Staff outlines downtown timed‑parking proposal after public survey; draft ordinance expected in December

Joy Dunn, the staff manager leading the downtown parking effort, told the council the committee held public meetings and an online survey that collected more than 300 responses and led the committee to propose a timed‑parking area on Main Street and Bridal Avenue. The committee’s map would regulate approximately 245 on‑street spaces for a two‑hour limit, with several center‑block and office‑front spaces excluded to reduce impacts on employees.

Dunn said staff received six proposals in response to an RFP and are weighing technology options (including camera systems concealed in light fixtures) and legal changes. “The majority did not support the initial proposal,” she said, noting many respondents favored tweaks rather than outright rejection. She told council staff are preparing a draft ordinance — including a proposal to convert current criminal penalties for parking violations to civil penalties — and expect to return with that ordinance and a recommended technology vendor in coming meetings, aiming for a December ordinance presentation.

Councilmembers pressed for clarity on which side streets and center‑block spaces are included, on signage and on costs. Councilman Edge (S9) asked that any pilot be transparent and clearly signed; staff said block‑face signage and paint would be part of implementation. Council members also discussed piloting the timed zone for a short period and adjusting boundaries as data becomes available; no ordinance vote occurred at the workshop.