HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 5/9/2001 - Public Works Committee PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday,May 9, 2001
Classroom 6:30 p,m.
`, In Attendance: Alderman Bolger, Alderman Glab, Alderman Wirnmer, Mayor Althoff,
Director of Public Works Batt, City Clerk Jones, City Attorney McArdle, Assistant
Administrator Maxeiner(arrived at 7 p.m.), City Administrator Lobaito (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).
Members of the Community in attendance:
Joyce Bara, 1406 N. Riverside Drive
Patrick Summe�rs, 1406 N. Riverside Drive C�amon Creek
Carol Rice, 131)9 N. Riverside Drive �er the Fox
Bob Funk, 133�N. Riverside Drive �verside Bake Shop
Cindy Miller, 1311 N. Riverside Drive 1326-1334 property owner
Tapestry Antiques
The meeting was called to order by Chairma.n Alderman Bolger at 6:30 p.m.
Riverside Drive Parking Regulations
Chairman Alderman Bolger recognized Ms. Carol Miller, proprietor of Tapestry Antiques. Ms.
Miller stated business owner vehicles pazked on Riverside Drive must be frequently moved due
to existing pazking restrictions. She noted Veteran's Memorial Park is not a viable option for
parking for Riverside Drive business owner vehicles.
Chairman Alderman Bolger stated yeazs ago on Pearl Street there was a gazage and the City has
made numerous attempts to accommodate business owners parking needs.
Patrick Summers, proprietor of After the Fox, stated in some cases there are second floor
`" apartments with tenants, who re uire all-da
pazking on Peazl Street, two-hour parking on Ri e s e Dr veteand aelimit d amount of fr e
parkin g s p a c e s o n R i v e r s i d e D r i v e.
Director of Public Works Batt inquired as to what hour most businesses closed and their hours of
operation daily on Riverside Drive. Ms. Baza responded her business closes at 5:00 p.m.
However, the times of business closures varied depending on holidays and the Christmas
shopping season. Ms. Baza also stated as a result of discussion with other business owners, the
question was raised if the City would be willing to give specific pazking permits to business
owners. Chairman Alderman Bolger stated for the short term permi# parking might be an option
on Riverside Drive; however, for the long term, he opined the City should look into other
options.
Ms. $ara stated moving a car during busy retail hours was not feasible. She expressed concern
regarding loss of customers if the doors had to be locked durtng caz re-parking. Director Batt
reported a questionnaire had been mailed to all Riverside Drive business owners. Alderman Glab
stated he could not support permit pazking if reserved for business owners only. He noted
residents have a right to pazking in the area, as well.
Alderman Wimmer stated the needs of the business owners must be addressed. Chairman
Alderman Bolger opined permit pazking on the short term and permanent parking on the long
term as a viabie option.
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Mayor Aithoff stated as faz as permit pazking is concerned, currently business owners aze given
the opportunity to purchase quarterly permits five days prior to students or residents in the azea.
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Director Batt suggested the City designate 35 parking spaces along Riverside Drive, as permit
pazking only, and limit the number of parking permits issued to assure availability for Riverside
Drive merchants. Ms. Bara noted there were twenty Riverside Drive businesses which would
require parking stalls.
Mayor Althoff noted this solution could cause logistical problems. If the City allows permit
parking along Riverside Drive, it must also be considered for Green Street and Main Street as
well. Alderman Glab stated the City should be cautious regarding permit parking. He inquired if
the proposal was to extend the number of permit parking stalls or if a new parking arrarzgement
for Riverside I)rive was being contemplated. Alderman Glab opined more information was
required in order to create a long term solution to the Riverside Drive parking dilemma.
Chairman Alderman Bolger stated the business owners need an immediate solution. He noted he
is in favor of permit parking. Ms. Bara inquired why business owners should be required to pay
for the privilege of parking. She cited in light of the revenues generated by these businesses, the
business owners should be granted free permit parking privileges. Chauman Alderman Bolger
pointed out the pazking permit fee of$15/quarter is nominal. He noted the City is making every
effort to accommodate the business owners. Director Batt noted the fee is a limiting factor. He
opined permit parking should be limited to daytime hours only.
City Administrator Lobaito noted the permit parking situation has worked for an extended period
of time. He noted parking must be convenient for businesses and inquired where additional
�-' parking could be obtained. Chairman Alderman Bolger opined that permit pazking should be a
short term solution. He stated his intent to make this recommendation to full Council.
Director Batt noted there is parking on the east side of Riverside Drive between the buildings
and the river. He stated this area might be reconfigured to create additional spaces.
Mr. Bob Funk stated the parking east of the buildings was originally laid out as efficiently as
possible;however, one or two additional spots may be created at this time.
Four-Way Stop at Skyway Drive and Valley Road
Mayor Althoff suggested that a petition be circulated among area residents to deternune their
preference for a four-way stop at this location.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Wimmer to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
William J. Bolger, airman
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