Eau Claire council accepts downtown parking study, urges more public outreach before policy changes

The Eau Claire City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a consultant'prepared downtown parking study and receive its recommendations, while council members emphasized that detailed policy choices identified in the study will require further public engagement.

The study, which gathered stakeholder and public input over eight to 10 months, recommends a range of options including paid parking hours (a suggested 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. window was cited), strategies for replacing lost surface parking if downtown lots redevelop, and model programs used by peer cities for paid parking and parking revenue management. Deputy City Manager Solberg told the council the study represents diverse stakeholder input and that staff and consultants will continue outreach and follow-up work.

Council members who had attended public meetings said business owners and churches raised concerns about specific lots, in particular the Schlegel Milch surface lot. Councilwoman Wertman asked how to incorporate last night's public input about that lot; Solberg said a decision to permanently limit a parcel to parking would be premature because any disposal or redevelopment would require later council decisions, an excess property declaration and public process. "The feedback from yesterday is good education for the council for future consideration," Solberg said.

Supporters said the study provides practical options and a framework for the council to consider. Councilmember Brewster, who said he had done site work with the consultant, urged colleagues to support acceptance; Councilmember Belton praised the study as a useful, well'written document and encouraged residents to remain engaged as policy choices are developed.

Council discussion emphasized process: acceptance of the study is an acknowledgment the council has seen the consultant'produced report and does not itself adopt specific policies. Several members said they expect a series of public sessions and staff presentations before any paid parking, hours-of-enforcement, or permit programs would be implemented. Solberg and staff said they plan additional public listening sessions and outreach to communities that recently implemented similar changes.

The council approved the motion to accept the study on a voice vote and later recorded a unanimous roll call.

The council'accepted study now moves to staff for additional outreach and for development of discrete policy proposals the council will consider in future meetings. Council members repeatedly urged the public to follow the process and participate in forthcoming design and policy sessions.

Votes at a glance: The resolution accepting the downtown parking study passed unanimously.