8.
City Council Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 11/13/2018
- From:
- John Portillo, Parking Manager
- Department:
- Economic Vitality
Co-Submitter:
David McIntire
TITLE:
ParkFlag Update and Discussion
DESIRED OUTCOME:
Hear presentation, discuss and provide comments, feedback, and direction.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This ParkFlag Update is presented as a one-year review of ParkFlag operations. This update will identify key accomplishments, partnerships, challenges, and a general “state of parking” in Downtown Flagstaff. This update includes details about our operations, parking enforcement philosophy, challenges since implementation, and future initiatives. Specific items that require formal Council action will be brought back to the Council as action items.
ParkFlag Mission Statement:
Providing exceptional customer service to our customers by facilitating their parking experience. Honest and professional individuals dedicated to helping the public find places and services in Flagstaff.
ParkFlag Mission Statement:
Providing exceptional customer service to our customers by facilitating their parking experience. Honest and professional individuals dedicated to helping the public find places and services in Flagstaff.
INFORMATION:
ParkFlag: Who we are:
ParkFlag is a city-operated program that comprehensively manages public parking in downtown Flagstaff and the surrounding neighborhoods. ParkFlag is a special revenue fund of the City of Flagstaff,
What ParkFlag does:
In the short term, the limited supply of parking in the designated area is managed for better and more efficient use. In long-term, revenues from ParkFlag will also be used to increase the parking supply in those impacted areas.
ParkFlag's Authority and Responsibilities:
The Parking Manager and Parking Aides (unarmed police aides) are employees of the Flagstaff Police Department and the Economic Vitality Division for the City of Flagstaff.
Parking regulations, located in Title 9 of the City Code, as enforced by ParkFlag help to maintain traffic flow, enhance public safety, manage limited parking resources and complement the City’s commitment to promote a safe and prosperous environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. These regulations are enforced within the area outlined by the Comprehensive Management Plan.
ParkFlag Staff:
ParkFlag is staffed with four Parking Aides and a Parking Manager. Two additional Parking Aides are authorized and being recruited.
The Parking Manager supervises staff and manages operations of ParkFlag including customer service, policy and procedures, compliance, reporting, pay-to-park supplies and equipment, parking enforcement, and community engagement.
Parking Aides' Role:
The role of the Parking Aides is to embody the ambassador side of the position. It is our goal to elevate the perception of parking enforcement aides through exceptional customer service with fair enforcement of regulations.
Parking compliance is gained preferably via outreach and ambassador activities. As a last resort to gain compliance, citations are issued.
Ambassador Example:
Three members of the ParkFlag staff attended the Southwest Transportation Parking Association Conference held in September of 2018. This conference provided an opportunity to meet with various vendors and parking professionals to discuss operational improvements for ParkFlag.
During a presentation by the president of the association; a team member of ParkFlag was asked to stand up to be recognized for exemplifying the ambassadorship role for parking enforcement. The president had met the parking aide on a previous visit to Flagstaff and, without disclosing her identity or position, had observed the interaction the parking aide had with the public during his enforcement responsibilities. She held him up as an example of excellent customer service.
Enforcement:
Parking Aides issue warnings and citations for compliance with Title 9 Traffic Code (9-01-001-0003, Stopping, Standing and Parking Restrictions).
Some Examples of Traffic Code Enforced:
Managed Parking:
ParkFlag manages more than just the parking kiosks. The program also manages approximately one thousand (1,000) parking permits consisting of Employee North, Employee South Permits, Facility Specific (F and C permits), Downtown Single-Family Resident and Downtown Resident permits.
Parking Study:
To better understand the impact of ParkFlag's management, a study was commissioned from Rich and Associates. Rich and Associates is the same company who performed the City's previous parking study in 2009. A detailed review of the results of the study will be provided in a future City Council presentation, but the studies results show that management has been effective and that healthy parking vacancy rates are being achieved in both the north downtown and south downtown business districts. A specific count of additional spaces needed is included as part of the study which will be used in the analysis of the type and location of parking needed as the areas continue to develop.
