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Governing body approves repeal of paid on-street parking ordinance after weeks of public comment
Summary
After extensive public comment from downtown business owners and residents, the governing body approved the repeal of the paid on-street parking districts ordinance on second reading, with one member recorded as voting no. Council members and speakers urged other approaches to address downtown parking supply, enforcement and safety.
The governing body voted to approve on second reading an ordinance repealing the city—s paid on-street parking districts program, following a lengthy public-comment period and debate.
The repeal vote came after more than an hour of public comment from downtown business owners, residents and civic representatives who said the paid-parking program would harm downtown businesses and that enforcement and garage improvements should be prioritized instead. "I am here speaking in support of repealing the parking district program," said Exy Brown, a Ward 2 resident. "The problem isn't necessarily the parking itself. I think it's the enforcement."
Why it matters: The repeal removes the recently adopted framework to create paid on-street parking districts and ends the proposed regulatory authority to designate on-street paid districts by resolution. Supporters of repeal said the program risked hurting downtown retail and that alternative investments and enforcement would be more effective. Opponents had argued the program would help move parked cars, support turnover and protect customer parking.
Public comments were dominated by downtown owners and stakeholders. Astrid, owner of the Plains Hotel, and business owner Corey Lothree said the DDA and business leaders should pursue nonmetered options to increase turnover and safety. "We do need to do traffic quieting," Astrid said, urging policies that support downtown vibrancy. Scott Hahn, representing Elk Lodge 660, said his organization relies on convenient on-street parking for fundraising and public events and supported repeal.
Council discussion: Council members thanked speakers and staff for engagement. Doctor Aldridge said she supported repeal so the council could pursue other ideas and asked that the city work with downtown stakeholders on alternatives, including clarifying parking rules. Mister Esquivel cited DDA survey findings showing parking as a cited concern but noted other downtown strengths such as historic character. Mister Moody said he co-sponsored repeal and called it a step toward limiting government overreach. Mister Seagrave, who said many seniors can use smartphone apps, dissented from the prevailing view that technology was the core barrier.
Vote and next steps: The ordinance passed on second reading; the record shows Mister Seagrave voted no and the motion was otherwise approved. Council members indicated they expect follow-up work on enforcement, incentives to get employees into garages, and potential future amendments. Mister Seagrave said he intended to bring an amendment at third reading to eliminate paid parking entirely and to consider removing the city from direct participation in parking enforcement for a trial period.
Ending: Council members and downtown stakeholders said they will continue talks on implementation options such as garage upgrades, employee incentives, improved enforcement and a public communication plan before the matter returns for further action.
