS unit is $100
more in price than Duncan and Ms. Burch affirmed IPS has a better track record.
Advisory Parking Committee Proceedings
June 15, 2016
Page 4 of 7

Motion by Ms. Honhart
Seconded by Ms. Peabody to run a 60-day test on an equal number of IPS
Group meter heads and Duncan Civicsmart meter heads. Test to take
place along Martin and Pierce.

There was no one in the audience who wished to comment at 8:35 a.m.

Motion carried, 7-0.

VOICE VOTE:
Yeas: Honhart, Peabody, Champagne, Kalczynski, Kuhne, Paskewicz, Vaitas
Nays: None
Absent: Krueger

PARKING STRUCTURE RATE CHANGES UPDATE

Mr. O'Meara recalled the rate change proposal package was reviewed by the
City Commission at their meeting of June 6, 2016. Below is a summary of the
discussion, and what steps the committee is being asked to take at this time:

1. The hourly rate schedule was approved except that the price reduction from
$10 to $5 after 10 p.m. was taken out of the proposal. The Commission was
concerned about the inequity of paying $10 before 10 p.m., and getting a
significant price reduction if you stay longer.
2. The monthly permit schedule was not approved. The Commission felt that
even with the changes, the prices are too low. The Commission asked that the
APC review the cost schedule.
3. The free parking provision for those parking at off-site church lots was
approved.
4. The reduction in the number of authorized monthly permits at the Park St. and
N. Old Woodward Ave. Structures was approved.
5. The increase for the parking meters on Chester St. was approved.
6. The Evening Only Monthly Permit was approved, except that any regular
permits that are made available as a result of this program may not be sold to
other customers until the issue is reviewed in more detail by the APC.

During the coming weeks, staff will do additional research on the two remaining
issues (monthly permit rates, and potential new sales as a result of the evening
only sales), and return to discuss these again at a future APC meeting. SP+ will
do a rate comparison between various comparable cities. SP+ is now preparing
to implement the other changes by July 1, 2016.
Advisory Parking Committee Proceedings
June 15, 2016
Page 5 of 7

MEETING SCHEDULE 2017

Mr. Astrein noted the Birmingham Shopping District ("BSD") meeting is held on
the first Thursday of each month. Chairman Kuhne thought that in order to have
more timely information going to them from this committee, and to receive a more
recent Finance report from the Parking System, APC meetings should be
switched back to the first Wednesday of the month.

Ms. Honhart expressed concern that the first week of the month results in more
conflicts due to holidays.

After discussion the consensus was to switch APC meetings starting in 2017 to
the first Wednesday of each month.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING SIGNAGE ICON

Mr. O'Meara noted the City is in the process of changing its policy relative to how
disabled parking spaces will be offered to the public in the Central Business
District. This discussion led to many in the disabled community taking notice.
A request came in from an out of state advocate asking that we consider
modifying the accessible icon used on each of the disabled parking reserved
space marker signs.

Mr. O'Meara indicated that Birmingham follows the MI Manual of Uniform Traffic
Control Devices as to what to do or what not to do. The current parking sign is
shown in the Manual.

A few states have adopted the new icon, and it is being pursued in several states
for adoption, including Michigan. Since Michigan has not actually adopted the
new icon, staff is hesitant to take a chance and invest in signage on our own prior
to the state adopting this change. Should the change be adopted in the future,
and should it be clear that using this icon would not cause undue risk on
our part, we could then consider modifying our signage.

Chairman Kuhne said he prefers the new icon and he will call the State legislator
to find out if the new icon will be adopted and if so, what the timeline might be.

AD HOC PARKING DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE

Mr. O'Meara noted at the request of the Parking Assessment Sub-Committee the
Finance Dept. is currently running the numbers for the first mock assessment
district that would mostly be based on the size of the building with all commercial
space being factored equally. The previous assessment districts had a bigger
Advisory Parking Committee Proceedings
June 15, 2016
Page 6 of 7

factor for the first floor. This time the idea is that office space is creating a lot of
demand on the parking system and it should be priced at least equal to retail.
The other factor is location. Those businesses that are closest to improvements
in a structure would pay the most. Deferred assessment is also being
considered. A deferred assessment formula would be written that requires the
payment of a new larger assessment over what was originally charged if a bigger
building is built in the future.

The regular Parking Development Committee is exploring whether an RFQ
should be prepared for developers to see if there is any interest in their helping to
pay for the N. Old Woodward Structure improvements. At this time, there still
remains the question of whether the citizens would vote in favor of allowing the
City to sell the land.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Mr. O'Meara provided Parking System updates:

Park St. Structure Painting Project
Bids from painting contractors are currently being solicited to paint the steel
beams and columns in order to keep them structurally sound as well as to
improve appearance. This work to occur in September and October of this year.
The engineer’s estimate for the work is $640,000. The timing of the work was set
to allow it to be done after Hamilton Ave. is finished and operating normally
again; but before the Old Woodward Ave. project begins next spring.

Bidding documents are currently being put together to replace all the light fixtures
in the Park St. Parking Structure with new LED fixtures that will reduce power
usage significantly. Initial estimated savings in electricity bills should be about
$30,000 annually.

N. Old Woodward Ave. Level 5 Valet Parking Program
SP+ began operating the valet operation on Level 5 on June 6. Early results are
showing that this will result in a real improvement for the customers of this area,
providing an option for parking for more vehicles during the critical mid-day peak
hours. Mr. O'Dell noticed that the garage has not filled since the valet operation
began. Pierce and Chester are the next most viable locations for valet.

Chester St. Structure Traffic Control Equipment Replacement
The new traffic control equipment is now 100% complete and operating at the
Chester St. Structure. A new feature included in the package is the operation of
the count sign at the entrance to the building, letting customers know how many
parking spaces are open within. There still appears to be a significant minority of
Advisory Parking Committee Proceedings
June 15, 2016
Page 7 of 7

people that are not happy about the changes (requiring the use of a credit or
debit card). Staff will continue to study and monitor this situation.

Temporary Lot at 35001 Woodward Ave.
City staff helped to clean up and open the new gravel parking lot at the northwest
corner of Maple Rd. As of last week, it is open and available for those that buy a
monthly permit. SP+ is currently selling permits to those who were waiting for a
permit at the Park St. Parking Structure.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS

Mr. O'Meara reported that income is good.

MEETING OPEN FOR MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA

With respect to a letter received from Mr. William D. Serwer, the city attorney has
concluded that a different parking rate schedule cannot be provided for residents
than for everyone else. That would be unfair because the residents are not
paying into the Parking System.

Mr. O'Dell noted the machines in the parking structures are at the edge of their
useful life. The public can go to the SP+ office and swap out their old hang tags
for new ones which work much better.

NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING

July 20, 2016

ADJOURNMENT

No further business being evident, the chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:35
a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Paul O’Meara
City Engineer
MEMORANDUM

Engineering Dept.
DATE: July 14, 2016

TO: Advisory Parking Committee

FROM: Paul T. O’Meara, City Engineer

SUBJECT: Parking Rates Study

As reported last month, the City Commission approved the majority of the recommended rate
and policy changes from the Advisory Parking Committee (APC) at their meeting of June 6. The
two areas that they sent back to the APC for further study are referenced below:

REGULAR MONTHLY PERMIT FEES

The Parking System has increased monthly permit fees during the summer of 2014 and 2015,
and had pursued another increase in 2016 to continue an incremental increase of monthly
rates. Attached for your reference is the table of changes that have occurred, and what was
included in the recommendation:

Parking Facility Prior to Effective Effective Proposed
8-1-14 8-1-14 7-1-15 7-1-16
Pierce St. $55 $60 $65 $70
Park St. $45 $50 $60 $70
Peabody St. $45 $55 $65 $70
N. Old Woodward Ave. $45 $50 $55 $70
Chester St. $30 $40 $45 $50
Lot 6 – Regular Permit $50 $55 $65 $70
Lot 6 – Economy Permit $30 $35 $45 $50
South Side Permit (Ann St.) $40 $40 $50 $50
South Side Permit (S. Old Woodward Ave.) $40 $40 $25 $25

1
Using data assembled from several other cities, the average price per month for these various
cities is provided below, from highest to lowest:

MUNICIPALITY AVERAGE
MONTHLY
PERMIT
Ann Arbor, MI $145
Grand Rapids, MI $137
Lansing, MI $122
State College, PA $90
Kalamazoo, MI $89
Evanston, MI $85
E. Lansing, MI $80
Bloomington, IN $54
Grosse Pointe, MI $50
Ferndale, MI $20

Although none of the cities listed is very similar to Birmingham, each has some similarities.
Averaging the monthly permit fees that were suggested for 2016 in this same way, the average
cost of a permit in Birmingham would be rounded off to $58. Compared to the other cities in
the list, this number seems low. However, staff feels that it is important to continue a slow
upward increase for the monthly permits so that the parking policies do not generate too much
negativity toward the City. When considering this question, here are some interesting items to
consider:

1. The recent daily rate increase has already created negative feelings toward the parking
system, so it is expected that another monthly increase will have the same effect.
2. At least one large company is now reconsidering the option of off-site parking options.
3. The $25 South Side Permits that have been available for many years on S. Old
Woodward Ave. south of Haynes St. are suddenly gaining interest. For the first time
they are all sold out, and a waiting list is getting started. No rate increase is being
suggested for this area since people have just started buying them for the first time,
which we consider a success toward getting vehicles out of the structures. Further, now
that permits are being sold in this area, we would like to watch how the street is
handling the extra demand, and to possibly offer more permits for sale in the future.

2