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Ziebarth asked what the cost of enforcement, presuming the fee pays part of the cost of • enforcement. Administrator Worthington replied that the cost of enforcement runs to about $30 to $40 per day, that the City has only one police officer assigned 24 hours per day. The permit fees do not begin to pay the cost of enforcement. Commissioner Harris pointed out that enforcement costs are an issue for time-restricted zones (without permits), as well as permit parking zones. Worthington outlined the time intensive process of parking enforcement, tagging tires. Parking fines are set by the state legislature. Raymond Worth, resident, told about the inconvenience of parking near his church in the Midway area, where there is permit parking. To visit the church he has to go into the office and get a permit or take a chance on his car being tagged. Commission Harris asked about the log of parking compiled by staff. Ms. Jones said that observations had been gathered by City staff with additional data from residents and a police officer. Observations were made at random times during office hours, as those were the times about which residents were most concerned, between late March and mid May. The largest number of cars parked on the block was 9 on May 8, including 2 service vehicles. (There are at least 16 street parking spaces available in the petition area.). Worthington outlined the restrictions in effect for existing permit parking. Permit parking would apply all year. Residents commented that university staff and students park year round. If snowplowing is an issue cars can be tagged and towed; this applies to the whole city. Commissioner DeLeo asked if the City had ever posted signs that parking is for residents only. Worthington replied that City streets are public streets and the only way to restrict parking is • through permit parking, as stated in city ordinances. Commissioner Ryan asked if the City is concerned with law enforcement in that neighborhood in general and wondered if restricting parking to one side might help. Ms. Jones said she knew of no reports of accidents or incidents in the neighborhood. She said this neighborhood is distinguished by not ever being mentioned in police reports. If there have been any incidents involving traffic safety, residents have not reported them to City Hall beyond the general examples heard this evening. As far as other solutions, the City is responding the petition as received; permit parking is the solution that has been requested. Other options could be discussed. Commissioner Ziebarth that one-side parking might solve the problem of school bus and garbage truck access but might exacerbate the parking problem by further concentrating cars in one location. Commissioner Ryan asked if residents might have ideas on other solutions. Mary Warden, Moore Street, feels that permit parking will spread the problem to her street. She noted that parking has increased, that this is a desirable place to park for those who are using it. Even on Roselawn parking has increased. Commissioner DeLeo asked if the City had ever contacted the University about the problem. A member of the audience, who is not a resident of the neighborhood, spoke about the 8 month wait for parking on campus and the high cost, $80 per month. He felt that such a communication from the City would be ignored. Janet Caywood, 2028 Garden, expressed a concern about possible parking impact from the Farmer's Market. She said Gibbs Farm is now charging $1.50/day for student parking. She said when the cars are parked on the street, it is difficult to back into her driveway. If the Council has • abetter solution to the problem, she would be glad to hear it. 03_0527.doc Falcon Heights Planning Commission, May 27, 2003 Page 2 of 8