minhous 05-27-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Rader noted the possibility to help businesses with this tool and the public health benefits that come with getting people outside. He asked that considerations be made for public transit and accessibility for those with disabilities. Councilmember Kepple proposed including 15-minute drop off/pick up spots with parklets, to promote retail shopping among other things. Councilmember Bullock stated that parklets are an alterative to curb bump outs, which are more costly. He also highlighted the difference between private and public parklets. Chairman Shachner asked Mayor George how the administration would like Council to tailor its research on the topic of parklets. Mayor George stated that the important research questions are "What are our goals?", "What does a successful implementation of parklets look like?", and "What kind of parklet do we envision for our community?" Acting Director Milius noted that staff have been looking at what the city can do to receive county and federal funds to help with the idea. Research is being done on liability and approval processes. Chairman Shachner asked if any business has submitted plans for anything resembling a parklet. Acting Director Milius indicated that the owner of LBM proposed closing off the entirety of Lark St., which is next to his business. She noted it needs more study and neighborhood discussion. A couple business have proposed closing off sidewalks and rerouting foot traffic down the streets. No parklet plans have been proposed. Chairman Shachner asked about the timeline and processes needed to get parklets implemented in the city. Ms. Hennie indicated that Council needs to determine a vision for the parklets and whether they want them to be a true public or private amenity. Chairman Shachner indicated that he would poll Councilmembers on the matter, but indicated that he and some others envisioned it as a private amenity due to a scarcity of funds on the public side currently. Councilmembers Kepple, Rader, & Bullock concurred. Ms. Hennie noted that a privately funded barrier would cost anywhere in the range of$10,000 to $30,000. Councilmembers Bullock and Kepple noted the cost of a permanent structure, but expressed the need for a pilot program with temporary structures that would be less expensive. Mayor George stated that the administration is open to temporary structures, but noted that the cost will be on the parklet host. She also posed questions to Council on the implementation of private parklets, such as the costs associated with purchasing the parking space, maintenance, etc. Councilmember Bullock stated that he believes the city should be a co-sponsor of the costs with businesses. He suggested using CDBG economic development funds to buy temporary barriers for businesses. Director Milius encouraged Council to have conversations with a variety of businesses along the commercial corridors besides restaurants. The city has received many requests for designated parking spaces/pick up and drops off zones in front of retail businesses. It was also noted that parklets often take up 2-3 parking spaces.