PARKING BOARD
MINUTES
MAY 3, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER 4:30 p.m. by Mr. Spatafore
ROLL CALL Mr. Spatafore, Mr. Bouchard, Mr. Caggiano and Mr. Walsh and Parking Director James Hacker.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Caggiano made a motion to approve the minutes of April 5, 2010. Mr. Bouchard seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Caggiano made a motion to suspend the rules to go out of order on the Agenda and to go to New Business/Visitors. Mr. Bouchard seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
3. NEW BUSINESS/VISITORS
Shared Valet Parking Services on Washington Street
Tom Daniel, Economic Development Manager for the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development stated that he recently dropped off a memorandum concerning the Downtown Shared Valet Pilot Parking Program. He stated that the idea behind valet parking downtown has been around a few year, but was never feasible and so the idea for shared valet was proposed. The original concept was for two to five spaces on Washington street. The current proposal is to give the authority to Mr. Hacker as Parking Director regarding several points. Initially, the Sewall Street lot was proposed for the car storage, but that it has been determined that the Riley Plaza lot is a better choice.
Rinus Oosthoek, Executive Director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce stated that it was discussed with number of restaurants to create a pilot program for shared valet parking that restaurants could not otherwise undertake by themselves. Customers want valet parking, particularly for “restaurant row” on Washington Street and people do not want to drive around looking for a parking space. Boston Valet is flexible on how to make the program work. A single drop-off/pick-up location with 3 spaces in a nearby place will benefit all restaurants. They will use an empty lot for storage of valet cars. The program would make Salem a better place to visit, especially for the handicapped or elderly. He stated that the City would not be giving up revenue for 3 parking
spaces, but would be gaining 40.
Mr. Daniel stated it would be a 3 month pilot on Friday and Saturday nights from 5-pm to 1-am and possibly additional time on holidays. If, after 3 months, there is an interest by all parties to continue, the pilot program would be extended for 3 more months. At that point, if there is a desire to continue, a formalized program would be set up for the calendar ahead. He proposed that the Parking Director be authorized to make modifications to the pilot program as needed there is no need to keep coming back before the Parking Board. Mr. Daniel stated that the drop-off/pick-up would be 3 spaces on Washington Street in front of Eastern Bank with the possibility to expand to 5 with Mr. Hacker’s authority. Car storage would be at Riley Plaza, but if that needs to be
modified, it would be under Mr. Hacker’s authority. If it was decided to add Thursday or holidays, Mr. Hacker would be authorized to make that determination. Following a report from the Chamber of Commerce and Boston Valet, Mr. Hacker would also make the determination after 3 months if it is in the best interest to extend the pilot program another 3 months.
John and Paul Mansfield of Boston Valet were present.
John Mansfield stated that they have been providing valet all over New England, especially in Boston. They also do private parties, grand openings and hospitals. They are doing a similar project to the Salem proposal in Davis Square in Somerville for common valet zone. He stated that it appears that there may be apprehension by the neighbors to use the Sewall Street lot. He stated that they want to be a positive experience and would like to find happy ground, and noted that it seems that Riley plaza has the least amount of impact. He added that Riley Plaza has room for expansion if the program is hitting it off.
Mr. Spatafore asked how many spaces were anticipated to be used at Riley Plaza
John Mansfield stated that he did not have an estimate for demand, but that he would love to do 100 cars per night. He stated that they are hoping for at least 2 turn-overs of cars (ie 50-60 cars) per night. He stated that initially, it would probably be 20-25 cars on Friday night and 30 cars on Saturday night.
Mr. Caggiano asked if the patron would drop off the car to the person on Washington Street, pay the fee and get a ticket.
John Mansfield replied in the affirmative and stated that it would be a $8 valet rate per car.
Mr. Caggiano asked if there would b a key box.
John Mansfield replied in the affirmative and stated that there will also be a sandwich sign, which will get approval for sign design.
Mr. Caggiano asked if the valet staff then drives car to Riley Plaza and then runs back to Washington Street.
John Mansfield replied in the affirmative and stated that there would be 2 valets minimum, one managing front (collecting money, issuing tickets and managing key box) and one valet to drop off and retrieve cars.
Mr. Caggiano asked if there will be anyone stationed with the cars.