Partnerships:
ParkFlag continues to develop and maintain working relationships with local organizations and departments to receive feedback and improve operations of ParkFlag.
Organizations and departments include:
Flagstaff Police Department
Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (DBA)
American Valet Public Parking
ParkFlag Steering Committee Members
Residential Permit Parking Program:
The City Council adopted Comprehensive Parking Management Plan, establishing the ParkFlag service area as “the high parking demand areas only of the Downtown areas, Southside area, and those surrounding areas impacted by the demand in Downtown and Southside areas." The plan includes provisions for neighborhoods surrounding the pay-to-park areas to request the installation of residential permit parking with an “opt-in” method.
Since ParkFlag was implemented in October of 2017, outreach and attendance at meetings where the residential permit parking program was presented included:
Residential Permitted Parking:
To date, there are ten (10) installed residential permitted areas which include: sections of DuPont, Agassiz, Birch, Leroux, Ashurst, Elm, Hillside, Dale, and Verde streets. ParkFlag is responsible for implementation and enforcement of installed permitted areas.
Policy of Opt in vs. Opt out:
There have been discussions regarding changing the current policy of voluntary inclusion of the residential parking areas. The program was designed, after much stakeholder input, to grow to meet the needs of the residential areas impacted by enforcement in the Downtown and Southside. Specifically, it was intended to allow for residential areas to self-select as they felt parking pressure so the implementation would grow only as far as needed. The idea of not "forcing" the program on any group, but providing it as a solution as requested, was supported by the public comment and stakeholder input as the program was developed. There have been some concerns that in some residential areas, most frequently in the Southside, the composition of the population and the ability of elderly or disabled residents to spearhead a petition process has made opting in challenging. Our staff in our Traffic Section have assisted by providing handicapped accessible spaces near residences where appropriate and our Parking Team has also been assisting residents with this process when requested. This has greatly helped and in some cases, the residents have then determined they no longer need parking management.
Important to note, there is a function where a resident can send certified letters to owners in their neighborhood asking for their support of the petition. This option could expedite that resident in engaging their neighbors in this process. If the owner fails to respond, it is considered an affirmation of the petition.
The "Opt-in" option also provided for the slower growth of the management area. This has been beneficial in maintaining enforcement coverage, in responding to individual needs of new areas as installation occurs, and in allowing for better customer service as implementation unfolds. It has also allowed for a measured cost as installation occurs over time. As mentioned, it has created frustration for some residents who found it difficult to complete the petition process, and staff has made themselves available to work with residents to assist where appropriate. One additional benefit has been that as areas request inclusion they can be assessed for any challenges and those can be understood and/or addressed prior to implementation.
The "Opt-out" option could address the issues of some residents. One consideration is that the same difficulty experienced with the opt-in petition could be experienced for opting-out. Another point is that this option would escalate costs immediately due to the installation of a high number of residential blocks that require upfront costs for signage and additional enforcement. ParkFlag recently requested and received permission for the purchase of technology to assist in the expansion of its capacity, but a significant growth of the service area would likely lead to temporary reductions in enforcement levels in the existing areas as calls for service and patrols would expand faster than staff resources can be enhanced. Finally, in some areas of the Southside, the current infrastructure and density have developed a situation where parking management could possibly make the situation worse in the short-term. While there are always solutions to these problems, in an opt-out scenario these issues would all be created at once and it would be challenging for staff to identify and implement solutions quickly. Therefore, this option is doable, but we would need to have all the factors mentioned above in place in order to implement.
Financial Update:
Operating Revenue: $1,412,785
Operating Expenses: $769,430
20% Reserved for Parking Inventory (often referred to as the Lockbox) - $282,557
Total Resources vs. Expenditures/Uses
Expenses - $1,962,269 (including initial installation and ongoing operations)
Total Resources - $2,798,183
Total Resources exceeding Expenses - $835,914
It is anticipated that, if the program structure remains consistent than future revenues will exceed future expenses by greater amounts as the installation of the program was a significant one-time expense and there was an approved soft enforcement during the initial roll-out.
