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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - October 26, 1999 SS250 CITY OF LODI INFORMAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING "SHIRTSLEEVE" SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM 305 W. PINE STREET TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1999 An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, October 26, 1999 commencing at 7:00 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Council Members — Hitchcock, Mann, Nakanishi, Pennino and Land (Mayor) Absent: Council Members — None Also Present: City Manager Flynn, Deputy City Manager Keeter, Economic Development Director Goehring, Public Works Director Prima, Community Development Director Bartlam, Finance Director McAthie, Police Chief Hansen, City Attorney Hays and City Clerk Reimche TOPIC(S) 1. Vehicles for Sale on City Streets ADJOURNMENT No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:40 a.m. ATTEST: &dR//Aleim cE�� City Clerk OF � COUNCIL • • 04�/FORa`P AGENDA TITLE: Vehicles for Sale on City Streets MEETING DATE: October 26, 1999 (Shirtsleeve Session) PREPARED BY: Public Works Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion and direction. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: - The City is still receiving complaints about vehicles parked for sale in the vicinity of Lower Sacramento Road north of Vine Street. Previous actions are described in the attached materials. This situation is very similar to the truck parking issue in that past approaches have only moved the problem around town. Also, anyone who might attempt to privately develop a for -sale -by -owner parking area has to compete with free, on -street parking -for -sale locations. Concerns over a recommended citywide ban included lack of alternatives to sales out of the home or sale to a dealer, and there were suggestions that the City provide an alternative. Staff had concerns about the City attempting to operate a for -sale -by -owner parking lot, however we have found a company, CarFaire, that does this, typically with schools (since they are generally exempt from City zoning requirements). This company also uses the Internet for advertising and we have attached their web page information. Staff will be providing additional information at the shirtsleeve meeting. FUNDING: To be determined. Richard C. Prima, Jr. Public Works Director RCP/1m Attachments cc: Associate Traffic Engineer APPROVED: H. Dixon Flynn -- City Manager SSVEH4SALELWRSAC 10121!99 Continued February 18, 1998 The City received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) for the fourth year in a row. Ruby Paiste and Jamie Moso of the Accounting section of the Finance Department are to be commended for their hard work and professionalism in preparing the City's Annual Financial Reports. It is due to their dedication to excellence and to the City that Lodi has been recognized by the auditors and other professional financial organizations. The City Council, on motion of Council Member Mann, Pennino second, unanimously received for file the following reports and financial statements submitted by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and the Finance Department for Fiscal Year 1996-97: • The Combined Annual Financial & Single Audit Report • The No Material Weakness Report (Internal Control) The SAS 61 Report (Report to City Council) b) Agenda item *H-2 entitled, 'Vehicles for sale on City streets - discussion and direction". City Engineer Prima provided this report at Council's request based on concerns related to vehicles parked for sale along Lower Sacramento Road between Vine Street and Cochran Road. The concerns expressed include visibility problems exiting Cochran Road created by cars parked (and double-parked) on Lower Sacramento Road, unsafe pedestrian and driving maneuvers, such as U-turns, and slowing or stopping in the roadway. This issue has generated numerous phone calls and letters supporling the options presented. Background material was provided to the City Council regarding existing conditions, traffic accident information, previous Council actions pertaining to vehicles for sale and local ordinances and State law. Over the past several years there has been much controversy over the parking of vehicles for sale on public streets. As evident by the comments received by staff and letters and articles in the newspaper, a ban on parking of vehicles for sale is perceived by some as a violation of constitutional rights or unnecessary governmental intrusion into conduct of private affairs. However, based on the review of traffic accidents occurring on Lower Sacramento Road, and observations made of unsafe vehicle maneuvers, it is also clear that there are safety issues to consider. It is staffs opinion that vehicles parked along the roadway constitute an increased safety hazard by creating distractions for drivers. While distractions can create problems on any street, it is even more significant on arterial streets due to high traffic volumes and vehicle speeds. Although arterial streets provide vehicle sellers more exposure to passing motorists and pedestrians, these streets also require a high level of attention when being driven. While problem areas can be addressed on a case-by-case basis, past experience indicates that this will only result in moving the vehicles for sale to other locations. Since there will continue to be available parking areas