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Staff outlines security project for downtown parking garage; committee flags top‑floor safety concerns
Summary
Staff said a parking garage security project (rollup gate on Elm and entrance/exit gates on Pine) is planned for summer/fall to improve camera monitoring and enable reopening of the third floor; committee members raised liability concerns about low perimeter walls and foundation cracking.
Committee members described safety concerns after touring the downtown parking garage, saying the top floor has shallow perimeter walls and visible foundation cracks that currently make the third level unsafe for regular use.
"I personally I think it's the nicest looking parking garage I've seen," a member said after touring the structure, "but I understand there could be concern with the foundation of it having some cracks, which is potentially why the third floor is not used." The member also noted that “the third floor doesn't have...really shallow walls around the perimeter...that could pose a real risk.”
Staff updated the committee on direction from the City Council at its May 6 meeting. Staff reported they have met with downtown stakeholders (including the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association) and scheduled further outreach that will include Police Chief Garcia and the interim city manager. Public works is planning a parking garage security project that will add an Elm Street rollup gate and entrance/exit gates off Pine Street to help cameras identify vehicles and reduce late‑night entry points. Staff said that project is expected to move forward in summer or fall and that the top floor would reopen after the project is completed.
A Chamber volunteer told the committee the third floor has been opened temporarily for large city events (street fair, farmers market) by prior agreement with law enforcement, but that routine access is otherwise restricted because of safety concerns.
The committee discussed possible shorter‑term fixes (railings) and a longer discussion about whether parking should remain free or move to a pay/permit system—staff said they would check with public works about any legal constraints from state funding that might require the garage to remain free.
Staff said they will continue to follow council direction and coordinate with downtown stakeholders while evaluating options for reopening and increased security.
