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Council delays transportation fee recalculation amid business concerns over trip‑generation model
Summary
Councilors debated updating transportation/trip‑generation fee estimates and whether to apply changes concurrently with a proposed public‑safety surcharge; after public testimony and council concern about timing and fairness, the council voted to table the transportation update until after the public‑safety decision.
City staff presented updated trip‑generation calculations and recommended recalculating transportation fees to reflect current ITE data and new land‑use categories. Staff said prior estimates undercounted trips and recommended lowering the per‑trip charge while reallocating revenue to better reflect actual trip generation.
Multiple business owners told the council that trip‑generation estimates misclassify shared parking and downtown lots and would increase monthly expenses for small businesses. Staff noted the city’s ordinance allows an appeals process and that the updated estimates would trigger notice to affected accounts; staff also proposed a tiered approach to limit extreme increases for the highest‑use commercial properties.
Councilors raised concerns that implementing the transportation recalculation at the same time as the public‑safety surcharge would create confusion for businesses and residents. After deliberation, Councilor Coley moved to table the transportation fee update until after the public‑safety surcharge decision; that motion was seconded and adopted by roll call. Staff said the item will return to the council at a later meeting with clearer examples, outreach plans, and appeals guidance.
The council’s temporary tabling gives staff time to refine communications, provide sample bills, and meet with heavily affected accounts.