Results/Outcomes:
Available Parking/Satisfied Customers:
Since ParkFlag was implemented; Park Flag regularly receives feedback from locals that they can find parking. The availability of downtown parking has reduced the experience of driving around downtown to find a parking space. Numerous correspondence has been received regarding the benefits of the program. There have also been complaints and concerns received. These are always reviewed, responded to, and examined for opportunities for program improvement.
Customer Service by Parking Aides:
Parking Aides, walking about Downtown during their enforcement routes, have added to the visitor experience by providing directions to local restaurants, lodging, camping, events, businesses, and Visitor Center.
Components of Sponsored Parking (System Shutdown) in draft form:
ParkFlag has been working to improve the loading and unloading behaviors in the downtown since late June. This was in response to downtown businesses contacting ParkFlag staff about trucks using the roads as a distribution point and blocking traffic for multiple hours at a time.
What we have done to address the loading zone policy:
ParkFlag is a city-operated program that comprehensively manages public parking in downtown Flagstaff and the surrounding neighborhoods. ParkFlag is a special revenue fund of the City of Flagstaff,
What ParkFlag does:
In the short term, the limited supply of parking in the designated area is managed for better and more efficient use. In long-term, revenues from ParkFlag will also be used to increase the parking supply in those impacted areas.
ParkFlag's Authority and Responsibilities:
The Parking Manager and Parking Aides (unarmed police aides) are employees of the Flagstaff Police Department and the Economic Vitality Division for the City of Flagstaff.
Parking regulations, located in Title 9 of the City Code, as enforced by ParkFlag help to maintain traffic flow, enhance public safety, manage limited parking resources and complement the City’s commitment to promote a safe and prosperous environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. These regulations are enforced within the area outlined by the Comprehensive Management Plan.
ParkFlag Staff:
ParkFlag is staffed with four Parking Aides and a Parking Manager. Two additional Parking Aides are authorized and being recruited.
The Parking Manager supervises staff and manages operations of ParkFlag including customer service, policy and procedures, compliance, reporting, pay-to-park supplies and equipment, parking enforcement, and community engagement.
Parking Aides' Role:
The role of the Parking Aides is to embody the ambassador side of the position. It is our goal to elevate the perception of parking enforcement aides through exceptional customer service with fair enforcement of regulations.
Parking compliance is gained preferably via outreach and ambassador activities. As a last resort to gain compliance, citations are issued.
Ambassador Example:
Three members of the ParkFlag staff attended the Southwest Transportation Parking Association Conference held in September of 2018. This conference provided an opportunity to meet with various vendors and parking professionals to discuss operational improvements for ParkFlag.
During a presentation by the president of the association; a team member of ParkFlag was asked to stand up to be recognized for exemplifying the ambassadorship role for parking enforcement. The president had met the parking aide on a previous visit to Flagstaff and, without disclosing her identity or position, had observed the interaction the parking aide had with the public during his enforcement responsibilities. She held him up as an example of excellent customer service.
Enforcement:
Parking Aides issue warnings and citations for compliance with Title 9 Traffic Code (9-01-001-0003, Stopping, Standing and Parking Restrictions).
Some Examples of Traffic Code Enforced:
- Illegal use of handicapped accessible parking
- Parking on sidewalk
- Blocking driveway
- Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- Parking on crosswalk
- Parked outside of 18 inches from the curb
- Limited time parking
- Parking within lines or markings
- Warnings issued: 13,786
- Citations issued: 3,278
Managed Parking:
ParkFlag manages more than just the parking kiosks. The program also manages approximately one thousand (1,000) parking permits consisting of Employee North, Employee South Permits, Facility Specific (F and C permits), Downtown Single-Family Resident and Downtown Resident permits.
