HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.27.2020.work session minutesCOUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 27, 2020
3:40 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon.
Moved by Morrissey seconded by Grieder that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of downtown parking.
Mr. Morrissey explained that he has been approached by a few downtown businesses with
concerns about downtown parking. He explained that they are present in council chambers and
would defer to them about to present their concerns.
Mary Heller, a downtown business owner, explained that in her first year of being open, she passed
out a flyer to their customers asking what would improve their shopping experience in downtown
Waterloo, and the top two responses were free parking and more retail. She commented that the
only way to get more retailers and shoppers in downtown Waterloo is to offer two hours of free
parking downtown.
Jenny Bagenstos, 206 E. 4th Street `Here's What's Poppin', stated that if people cannot find change
in their car, they will drive away from the business. She is concerned that she is missing out on
retail due to the parking fees or tickets. She explained that the paid parking phone app is not used
by the elderly, who like to frequent her store. She commented that she is not in favor of increasing
fees for parking or for giving out multiple tickets to one car. She stated she is in favor of free two-
hour parking. She questioned where the quick drops will be located and if they will be enough.
Gary Shoemaker, of Lincoln Perk, commented that he has not had a week in business that the
subject of parking has not come up. He believes that tickets are issued frequently and encouraged
some sort of free parking.
Mary Heller explained that the two-hour parking is very important to her. She asked that the
meters on 4th Street and one block off, be eliminated. She encouraged the city to solve the situation
in order to help businesses thrive downtown.
Mr. Morrissey added that he talked to Basil Pizza, JSA, Jessica Rucker, and Convention and
Visitors Bureau, about downtown parking. He explained that in order to revitalize downtown we
need to get retailers and shoppers coming to downtown Waterloo and re-evaluate charging for
parking.
Jessica Rucker, Main Street Waterloo, provided an overview of a proposal for Grab-N-Go Zones
for downtown.
Mr. Morrissey questioned why she settled on 10 minutes instead of 15 minutes.
Jessica Rucker explained that the period selected was intended for quick in -and -out traffic.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the city has sign making abilities at the Traffic Department.
Jessica Rucker explained that the cost to make and install the signs is approximately $18 per sign.
Mrs. Juon thanked Main Street to come up with this proposal. She clarified that downtown Cedar
Falls will be doing away with free parking downtown in the very near future.
Mr. Amos expressed concern that Republic Parking would need to provide additional surveillance
of these loading zones.
Jessica Rucker explained that if the proposed 10-minute time period creates extra work for
Republic Parking, then she is willing to change the proposal to a 15-minute Grab-n-Go Zone.
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Mayor Hart commented that the proposal could be worked into their current enforcement duties.
Mrs. Juon commented that free parking had been considered before and that eventually the
merchants asked that the meters be put back because downtown workers would use up the free
parking spaces. She explained that today there are now many residents living downtown and the
issue would be compounded if there were free parking.
Mayor Hart commented that 10-14 years ago the downtown looked very different. We need to
strike a balance between the city and what happens in smaller neighboring towns. He stated that
numerous new businesses have come to the downtown in the last 18 months and it is a positive
sign that Waterloo is growing. He stated he would work with the City Clerk and City Attorney to
put together an ordinance to vote on in the very near future.
Objective: Discussion of the Park Avenue and 1 lth Street bridge construction project.
Dan Fullerton and his team at Stanley Consultants provided a presentation of proposed
construction plans for the Park Avenue and 11th Street bridges. They explained that a public
information meeting would be held in the fall of 2020. Project letting will occur in summer 2021
with construction set for 2022 and 2023. A decision has not yet been made to work on both bridges
at the same time or one at a time. They explained that the conceptual project cost is $20-25 million
for both locations. The Competitive Highway Bridge Program Grant provided $12.5 Million to
help pay for the cost of the project.
Mr. Morrissey questioned the cost differential between the two alternatives on each bridge.
Tony Bower, Project Manager and Lead Structural Engineer - Stanley Consultants, explained it
was less than $1,000,000 and the width of the bridge would determine the cost.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if curb ramps would be installed.
Jeff Hillegonds, Lead Transportation Engineer - Stanley Consultants, confirmed each ramp would
be ADA accessible.
Mr. Morrissey commented on the importance of a barrier to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.
Tony Bower explained a barrier is included in the designs.
Jamie Knutson, City Engineer, provided closing thoughts and considerations on the information
shared in the presentation and invited the mayor and council to contact him or Wayne Castle with
any questions or suggestions.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Feuss seconded by Amos that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:53 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Kellen Felchle 5
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk