THE CITY OF KENT, OHIO STREETS, SIDEWALKS, & UTILITIES COMMITTEE WED., JANUARY 8, 2014

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1 THE CITY OF KENT, OHIO STREETS, SIDEWALKS, & UTILITIES COMMITTEE WED., JANUARY 8, 2014 This meeting of the Streets, Sidewalks, and Utilities Committee of Kent City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wed., January 8, 2014, by Michael DeLeone, Chair. PRESENT: ALSO PRESENT: MR. AMRHEIN, MR. DeLEONE, MR. FERRARA, MR. KUHAR, MS. LONG, MS. SHAFFER, MR. SIDOTI, MS. WALLACH, AND MR. WILSON J. FIALA, MAYOR & PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL; D. RULLER, CITY MANAGER; J. SILVER, LAW DIRECTOR; B. SUSEL, DIR. OF COMM. DEV.; AND L. JORDAN, CLERK OF COUNCIL Chair DeLeone said the first item was the on street parking meters for the downtown. Dave Ruller, City Manager, explained they have been working on this for a few years, and an overall parking plan has evolved as part of the downtown projects. He said the parking deck has been constructed and is running. He said the City built the surface lot between the Davey and Ametek buildings, with it used during the day by the businesses. He said that lot is open after five and on weekends. Mr. Ruller said they have other lots that are permitted, and some on-street permitted parking. He said they also have some free parking areas. Mr. Ruller said that now they have enough infrastructure in place. He said they had hoped to put in meters by last fall, but everything was pushed back. He said that gave them a chance to reevaluate the type of meters. Mr. Ruller said Ms. Wallach put them in touch with people at Kent State, adding that was educational. He said they have moved away from the kiosk program, and will model it after Kent State=s program. He said they have had a lot of discussion, and are here to affirm that discussion. He said they are ready to order the equipment. Mr. Ruller said a lot of businesses have been asking about the meters, as they have people parking six or seven hours in front of their businesses. He said he is grateful they had some extra time. Mr. Ruller said that while kiosks seemed trendy and sexy, this approach is more functional. Mr. Ruller introduced Bridget Susel, Dir. of Community Development, at this time. Ms. Susel said Ms. Wallach brought in someone from Kent State University. She said they had previously used the kiosk program on campus, and have only three now as they have transitioned to the single meter concept. She said they have found that transition to be exceptional. Ms. Susel said she was at the University for three hours, and has also talked to Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo officials who all told her this program is very user friendly. She said people understand which one is their meter, as it is simplistic. She said with a kiosk, they have to go from their car to the unit, and if they forget to look at their spot, they have to go back. She said she was informed by Kent State that when their system went live, there were no calls and it was a non event. Ms. Susel said there are only two providers of the type of meter they want in Kent. She said they are looking at a version that is one generation up from the ones installed by Kent State eighteen months ago. She said they can take coins, tokens, credit cards, Google wallets and support Apay by cell@ apps. She said that Cincinnati has 1400 of these meters, and Toledo did a pilot program of thirty, and are now buying 300. She said they all have had no problems with the mechanics, just coin jams. She said the foreign students tend to use their own currency, jamming the meters. She said even if a meter is jammed, it will still take a credit card, so it will not be out of service. Ms. Susel said the meters communicate wirelessly to a web-based management system, requiring no new hardware. She said it is powered by solar panels, and they have rechargeable backup batteries.

2 Ms.Susel said she viewed the computer program at Kent State. She said on a cloudy day, some of the meters are colored in yellow as the batteries are not charging. She said one was red consistently, adding it is located under a shade tree and needs replaced more frequently. Ms. Susel said they can operate through rain snow, as well as extreme cold, heat, or humidity. She said there are only three components to these meters. Ms. Susel said these meters represent a cost savings over the kiosks. She said the kiosks were between $615,000 to $740,000. She said the meters, where they will have to buy poles, yokes, and hoods, will be $850 to $1000 per meter installed, for a total of $262,000. Ms. Susel said she talked to other communities who said these are revenue generators. She said they are charged through the management of the credit card system. She said on the average for every $1.00 spent, the company gets $.25 and the city gets $.75. She said that is the same as Kent State, Toledo, and Cincinnati. She said they gave her tips on how to collect, adding it has been helpful to talk to the other communities who have vetted the system already. Ms. Susel said if someone says they put money in a meter, the program will tell them what they dropped in and in what order. She said the program will flag the meters needing emptied, and let them know which meters are utilized more. She said they can track items by zone. Ms. Susel said any meter, at any moment, and any time is available on the computer. She said she is very comfortable with this mechanism, adding she hoped they will support the Administration=s recommendation to bid these meters. Mr. Ferrara asked if it was 25% just for the credit cards, and Ms. Susel said that would be everything. Mr. Ferrara asked if the contract was unlimited, and Ms. Susel said that was correct. Ms. Shaffer asked who will look at it on the computer, and Ms. Susel said it would be her responsibility. She said she has been working with Chief Lee, adding they need another person besides their parking enforcement officer for enforcement and collection. She said that the parking management systems typically fall under Community Development Departments, adding the City Manager was kind enough to assign it to her department. She said the system is easy, adding it sends notification as to those meters whose batteries need replaced. Ms. Susel said it is truly a system for dummies, and does not require constant monitoring. Ms. Shaffer asked if the Service Department would be involved, and Ms. Susel said they would install the meters, once the placement of the 262 meters was sorted out. Ms. Shaffer asked Ms. Susel if she would be doing the batteries, and Ms. Susel said it would be the responsibility of whomever they hire. Ms. Susel said the vendor she spoke to said they could piggyback on Columbus= contract, and receives a 15% discount. She said that since Columbus purchased 2,000 meters, the company is offering this discount. Mr. Kuhar said the City will be doing the monitoring and the trouble shooting. He said he is trying to understand why the company gets 25% of all of the transactions if they are not doing the maintenance. Ms. Susel said it is 13% charge for the credit cards. She said the system does do a lot. Ms. Susel said the representative from Cincinnati said they purchased 1,400 meters and decided letting the company do the credit cards for the 13% fee as it would be a labor intensive task. Mr. Kuhar said he thought she said $0.25 per $1.00, and Ms. Susel said that was an average. Mr. Kuhar said he thought they were maintaining them, and Ms. Susel said the City would maintain them. Mr. Kuhar asked if she was speaking of the $.25 per $1.00 as the total cost, and Ms.Susel said that was correct. Mr. Kuhar said it is the overhead cost. Mr. Kuhar asked if they have the ability to Aunjam@ a meter remotely, and Ms.Susel said they do not have that ability. She said there is a card that tells them where the jam is, adding when they insert the card, it clears. She said they usually clear themselves. Mr. Kuhar said he had pay phones, adding they could be unjammed remotely.

3 Mr. Kuhar asked if they get on the credit card reader, if they would have to be replaced, and Ms. Susel said the only issue she heard was the issue of coin jams. Mr. Kuhar asked if there has been any study on the estimated payback, and Ms. Susel said she wanted to be sure they were looking at final costs. She said she is unsure of the cost of the employee they would hire for on-street maintenance. She said she needs to see hard costs and someone on staff to see the return in Year One. Mr. Kuhar asked if the cost was $800 to $1200 per unit, besides the labor cost, and Ms. Susel said they are $850 to $1000 per unit installed. She said it has to be bid, and she is getting prices for poles, yokes, and housing. Mr. Kuhar said it was not bad for that type of equipment. He said the City bought some Awater that was out of service before it was paid. He said he did not want outdated apparatus. Mayor Fiala asked about the free two hour parking, and Ms. Susel said they would get rid of it. She said they need to finalize the parking limits, adding it looks like it would be $0.50 per half hour, with a maximum parking limit of two hours. She said this would move all-day parkers off of the main areas and leave the parking for the retail and food businesses. She said they will need to amend their parking ordinance to remove some stipulations and allow for charging for parking. She said that policy will be coming back to them. Ms. Wallach said the KSU meters pay for the additional employees, with some left over amounts. Ms. Susel agreed. She asked if there was a minimum amount for the credit cards, and Ms. Susel said the minimum fee for a credit card is $1.00 because of the 13% fee. She said if it is $.50, it can be done with coins. She said if a credit card is swiped, it would be $1.00 minimum. Mr. Sidoti said he appreciated the fact they went from $800,000 to $200,000, adding the community likes to see that type of effort. He asked if they could piggyback with Kent State, and Ms. Susel said Kent State did not get this benefit, as it was only available to municipalities. Mr. Sidoti said he had to write a $40 check to the city of Cleveland, as his meter ran out. He spoke of the threatening letters, and asked who would handle that, and Ms. Susel said that enforcement would stay with the Police Department. She said they need to sort out how it will be done. Mr. Wilson said she spoke about limiting the parking to two hours, and Ms. Susel said they may limit the meters to two hours. Ms. Susel said if one used coins, they could drop in more money, but with adequate enforcement, they would be caught. She said it will not accept credit cards after that limit. Ms. Susel said she would like the latitude to adjust the time and/or amount until they find the perfect mix that is not cost prohibitive and allows the turnover. She said she hoped for flexibility in the initial phase. Mr. Wilson said he did not want to compete with the PARTA deck, and Ms. Susel agreed. She said it would be nice to have latitude for promotional events. She suggested it would be great to have free parking on certain days. Mr. Wilson said he gets nervous when he hears free. Ms. Susel suggested they could also increase the cost for events. Mr. Wilson said he wanted to be sure they cover the cost of the deck. Mr. Kuhar said when he was shopping in Key West; he figured it would take two hours. He said he put enough money in for two hours. He said his wife got hungry and they stopped to have a sandwich. Mr. Kuhar said he only had ten more minutes, so he ran back to put additional time on his meter. He said he could not add more time, adding it started over, which was most offensive. He asked if that would happen. Mr. Kuhar asked what would keep someone from starting over when they reach their two hour limit, and Ms. Susel said the credit card will not be accepted. She said that Kent State has 60% credit card transactions. She said she is unsure if the two hours is where they are going to head, adding it may be longer or less. She said these meters will allow them to add time without starting over. Mr. Kuhar said he thought the world was in trouble when McDonalds started accepting credit cards. Ms. Shaffer asked about the options for meters and whether they would fit into the streetscape, and Ms. Susel said they are pretty standard, adding that the poles will be dark to match. She said they will withstand graffiti and vandalism. She said the poles will be put into the concrete, as they are built to be stable.