along streets, such as Lodi Avenue, Sargent Road, Ham Lane, Hutchins Street, and Cherokee Lane, unless a Citywide restriction is enacted, it is certain this issue will be back before Council in the future. OPTIONS: Based on the findings of this report, the following three options are presented for Council consideration: Option 1 - Amend Section 10.44.040 of the Lodi Municipal Code to restrict the parking of vehicles for sale in the public right-of-way, with the exception of in front of the owner's residence, and set a public hearing date. Continued February 18, 1998 t,,, This option, while controversial, is in place elsewhere in California. While the State law provides some basis for supporting such an ordinance, it is quite possible that someone could successfully challenge the ordinance on constitutional grounds. The City Attorney's office is ready to pursue this Option should the Council so desire. Note that such an ordinance does not ban .placement of a "for sale" sign in a vehicle window, and someone would not be cited for parking on the street while on errands, etc. The ordinance would prohibit such parking for the purpose of advertising the vehicle and some discretion is necessary on the part of enforcement officers. Option 2 - Adopt a resolution restricting parking on all or portions of Lower Sacramento Road. This option includes a number of alternatives: A. Prohibit Parking Entirely - Since Lower Sacramento Road will eventually have no parking on its entire length, it is reasonable to implement it now in problem areas. If no parking along the entire segment south of the Woodbridge Irrigation District Canal is selected, signs would only be posted along segments with wide shoulders or other appropriate areas. Other a_ areas would be signed as they develop. Council may wish to exclude locations in front of properties that face Lower Sacramento Road. An altemative to this option would be to only restrict parking on the east side of Lower Sacramento Road between Vine Street and Cochran Road, where the current problem is located. B. Restrict Parking - The alternatives include prohibiting parking during certain hours of the day, or just prohibiting vehicles for sale as was done on Lakeshore Drive. These restrictions are relatively easy to enforce and generally receive the best compliance. One concern with this action is the potential for proliferation of these signs as we chase the problem around town. C. Implement Some Restrictions to Allow the Vehicles for Sale but Minimize the Associated Problems - This alternative would be to extend the no -parking zones at the intersections to improve sight distance, establish short -time zones at each end (for "buyers") and allow the parking to continue in the middle of the block. This would minimize the number of vehicles parked for sale but not eliminate the practice totally. Staff recommends one of the above options, or some variation of them, be adopted. option 3 - Take no action. Vehicles for sale can continue to park in all areas that are not otherwise restricted. Staff does not recommend this option. Addressing the City Council regarding this matter were the following persons: Carl Rosich, 2380 Brittany Lane, Lodi, stated that he feels the City should give the little guy a break and allow him to park on the east side of the road. He feels that this is the ideal location in that it does not block driveways, that the street is wide enough and the fact that it is parallel to the hospital building parking lot. Mr. Rosich stated that he lives only two blocks away and this does not bother him at all. Mr. Rosich stated that if these restrictions are enacted it would be giving away a freedom. He does not feel that this is any more of a hazard than what is happening on Cherokee Lane. Mr. Rosich stated that he likes Option 3 a"s presented by staff. City Clerk Reimche informed the City Council that prior to the meeting a petition had been submitted protesting the parking of vehicles for sale along the east side of Lower Sacramento Road from Vine Street north to Tokay Street. 7 Continued February 13, 1998 Lodi Police Department Captain Adams addressed the City Council responding to questions from the City Council as to problems that have been encountered by the Police Department regarding this matter. Community Development Director Bartlam responded to Council questions regarding the matter indicating that most of the cities he worked in did not allow parking overnight even in residential areas. A very lengthy discussion followed with questions being directed to staff and the City Attorney. Council Member Mann made a motion, seconded by Sieglock, to prohibit parking entirely; however, the motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members: Mann and Sieglock (Mayor) Noes. Council Members - Land and Pennino Absent: Council Members - None Following additional discussion, Council Member Pennino moved that staff take a look at what other cities are doing as it relates to this type of situation and asked that staff be given the authority to address the safety issues that had been raised. Further Council Member Pennino asked that staff bring back to the Council a long-term solution. It was suggested that this subject be brought back to the Council at a May 1998 Shirtsleeve Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Mann and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members - Land, Mann and Pennino Noes: Council Members - Sieglock (Mayor) Absent: Council Members - None C) Agenda item #H-3 entitled, "Traffic resolution amendment - angle parking on Pine Street and Oak Street, between Church Street and Sacramento Street'. City Engineer Prima in his report to Council reminded them that the revitalization plan was created to visually improve the atmosphere and aesthetics of historic Downtown and increase its economic vitality. The plan called for tree -lined roadways and additional street lighting to create a more pedestrian -friendly atmosphere during day and evening hours. The intent was for Downtown shoppers to park and walk to many stores. Planters were constructed in the street to narrow the visual appearance of the traveled way and widen the sidewalks, which reduced the number of parking stalls. However, one of the major concerns of the newly revitalized Downtown is the shortage of parking spaces. At the January 7, 1998 meeting, City Council requested staff review additional angle parking to increase the number of stalls. The street improvements reduced the number of parking spaces by approximately twenty percent. Downtown business owners have shared their concerns that many patrons are elderly and want to park in front of stores or they will take their business elsewhere. The following report addresses these concerns as well as existing conditions, advantages and disadvantages of angle parking, accident data, and discussion/recommendation. Existing Conditions As it relates to angle parking, Pine Street and Oak Street have different functions and varying traffic speeds and volumes. Pine Street is designated as a minor collector with a 30 mph posted speed limit and carries approximately 6,200 vehicles per day. The street's function is to carry higher traffic volumes and more through traffic. The street width is 56 feet (curb face to curb face). Currently, it is striped for 8 -foot wide parallel parking stalls and 20 -foot travel lanes. (9) MEMORANDUM, City of Lodi, Public Works Department To: City Council City Manager From: Richard Prima, Public Works Director Date: June 1, 1998 Subject: Parking on Lower Sacramento Road near Vine Street The City has continued to receive complaints about the number of cars being parked "for sale" on Lower Sacramento Road in the vicinity of Vine Street. Staff has observed dozens of cars parked on the west side of Lower Sacramento Road north of Vine Street on weekends and has concerns over unsafe vehicle and pedestrian movements. Since our report to the Council in February, there have been additional rear -end accidents south of Vine Street, possibly related to this parking, and another rear -end accident last weekend definitely related to a vehicle parked for sale. The motion action in February stated "... staff be given the authority to address the safety issues that had been raised." Under that authority, we have installed some no - parking and no -parking -vehicles -for -sale zones as shown on the attached map as "Parking Restrictions added March 5-10, 1998". Given the continued complaints, our observations of safety hazards, and the recent accident, we are adding more no -parking and no -parking -vehicles -for -sale zones, also shown on the attached map as "Planned June 1998 Restrictions". This will be done as soon as we can obtain the necessary signs and get the work done. We will also be bringing back to the Council, as directed, the issue of a citywide ordinance restricting parking of vehicles for the purpose of sale. If you have any questions on this, give me a call at your convenience at 333-6759. RCPIIm attachment �J cc: City Engineer Street Superintendent MCMCCLWRSACPKG.DOC U) O O WELL RESIDENTIALY SITE C U Lower Sacramento Road W.I.D. Canal to Vine Street Existing Bus Stop Sian \ RESIDENTIAL THERAPY Oa (rear or side yard) HOSPITAL .y 9o' sc 6o' -, r�M north C = THERAPY Oa i APARTMENT HOSPITAL Co Exhting Bus Slop Sian O I I � Jf 1\ ,moi' W 20' 20' 6o' 66' 369' 126' a 41' LEGEND .. - Existing No Parking No Parking (red curb) Parking Restrictions • • • • • • - No Parking Vehicles For Sale added March 5-10,1998 No AAn5 Pf nrmg Surw 1498 No ArW; ych)J" N StAt . izas Tic ors (1)MEMORANDUM, City of Lodi, Public Works Department To: City Council City Manager From: Richard Prima, Public Works Director Date: May 10, 1999 Subject: Parking on and adjacent to Lower Sacramento Road The City has continued to receive complaints about cars being parked for sale adjacent to residential areas on or adjacent to Lower Sacramento Road. Since our last Council correspondence in June 1998, there have been no collisions related to the vehicles for sale. However, there are still a lot of vehicles for sale parking in this area. The following two requests were received and actions taken: • A Vine Street resident requested we post no parking of vehicles for sale on Vine Street east of Lower Sacramento Road. He indicated that he has seen several near misses and unsafe manuevers by motorists looking at vehicles for sale. •Action The City's Traffic Ordinance restricts vehicles for sale from parking within 200 feet of a signalized intersection. Signs will be posted on the north side restricting vehicles for sale. if the south side becomes a problem, additional signs will be posted. The duplex property owner on Lower Sacramento Road between Corbin Lane and Tokay Street requested we extend the no parking of vehicles for sale in this area. His concerns were the visiblity of motorists exiting the cross streets onto Lower Sacramento Road. • Action