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City Counal Minutes September 17, 2007 Page 4 least busy day downtown. Mx. Suma indicated that longer study periods require additional time • and are more costly and again, the figures most likely would remain unchanged. Commissioner Kuestet questioned how downtown redevelopment construction was factored into the study. Mr. Surna indicated that the day parking was observed is simply a snapshot of a typical day. Chair Wilson stated that he would like to see guiding principles developed. Mr. Surna explained that he recommends guiding principles but noted that guidelines take time to develop. Commissioner Liesex indicated that the ramp options shown have included three of four levels. She questioned if a two level ramp could be considered. Mr. Surna stated that the cost per square foot would remain the same but added that the overall result would be less net added spaces. Mayor I{Iinzing questioned if phasing of the project has been discussed. Mr. Suma explained that phasing can be done. He noted that horizontal expansions aze better because vertical expansions tend to be difficult because portions of the ramp need to be closed to construct levels above. Councilmember Motin questioned if the parking ramp would be a deterrent fox customers. He expressed concerns that customers may choose to go where other parking options are available. Mr. Surna explained that studies show that the first choice of customers fot pazking is street space, the second is a surface lot, and the third choice is a pazking ramp. Mx. Surna noted that the downtown businesses need to be competitive in order to draw people • downtown. Councilmember Farber indicated that he doesn't believe the figures are accurate because the study was taken with Jackson blocked one way and Main Street almost completely blocked with construction fencing and traffic. He asked the downtown businesses how much they estimate business to be down during this time. Karen Attia, owner 313 Jackson -estimated business to be down at least 15% during construction. Keith Holme, property owner Kemper Drug -also estimated an approximate 15% reduction in business during construction. Mt. Holme noted that he has high hopes that the redevelopment will have a positive effect on the downtown businesses. Councilmembex Zerwas explained that some of the parking spaces identified as supply are privately owned. He stated that based on his figures, if the privately owned spaces are removed 347 spaces would be left and if the 88 spaces north of Highway 10 axe removed, 259 spaces would be left. Mx. Surna indicated that in order to be fair, if you remove the privately owned spaces the demand for the private spaces must also be removed. Pat Dwyer, The Bank of Elk River -stated that the bank has 89 parking spots for use by their customers and employees during business hours and not fox use by the new developments. Mayor Klinzing indicated that consideration may need to be given to excluding the privately owned pazking spaces From the study due to concerns some business owners have with the • private spaces being included in the study. Mr. Sutra stated that the lots could be removed but he is unsure how that would change the study information.