John Mansfield stated that they still haven’t decided. He noted that they may want to put another a-frame sign with cones signifying reserved valet parking.
Mr. Walsh asked about the $60 management fee.
John Mansfield stated that there is no cost to the city and that the fee is for the restaurants.
Mr. Walsh asked if the storage could be separated into two lots.
John Mansfield stated that that they would be using 19 spots in Riley lot at first and then, if expanding, could split with another lot.
Mr. Walsh asked Boston Valet’s responsibility with regard to drunk drivers (i.e.if someone comes out to get keys and appears drunk).
John Mansfield stated that they have not had previous problems with this issue. He noted that while they are not responsible for drunk drivers, they can be a second layer. If a valet notices that patron is stumbling, the valet goes into the restaurant where they dined and gives the keys to the manager of the restaurant. He added that in the past, valets have even dropped customers off at home, if it is in proximity.
Mr. Walsh stated that he felt that if citizens are paying to park, then the valet service should also pay to park.
Mr. Hacker stated that there are no meters after 5:00, so citizens are not paying to park.
Mr. Bouchard stated that he felt the spaces used for drop off should be at most northern end (near Rockefellas) since Rockefellas is one of the participating restaurants.
Mr. Walsh stated that he did not feel the drop off should be located in front of the new ice cream store and noted that since the bank is closed, he was in agreement to have it up toward Rockefellas
Tracie Lawrence, 12 Crombie Street asked if traffic impacts have been analyzed.
Mr. Caggiano replied in the negative, and noted that this section is the widest part of Washington
Street and that he felt there is enough room to back out and get back into traffic.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she was curious if it would have more impact on traffic than normal.
John Mansfield stated that it eliminates a lot of cars circling for parking spaces, so that hopefully it will be a positive impact.
Ms. Lawrence asked if the transaction happens within the Washington Street parking spot.
John Mansfield replied in the affirmative.
Barry Neely, 15 Lynde Street stated that the current signs in Sewall Street lot read that parking is available until 8pm on Thursday and Friday and until 9pm on Saturday. He noted that it is 100% full on Friday and Saturday. He stated that he loves what the Chamber, City and restaurants are trying to do. He noted that there are a ton of empty spots in the garages and felt that a presence in the garages would help for security. He added that during snow, the garages are under cover.
Mr. Hacker read a letter from Mayor Driscoll who is in favor of 2 spaces being used on Washington Street and a not to exceed 30 spaces for car storage. Mr. Hacker stated that he was pleasantly surprised that the proposals has been switched to Riley Plaza. He stated that one lane can be blocked off, which comes out to 19 spaces. He noted that if they stack cars, they may be able to park more. He added that if they need more spaces, there are other locations that may work out equally as well. He stated that the program will need to have protection for the residents and not be disruptive to their lifestyle. He noted that the businesses and valet service will decide if the program works after 3 months and report to the city. He noted that Boston Valet’s
contract will be with Chamber, not with the city.
Mr. Daniel stated that Rockefellas, Greenland Cafe, Fresh Taste of Asia and the Tavern in the Square will be participating. He noted that Café Grazziani and Puleos were not interested in participating, but they preferred that the drop off be closer to Rockefellas.
Mr. Caggiano stated that he could see a benefit to Puleos and Graziani, for clients leaving other restaurants and stopping in for ice cream or dessert.
Mr. Daniel stated Boston Valet sees themselves as the first and last point of contact….a pleasant greeting and a pleasant farewell to the visitor. He stated that staff can answer questions and are a consistent presence of eyes on the street at late night.
Mr. Caggiano made a motion to designate Mr. Hacker to be the point of contact with the Chamber of Commerce and Boston Valet, to designate a minimum of two angled parking spaces for drop/off pick/up on Washington Street (closest to Rockefellas) and a minimum of 19 spaces in Riley Plaza for car storage, for a 90 trial period on Friday and Saturday nights and to authorize Mr. Hacker to increase the number of spaces (up to 5 spaces on Washington, up to 25 spaces in Riley Plaza), to add days (ie. Thursdays and Sundays) and/or to extend the trial period up to another 90 days. Mr. Bouchard seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried. All in favor
Proposal for Zipcar Licensing Agreement
Mr. Hacker provided a legal opinion from the City Solicitor regarding conflict of interest for Mr. Caggiano. A disclosure form was completed by Mr. Caggiano and was filed with the City Clerk’s Office; therefore Mr. Caggiano is able to vote on the application.
