Adopt Ordinance 20-15 Approving an Addition to Chapter 54 of the City Code:  Traffic and Vehicles (Municipal Parking Ramp Regulations)

This ordinance was introduced and a first reading was approved by the Council Council at the regular meeting of July 14, 2020.  The ordinance is presented for a final reading and adoption as introduced.  The purpose of this case is for the City Council to consider the final reading and adoption of this ordinance that  amends Chapter 54 of the City Code:  Traffic and Vehicles. The proposed ordinance amendment would provide regulations to govern the use of the Ramsey Parking Ramp.

The City became aware that the Parking Ramp is being used for activities other than the parking of motor vehicles.  Improper or unsanctioned use of the Ramsey Parking Ramp increases wear and tear on the Ramp, and risks harm to the other vehicles parked in the ramp or to the owners of those vehicles. It is the intent of this ordinance to serve the City’s interest in preserving the appropriate use of the Ramsey Parking Ramp.

The proposed ordinance will give the City the authority, pursuant to authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.357, subdivision 1, to restrict and regulate the manner in which the Ramsey Parking Ramp may be used.  To date, the City has not had an ordinance in place that provides the necessary enforcement tool to regulate parking in the ramp.

Under the new ordinance, the following parking regulations are proposed:

(1) The sole permitted use of the Ramsey Parking Ramp is the parking of motor vehicles, as that term is defined by this Section, which fit within the marked spaces.

2) Persons parking in the Ramsey Parking Ramp must abide by all posted signs and all space markings. Spaces reserved for residents of the residential units located on Lot 3, Block 1, COR ONE, Anoka County, Minnesota, shall only be utilized by those residents, subject to this ordinance. Only electric vehicles may park in spaces with vehicle recharging stations. Electric vehicles may only be recharged at designated recharging stations. Bicycles may only be parked in designated areas.

(3) The following shall not be stored or parked in the Ramsey Parking Ramp:
     a)Personal property other than permitted motor vehicles.
     b)Recreational vehicles, including boats, jet skis, snowmobiles and ATVs.
     c)Travel trailers, campers, RVs, motorhomes and the like.
     d)Utility trailers, horse trailers, boat trailers, and other trailers.
     e)Commercial / business vehicles except as provided in subsection (7) below.

(4) Vehicle maintenance is prohibited in the Ramsey Parking Ramp. Vehicle maintenance includes changing oil, washing cars, or engaging in any other activity involving tools and/or chemical agents, except for changing flat tires, jump starting vehicles and replacing dead batteries.

(5) Electrical outlets (other than those associated with electrical charging stations) in the Ramsey Parking Ramp are for City use only. Outlets shall not be used to plug in vehicles or to provide electrical power for any other private or business use.

(6) No business activities may be conducted in the ramp, except as provided herein. The term business activities include loading and unloading products or goods for commercial purposes; storage of vehicles other than one driven as a personal vehicle; employee parking; and dispatching employees. Temporary use of the Ramp to park a business vehicle for delivery of products or services to City Hall, adjacent businesses, or residents of Residence at the COR Apartment Homes are excluded from this prohibition.

(7) Any vehicle violating this section may be towed at the owner’s expense, and any personal property violating this section may be removed. Violation of this section is a petty misdemeanor. Violators of this section may also receive a citation, in accordance with Section 2-333 of this Code.

Not applicable

Staff is recommending the City Council adopt the attached ordinance to establish an ordinance governing the use of the Ramsey Parking Ramp.

Motion to waive the City Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and adopt Ordinance #20-15 adding to Chapter 54 of the City Code:  Traffic and Vehicles

Roll Call Vote 

Councilmember Riley 
Councilmember Specht
Councilmember Musgrove
Councilmember Kuzma 
Councilmember Menth
Mayor LeTourneau