Parking Study:
To better understand the impact of ParkFlag's management, a study was commissioned from Rich and Associates. Rich and Associates is the same company who performed the City's previous parking study in 2009. A detailed review of the results of the study will be provided in a future City Council presentation, but the studies results show that management has been effective and that healthy parking vacancy rates are being achieved in both the north downtown and south downtown business districts. A specific count of additional spaces needed is included as part of the study which will be used in the analysis of the type and location of parking needed as the areas continue to develop.
Partnerships:
ParkFlag continues to develop and maintain working relationships with local organizations and departments to receive feedback and improve operations of ParkFlag.
Organizations and departments include:
Flagstaff Police Department
Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (DBA)
American Valet Public Parking
ParkFlag Steering Committee Members
Residential Permit Parking Program:
The City Council adopted Comprehensive Parking Management Plan, establishing the ParkFlag service area as “the high parking demand areas only of the Downtown areas, Southside area, and those surrounding areas impacted by the demand in Downtown and Southside areas." The plan includes provisions for neighborhoods surrounding the pay-to-park areas to request the installation of residential permit parking with an “opt-in” method.
Since ParkFlag was implemented in October of 2017, outreach and attendance at meetings where the residential permit parking program was presented included:
- Good Neighborhood Coalition
- La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Association
- Southside Neighborhood Association
- Community Welcome Event
- Southside on the Street Meetings
- Residents interested in the program
Residential Permitted Parking:
To date, there are ten (10) installed residential permitted areas which include: sections of DuPont, Agassiz, Birch, Leroux, Ashurst, Elm, Hillside, Dale, and Verde streets. ParkFlag is responsible for implementation and enforcement of installed permitted areas.
Policy of Opt in vs. Opt out:
There have been discussions regarding changing the current policy of voluntary inclusion of the residential parking areas. The program was designed, after much stakeholder input, to grow to meet the needs of the residential areas impacted by enforcement in the Downtown and Southside. Specifically, it was intended to allow for residential areas to self-select as they felt parking pressure so the implementation would grow only as far as needed. The idea of not "forcing" the program on any group, but providing it as a solution as requested, was supported by the public comment and stakeholder input as the program was developed. There have been some concerns that in some residential areas, most frequently in the Southside, the composition of the population and the ability of elderly or disabled residents to spearhead a petition process has made opting in challenging. Our staff in our Traffic Section have assisted by providing handicapped accessible spaces near residences where appropriate and our Parking Team has also been assisting residents with this process when requested. This has greatly helped and in some cases, the residents have then determined they no longer need parking management.
Important to note, there is a function where a resident can send certified letters to owners in their neighborhood asking for their support of the petition. This option could expedite that resident in engaging their neighbors in this process. If the owner fails to respond, it is considered an affirmation of the petition.
The "Opt-in" option also provided for the slower growth of the management area. This has been beneficial in maintaining enforcement coverage, in responding to individual needs of new areas as installation occurs, and in allowing for better customer service as implementation unfolds. It has also allowed for a measured cost as installation occurs over time. As mentioned, it has created frustration for some residents who found it difficult to complete the petition process, and staff has made themselves available to work with residents to assist where appropriate. One additional benefit has been that as areas request inclusion they can be assessed for any challenges and those can be understood and/or addressed prior to implementation.
The "Opt-out" option could address the issues of some residents. One consideration is that the same difficulty experienced with the opt-in petition could be experienced for opting-out. Another point is that this option would escalate costs immediately due to the installation of a high number of residential blocks that require upfront costs for signage and additional enforcement. ParkFlag recently requested and received permission for the purchase of technology to assist in the expansion of its capacity, but a significant growth of the service area would likely lead to temporary reductions in enforcement levels in the existing areas as calls for service and patrols would expand faster than staff resources can be enhanced. Finally, in some areas of the Southside, the current infrastructure and density have developed a situation where parking management could possibly make the situation worse in the short-term. While there are always solutions to these problems, in an opt-out scenario these issues would all be created at once and it would be challenging for staff to identify and implement solutions quickly. Therefore, this option is doable, but we would need to have all the factors mentioned above in place in order to implement.