4 Mayor Fiala asked if they would withstand leapfrogging, something he did when he was a little younger, and Ms. Susel offered he can try when they are installed. Heather Malarcik, Main Street Kent: Ms. Malarcik asked when they would be enforced and whether it would be all day every day. Ms. Susel said it would be part of the public policy. She said they have discussed Mondays through Fridays until 6:00 p.m. She said that some downtown merchants want it on Saturdays also. She said they will be making those recommendations at a later date. There was no further audience comment. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PARKING METERS. Motion made by Ms. Shaffer, seconded by Mr. Amrhein. Ms. Shaffer said she is amazed at how much Ms. Susel vetted this process. She said if Ms. Susel was in love with them, so was she. Mr. Ferrara said the issues with parking seem to be a lack of understanding of an overall parking scheme. He said they need to be sure they work at that process. Mr. Ferrara urged Ms. Susel to have a plan so people know where they can park short term and long term. Ms. Susel said she agreed with him. Ms. Wallach said she would vote against the motion. She then said she was just kidding. Mr. Sidoti echoed Mr. Ferrara=s comments. He said it is hard to get a consistent message out with all of the construction and the craziness. He said that at this point in time, they are pretty set. He suggested a full page ad in the Record Courier so they can share the plan with a clear outline. Mr. Sidoti said it would be easier to answer the questions. Mr. Kuhar said it is a great meter, adding he is familiar with the technology. He said he is opposed to downtown parking meters, but also opposed to people parking in front of businesses all day. He said the parking compliance officer could do more enforcement, and Mr. DeLeone suggested three of him. Mr. Kuhar said the merchants want the best of both worlds, but he cannot see having people pay to park. The motion carried by a voice vote of 7-1-1, with Mr. Kuhar dissenting and Mr. DeLeone abstained. Chair DeLeone said the final item on their agenda was the valet parking proposal. Mr. Ruller said he hoped some of them took advantage of the soft opening of Bricco=s. He said it was good food and good service, adding they are opening the following day. He said they would like to offer valet service. Mr. Ruller said that Laziza=s asked about it also, but never followed through. He said that Bricco=s is asking for the opportunity to offer valet parking. Ms. Susel said that Bricco=s wanted to try valet parking. She said she did get a call earlier in the day from the owner of Laziza=s who had some questions. She said she is seeking approval of the concept, adding they have never had valet parking in Kent. She said various departments sat down, adding that Columbus has a good system. She said it is a permit process similar to their outdoor seating process, requiring an application, proof of liability insurance, and a drawing of the spots. She said they are asking for Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. She said that no one else has expressed an interest, adding she is unsure if Kent residents will support it. Ms. Susel said the only modification to what she presented was the inclusion of Aany other area designated by the City@. She said they are asking for the concept to be approved so they can fine tune the process. Mr. Wilson said he thought they saw valet parking in the parking lot at this meeting. Ms. Susel said that Bricco=s was having their soft opening, and asked if they could try the valet parking. She said it would not be on Wednesdays, as they are only planning on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

5 Mr. Sidoti asked why they do not use the upper deck, and Ms. Susel said the owner may not have understood. Mr. Sidoti said this is an overflow lot for residents, and the valets should be on the upper deck so the regular citizens can use the lower lot. Mr. Kuhar asked if the parking deck and the parking lot were the same fees, and Ms. Susel said that she believed PARTA was working on a valet fee, but did not think it was finalized yet. She said that the garage would be closer. Mr. Kuhar asked if they are operating in the red, and questioned why they would pay the same rate. Ms. Susel said they do not control the rates charged by PARTA. She said that PARTA was looking at creating a valet rate, similar to their overnight stay for the hotel. She said the normal overnight charge is $10.00, and the hotel pays $8.00. Mr. Kuhar asked about the public lot, and Ms. Susel said there is no charge. Ms. Long asked if they will be parking the cars paying for the service, and Ms. Susel said that was correct, adding they would be parking the patrons cars. Ms. Long asked if the two spaces used for the valet zone, will have meters when they are not being used for the valet zone, and Ms. Susel said they will have meters. Ms. Long asked how they will control them when they are being used for valet service, and Ms. Susel said they will have bags on them. She said no one can cordon off the spaces before 5:00 p.m., and they will have bags to place over those two meters. She said the bags will be removed, like the sandwich board signs, when it is 11:00 p.m. Ms. Long said that the city of Columbus uses alleys, and Ms. Susel said there are no alleys convenient to the drop off location. She