Mr. Hacker read an email from the City Solicitor finding that the Parking Board, along with the Mayor, has the authority to enter into a Licensing Agreement with Zipcar.
Mr. Hacker ntoed that Zipcar representatives made an informal presentation at the last meeting and that the official presentation is this evening. The proposal is to remove meters and reserve a total of 6 spaces in public lots at no charge.
Mr. Hacker read a letter from Board member Tim Doggett, who was in support, conditional on 3 recommendations provided.
Mr. Hacker noted that the draft Zipcar lease agreement was circulated.
Neil Glazier of Zipcar stated that many people have requested this service. Zipcar has been operating in multiply communities in Boston area for about 10 years. He noted that it puts more money back into local communities and that every Zipcar takes 15 cars off the road and encourages local spending. He stated that the typical person spends $700 per month owning a car, but would spend an estimated $300 with Zipcar.
John Crooks, Fleet Manger for Zipcar Boston, stated that they are proposing a 1 year pilot with 6 total spaces in municipal lots throughout city. They are proposing two spaces each at the Church Street lot, Sewall Street lot and Riley Plaza West in order to spread the cars throughout the downtown area to be available to the maximum number of people.
Mr. Glazier stated that they need about 150 members to support the service, so that the first year will be a test to see if it works. He stated that he was pleased that the Mayor is giving her support.
Mr. Walsh stated that he felt that they should stay out of the Sewall Street lot and suggested using the lot at Essex and Crombie, the lot at Washington St at Riley Plaza by the laundrymat or the parking garage roof.
Mr. Glazier stated that they are very open to working with city, as long as the cars are accessible.
Mr. Caggiano stated that everyone want convenient parking where they are going for as long as they want for as little as they want and that, unfortunately, the city can’t provide that. The public wants the convenience factor and highly visible spots.
Mr. Glazier stated that a personal car serves a family of 5, but with Zipcar it will serve 50 people with one car. He stated that once members know where the cars will be parked, they will be fine, but added that there is a need to make sure it is convenient to get to for the members. He stated that they have data on how far people will walk to get to a car.
Mr. Walsh stated that he knows a person in south salem who is interested, and felt it would be convenient if spread out.
Mr. Bouchard stated that he felt the Board members should consider that by granting the license, they are potentially eliminating some vehicles from street and thereby reducing congestion. He stated that he would like to see the proposal move forward.
Marsha Finkelstein, 123 Boston St. stated that she has been wanting Zipcar in Salem and that she lives at least 1 ½ miles away. She stated that the Salem, MA Facebook pages has 175 people who have joined the group to bring Zipcar to Salem. She stated that if it comes here, she will use it and get rid of her car. She is willing to take the 1 ½ mile walk or take bus. She submitted a printout of several written comments from Facebook.
Darrell Bibby, 7 Crombie Street, stated that he has been in Salem 3 years, does not have a car, and uses Zipcar at North Station. He stated that it is about time to get it here. He noted that it does not matter where the cars are located in Salem; he will use it. He stated that it is a great idea, especially if in the Crombie/Essex Street lot.
Andrea Fox, a Beverly resident, stated that she lives close to the Salem line and does business in Salem. They have Zipcar at Endicott college but she would not go there to use it, but would go to anywhere in Salem to use it. She can take the train to Salem.
Barry Neely, 15 Lynde Street, stated that he has a lot of college students as tenants in his building. He stated that at least a dozen tenants have asked when Zipcar is coming. He stated that he did not want to take spots from the new business at the corner of Essex and Crombie and suggested using spots in the garage.
Mark Leavitt, owner of the Salem Car Wash, stated that he started contacting Zipcar in November of 2006. He stated that he think it will be great with the downtown parking issues and that he would be willing to let Zipcar keep cars at the car wash during the trial period.
Rebecca Haynes, faculty member of Salem State College and Peabody resident stated that her husband telecommutes, so that he only needs a car 1 day per week. They currently have two cars and she was in support because Zipcar would allow them to take 1 car off the road.
Tom Barrier,s 26 Andrews Street, stated that he would like to become a Zipcar member and has wanted it to come to Salem for long time. He stated that there would be a lot of benefit to the community and flexibility to the residents. He noted that people can take train to get here, that it would ease congestion and would be environmentally positive.
