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Downtown parking strains lead council to discuss stickers and new lots near auditorium
Summary
Councilors described chronic parking shortages downtown and during events, prompting suggestions for employee/resident parking stickers, potential ordinance enforcement and later study of an auditorium‑adjacent lot; staff warned enforcement capacity and staffing would limit immediate implementation.
City council members flagged growing parking pressure on the downtown square as retail and event activity has increased. Councilors said weekday employee parking, weekend events and residents living on the square reduce available spaces and can deter patrons.
During the work session a councilor suggested issuing parking stickers to designate employee and resident parking and make enforcement easier; the idea drew practical questions from staff about enforcement capacity and whether the city has resources to reliably enforce sticker rules. Staff said an ordinance could be drafted, but enforcement staffing would be the key constraint.
Councilors also discussed locating additional parking on the west side of the LamPO auditorium hillside. Staff said the auditorium fund balance could support work on an auditorium‑adjacent lot and recommended engineering study to determine whether to keep two‑sided parking on Main Street or reconfigure to angled parking to improve flow and safety.
No binding action was taken during the session; staff will revisit property options and bring engineering input and cost estimates back to council if directed.