said that Locke Lane is one-way, adding it is the main egress for those exiting the surface lot. She said the location of the two spots is most reasonable, and cordoning them off would be the least intrusive. Ms. Susel said this is not a perfect model. She said no alleys serves that location, adding she has been to Bricco=s in Akron and understands what Ms. Long means. Ms. Long said when the KSU Hotel came to the Planning Commission, they asked for additional cuts in the curbs for that purpose. She said the Planning Commission did not look at doing that for any other business. She said the hotel was smart enough to ask for it as they knew their plans. Ms. Susel said the hotel had it in their plans as designated pick up and drop off locations. She said they needed temporary parking to bring in the luggage, adding it was the nature of their operations and not for valet parking. Ms. Long said that is not what they told the Planning Commission. She said she is worried about the two spots when the valet was not using them, and Ms. Susel said they would be back online as soon as the bag is pulled off the meter. Ms. Shaffer said she was not clear why they cannot charge for this service as the valet company will be making money. She said they will create wear and tear on the City=s lot. Ms. Shaffer said another lot will be coming online at the new courthouse soon. Ms. Susel said it may be appropriate when they put the meters on. She said it could include a reasonable amount for valet parking. She said they need to see if it gains traction first. Mr. Ruller said they are trying to be business friendly, adding they have wondered if people will use it. He suggested before they get too detailed, that they see if it is going to work. Mr. Ruller said this is an experiment, adding if the bagged meters are a problem, they are willing to pull the plug. He said the owner was requesting valet parking, not demanding it. He said it is a great new business downtown, with great name recognition, and they are trying to make it a great start. Ms. Susel suggested people may valet now, but once the weather breaks, they may not want to use it. She said they wanted the concept approved so they can look at the details. She said they liked the flexibility. Mr. Sidoti agreed that this is an experiment. He said if they charge them a monthly fee to use the public parking, then there will be an expectation there is a certain number of slots available. Mr. Sidoti said they are trying to encourage people to walk and let they know they can use the public lots that they have paid for previously. He said he did not want to turn down someone what wants to park in a City lot. He urged them to be careful about charging a fee. He suggested they wait and see how it goes.

6 Mr. Kuhar said he has bad legs and cannot walk long distances. He asked what would stop him from using their valet, using their bathroom, and walking around town. He asked why he should pay for the deck, and Ms. Susel said there is a fee for valet parking. Mr. Kuhar asked the cost, and Mr. Ruller noted it was not up to the City. Ms. Long said on the application for the valet permit, they need to include how long it is good. Ms. Susel said in the recommendations, it explains they are good through Dec. 31 and need to be renewed annually. She said by doing that, they make sure the insurance is current. Ms. Long suggested it be printed on the actual permit. Ms. Shaffer said they are talking about whether they should ask the valet company to pay for this service. She said they are parking the cars, taking the profit, and competing with the parking deck. Ms. Susel said they originally were going to let them find a spot, but decided to try the parking reservoir areas. She said with the deck, it would be arranged through PARTA. Ms. Long asked if there was a cost to apply for the permit and Ms Susel said there is no cost. Mr. Ferrara said at the end of the day, they can put up a sandwich board and have someone double park. He said this discussion was overkill. Ms. Susel said they presented it so they know where they were going with limited hours. She said it is just because of two businesses, with only one trying it at this time. She said they wanted to know where they were parking, and at what time it would occur so the Police Department knew. Mayor Fiala asked, for the record, who carries the liability on those cars in the parking lot. Ms. Susel said if something is stolen or damaged, it is not the City=s liability. Mr. Kuhar asked if they did not worry about them roping off a row of spaces in the parking lot, and Ms Susel said they were not worried. She said they asked for that and were denied. She said that lot is where most people park at 5:00 p.m. There was no audience comment at this time. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CONCEPT OF VALET PARKING. Motion made by Mr. Ferrara, seconded by Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson said the just spent twenty minutes on whether or not the wanted a business to succeed in Kent after spending $110 million. He congratulated his colleagues. The motion carried by a voice vote of 8-0-1, with Mr. DeLeone abstaining. Hearing no further business before this Committee, Chair DeLeone adjourned this meeting at 8:20 p.m. Linda M. Jordan, Clerk of Council ACTION RECOMMENDED: 1) TO AUTHORIZE THE PARKING METERS 2) TO AUTHORIZE THE CONCEPT OF VALET PARKING.