Mr. Oosthoek stated that he was in support but asked that for whatever lots are picked, to take a look at the businesses that are nearby. He noted that in the new MBTA garage, there will be 2 Zipcar spots reserved, whether or not Zipcar is here.
Mr. Glazier stated that 30% of their new members come from reading their signage, but noted that there is a lot of grass roots support. He suggested having at least one visible and one non-visible location.
Michael Masenga, 350 Essex Street, stated that he would definately become a member. He suggested having at least 2 areas.
Dan Morneau, 28 Federal Street, stated that he foresees a lot more demand than 6 cars and that the Board may want provide for the possibility for expansion to 12 in the trial period.
Mr. Crooks stated that they traditionally look for empty parking spaces in neighborhoods if they need to expand.
Mr. Spatafore closed the public hearing.
Mr. Hacker reminded the Board that the Mayor submitted letter in favor at the last meeting. He stated that it is a great project and that his only concern is using the Sewall Street Lot. He suggested working with Zipcar to find an alternative location. He stated that he was also concerned about the size and type of sign.
Mr. Crooks stated that it will be a 12 x 18 sign (same as no parking signs) and that they will also have a 2 x 2 “Z” logo sign and that they are open to negotiation.
Mr. Glazier stated that the Z logo sign helps people find the cars and helps build the membership base.
Mr. Crooks stated that they generally install a post, but if in the garage, would install on the wall. He suggest that they review what the board has in mind for assigned spaces and then determine the signage needs for those spaces.
Mr. Hacker suggest a motion to recommend approval to the Mayor to enter into a licensing agreement and to have not more than 6 parking spaces with locations to be worked out between Zipcar and the city, through him. He suggested adding that when the agreement lapses, Zipcar could consider purchasing spaces either publically or privately, or the Board could consider offering the spaces free for second year.
Mr. Caggiano stated that he felt that another alternative is needed to Sewall Street. He noted that alternatively, if Zipcar was in the Sewall Street lot, people using that lot might give up their cars, which would free up spaces.
Ms. Lawrence stated that the Crombie Street lot is the most underutilized lot and is a good spot for Zipcar, noting that it should not put on the end near Coven.
Mr. Bouchard made a motion to recommend to the Mayor to enter into a licensing agreement with Zipcar for 6 spaces in the downtown to be determined by the Parking Director. Mr. Caggiano seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Bouchard asked if cars were in the parking garage, how it would work out logistically.
Mr. Hacker stated that he would suggest not putting them on the roof due to snow storms. Museum Place is no reserved parking except for handicapped. He stated that they could have cars at the South Harbor garage. He noted that Zipcar would need to purchase a parking card, but if kept in car, the card would probably get lost on regular basis.
Mr. Caggino asked how the license would be drafted.
Mr. Hacker stated that the City Solicitor would do it.
4. REPORT OF BOARD MEMBERS
There were no reports from Board members.
5. INFORMATION & CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Hacker stated that he is still trying to work the bugs out of the credit card usage on the pay by space equipment, noting that communications between the credit card companies and AT&T are misfiring somewhere.
Mr. Caggiano asked if an employee can be put down there when pay by space equipment is not working.
Mr. Hacker stated that he does not have enough people right now, since they have expanded the garage hours. He stated that he is in the process of putting out a notice for part time cashiers. He is working with the Purchasing Agent to put in ATMs at the parking garage and the Church Street lot.
Mr. Hacker stated that he received a letter from Anita Armell regarding making resident parking on Hawthorne Boulevard.
Mr. Caggiano stated that a lot of the on street spaces are used by Hawthorne Hotel customers.
Mr. Hacker stated that the process typically would start with the Ward Councilor, who would then send an inquiry to the Parking Direct and to the Salem Police for a recommendation.
Mr. Caggiano stated that he felt it is a City Councilor issue.
Mr. Walsh was in agreement.
Mr. Caggiano noted that several years ago they received a request from Banville Optical and that he does not want to get into the business of individual review of resident parking requests.
Mr. Caggiano made a motion that Mr. Hacker respond with a letter outlining that the process starts with their Ward Councilor. Mr. Walsh seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
The next meeting will be June 7, 2010.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Walsh made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bouchard seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
Secretary
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