Financial Update:
Operating Revenue: $1,412,785
Operating Expenses: $769,430
20% Reserved for Parking Inventory (often referred to as the Lockbox) - $282,557
Total Resources vs. Expenditures/Uses
Expenses - $1,962,269 (including initial installation and ongoing operations)
Total Resources - $2,798,183
Total Resources exceeding Expenses - $835,914
It is anticipated that, if the program structure remains consistent than future revenues will exceed future expenses by greater amounts as the installation of the program was a significant one-time expense and there was an approved soft enforcement during the initial roll-out.
Results/Outcomes:
Available Parking/Satisfied Customers:
Since ParkFlag was implemented; Park Flag regularly receives feedback from locals that they can find parking. The availability of downtown parking has reduced the experience of driving around downtown to find a parking space. Numerous correspondence has been received regarding the benefits of the program. There have also been complaints and concerns received. These are always reviewed, responded to, and examined for opportunities for program improvement.
Customer Service by Parking Aides:
Parking Aides, walking about Downtown during their enforcement routes, have added to the visitor experience by providing directions to local restaurants, lodging, camping, events, businesses, and Visitor Center.
Cost Management:
The program is generating revenue and will be able to cover all costs to repay the loan required for the upfront installation.
Locals’ Night:
ParkFlag sponsored free parking in the business areas for Local’s Night. Local’s Night occurs every third Tuesday of the month: free parking from 4pm - 7pm.
Reduced calls for service:
Parking aides enforcing parking regulations downtown and in the local community have reduced the calls for service to the Flagstaff Police Department. This has freed up the police officers to patrol and respond to other calls for service in the community of Flagstaff.
Challenges:
Enforcement Software:
Software issues persist with the parking enforcement program. Staff regularly communicates the issues to the vendor in order to improve customer service. Discussions to possibly replace the software are underway.
Hiring:
ParkFlag has been fortunate to have a great team of Parking Aides that have been responsible for much of the success of the program. As unarmed police aides, the Parking Aides go through extensive background checks. This takes a significant amount of time and makes increasing enforcement capacity or replacing those who pursue other opportunities a lengthy process. The recently authorized license plate reader will assist in this regard, but increasing and maintaining staffing has been a challenge.
Changes/Amendments:
Lighted Keyboards:
ParkFlag has purchased 11 lighted keyboards to improve the customers use of meters at night. Staff has identified the kiosks where these will be installed through input from users.
Validation Codes:
Software Upgrade:
ParkFlag requested a software update for the kiosks. The update improves the onscreen instructions for better customer use and provides ParkFlag the flexibility to add onscreen messaging when applicable.
Sitgreaves Street:
ParkFlag assessed and removed the section of pay-to-park on Sitgreaves street, west side of the library, and will make available free parking for the public and employees. Public feedback and staff analysis demonstrated the section of parking was underutilized.
Requests for Sponsored Parking (System Shut Down) "Free" parking:
Components of Sponsored Parking (System Shutdown) in draft form:
- Sponsors may pre-purchase parking in the business area (where all kiosks reside) and in half-day increments if desired.
- Sponsors must apply 14 days in advance of the event.
- Cost per fee schedule will be determined and approved by the Council for a formal action soon.
ParkFlag has been working to improve the loading and unloading behaviors in the downtown since late June. This was in response to downtown businesses contacting ParkFlag staff about trucks using the roads as a distribution point and blocking traffic for multiple hours at a time.
What we have done to address the loading zone policy:
- Outreach to several delivery drivers on loading zone rules and options.
- Issued citations to trucks for parking outside lines and marks, parking too close to intersections, parking on crosswalks, and where signs prohibited parking.
- Partnered with Sustainability, Flagstaff Police Department, Downtown Business Alliance, and Traffic Division to work together to create the correct policy for loading zones.