Memo- Parking Enforcement-Permit Parking
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Police Administrative Services
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Connie Kurtz, Administrative ServiCBs Direcl:orlParking Coordinator
Copy: Rick Getschow, City Manager and Craig Reid, Chief of PoIiCB
Date: February 16,2005
Re: Parking Enforcement - Permit Parking
The city of Hopkins has a long history regarding parking issues. These issues from time to
time have been a frustration to staff and the business community. For the most part, our
current parking system regulations are working well with few complaints. However, I would
like to bring up for discussion and direction, a situation that continues to bring comments and
complaints. That is, permit parking in the municipal ramp and municipal lots.
Currently, long-term parking in the municipal ramp and in municipal parking lots requires the
purchase of a parking permit. This permit allows the individual to park long-term in
desianated areas without having to move their vehicle. The problem - permit holders are
not parking in the designated areas as signs indicate, therefore using parking spaces that
should be left for short-term parking.
Parking lots are clearly signed indicating where permit parking is allowed, however,
individuals with permits continue to park anywhere in the lot, playing the "move it before the
time is up" game. Additionally, the signage in the municipal ramp is poorly placed and
confusing. Here again, individuals with permits park anywhere in the ramp.
Historically, enforcement of permit parking in the municipal ramp and lots has not occurred.
A former Parking Coordinator stated el1forcement was not an issue at the ramp because it
was not being fully utilized. With the continued re-development of the downtown business
district, addition of the Center for the Arts, movie theater and restaurants, short-term parking
can be at a premium because permit users are not parking where designated, especially in
the ramp.
The questions I ask the Council are:
Should there be enforcement of permit parking in the ramp and lots?
Should the municipal ramp be re-signed to better indicate where permit parking is
permitted to promote voluntary compliance?
I look forward to discussing these issues with you.
-,
Current signage in municipal ramp at entrance
3 % hour FREE PARKING UNLESS POSTED
EMPLOYEES PARK UPPER LEVELS
(PERMIT REQUIRED)
Sign posted inside ramp at 2nd level
3 % HOUR CUSTOMER AND EMPLOYEE PARKING
PERMIT REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYEES
PARK\NG RAMP EMPLOYEE PARK\NG
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