City Council's motion action for the February 9998 Agenda Item, Lower Sacramento Road Vehicle For Sale, stated "...staff be given the authority to address the safety issues that had been raised. " Under that authority, signs restricting vehicles for sale on the east side of Lower Sacramento Road between Corbin Lane and Tokay Street will be posted. With the Lower Sacramento Road Widening Project, parking will be removed along the roadway to accommodate the travel lanes, bicycle lanes, and landscaped median. The consultant preparing the design plans will be hosting a public workshop in October 1999 to discuss the planned improvements. If you have any questions on this, give me a call at your convenience at 333-6759. RCP/PJF cc: `Associate Traffic Engineer Street Superintendent memolwrsac.doc CITY OF LODI PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT . TRAFFIC WORK AUTHORIZATION TO lC.r / G / FILE �g702� FROM r J� DATE TITLE h in Larile.- -nU par�-ng reps Mr 5a.le. - 'east side. DESCRIPTION see attached no pari] nq o -f vehs -Gr -m k_" Cts shown . SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SCHEDULE ✓ with next contract or your convenience at your earliest opportunity do before RECEIVED do after CHARGE TO -""'Appropriate Maintenance Account MAY 12 1999 Capital Account Special Allocation CITY OF LODI MUNICIPAL SERVICE CENTER APPROVALS Engineering r1 tis Public Works Dire-ftdr Date TO: Public Works Director -Traffic Section Police Chief FROM: Street Superintendent Work completed on &- Z -'7 2 REMARKS 21 6 -7 911 igned Date PER ITraffic Ord. Sec. =Council Action Feb 19118 TRAFFIC RECORDS HAL OTS FILE TRAFFIC RESOLUTION TRAFFIC CONTROL MAP —74- TRAFFIC COMPLAINT FORM/ DATA FILE CarFaire - About Us _U1MICLE.. "A new and refreshing way to buy and sell used vehicles on the internet and at select community college locations" CarFaire is a community- based program sponsored by select community colleges that enables buyers and sellers of used vehicles to come together at the college or through our website. There are no salesmen and no pressure. Sellers can display their vehicle -at the college and/or on our website for a nominal fee, while buyers can buy direct from the sellers without the added cost of commissions. We have four CarFaire locations; our CarFaire website, Cabrillo Community College in Aptos, Caiif., Irvine Valley Community College in Irvine, Calif., and San Joaquin Delta Community College in Stockton, Calif. The CarFaire Website Display your vehicle or shop for one on our website. Use our detailed search criteria to look for a vehicle, RV, or boat. Our site is directly advertised to thousands of buyers each weekend through our CarFaire locations. We are more than just another auto website, we have a place where sellers can physically display their vehicles, and for those seller's unable to bring their vehicle to CarFaire, our website offers a perfect solution to still participate in this weekend community event. See for yourself how CarFaire can work for you. More for the Auto Buyer Now, no more wondering what is at CarFaire this weekend. Simply log on to our website and see all the cars that registered at CarFaire college locations listed on our site. To see what came in for the previous weekend, try looking on our site by Wedensday evening and run a search for cars just listed with in the last seven days. You will find this option on the vehicle search page. Our CarFaire College Locations Now you can display your vehicle at one of our three college locations every weekend. 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To see vehicles listed from the most recent weekend only, simply log on to our site after Wednesday afternoon and select the option to search vehicles listed within the last seven days. This option is on the vehicle search page. Where? San Joaquin Delta College in the parking lot off of Pacific Avenue. When? Every Saturday from 8am to 4pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. How? Sellers just show up. No reservations are required. Sellers do not need to stay with their vehicle and vehicles can be left over night. After the first weekend of display, registered sellers can bring their vehicle to the college Friday evening after 5pm. Cost? For Sellers a one-time fee of $30.00 includes: . Unlimited display of the vehicle until it is sold . Complimentary listing on CarFaire's website until it is sold (Color photo & personalized detailed description, $5 additional) http://www.carfaire.com/selisanjoaquin.html 10/20/99 CarFaire - San Joaquin Delta Community College in Stockton Page 2 of 2 . Computerized Kelly Blue Book Analysis . For Sale Signs . Computerized Tear Off Sheets Contact? CarFaire at (800) 220-4441 or our cellular phone during weekend business hours at (209) 639-6666. CarFaire is not a dealer and does not participate in sales. For more information call 1- 800- 220- 4441 or email to info@carfaire.com. (About _Us] [Buy A Vehicle] [Sell. A Vehicle] [Vehicle Resources] [501 Your Car On This_Website] http://www.carfaire.com/sellsanjoaquin.html 10/20/99 /o(ay(q+ %weft f*c"PWO.4 -'*R1 rtJI o� v a.w iris Cars , Th4 Von W.� � � !limb /otdKi4q / howert -Jac r.�*�� " /` i q/•�s f; ekww% .i ma114 fo �o 4t a:ow Nei t�u�c�k cent) �.� OX b� o� TR�I�+,S 'I► Pall ItNorfkboM.CAW 0 u+ K Ceoht* ° ^ s hau l fi r wh �s.1� cls fea•K otr 3=1s `OCMMW 46. Z a.d v. lts + t chi IA aFL , OW&e S4c . ,crus: -t Cwi `' c. 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