HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes1993-026
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Sponsored by: Tones
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION NO. 93-026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, APPROVING A CHANGE ORDER TO THE
DRYDEN & LARUE CONTRACT FOR TRANSMISSION LINE DESIGN
WHEREAS, the city of Seward has contracted with Dryden & LaRue to design the
new transmission line; and
WHEREAS, the current contract limit is $739,185; and
WHEREAS, Dryden & LaRue has completed design of the line and the bid
documents for Phases I-A and I-B and has provided construction support and inspection
services for Phase I-A for a total cost of $735,949.45; and
WHEREAS, the cost of support services during construction of Phase I-B, which
is just starting and is scheduled to be completed by October 15, 1993, is estimated to be
$52,000; and
WHEREAS, the method of providing inspection services for Phase I-B has not yet
been resolved, and funds are not requested for inspection services at this time; and
WHEREAS, funds are available within the Transmission Line Project Budget;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. A change order increasing the Dryden & LaRue contract amount for
transmission line design and support services to $787,949.45 is hereby APPROVED.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this
8th day of March, 1993.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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Dave W. Crane, Mayor
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SEWARD SMALL BOAT HARBOR PARKING MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDA TIONS
I. ADJUSTMENT OF PARKING TIME LIMITS
A. NORTH AND SOUTH LOTS (map # 1 and 13)
Situation:
30 day long term parking
Options:
Maintain,
reduce or increase time
Discussion:
These lots are primarily for boat owners, employees and day cruise visitors. Thirty (3D)
days is too long to manage properly and does not allow for turn over of spaces, and
encourages camping. If people are leaving for long periods of time they could make
arrangements to leave vehicles at home, friends, private storage. Perhaps in time a
long term lot might be provided if space eventually allows it. There is concern about
providing for longer 4 day weekends. It would appear that we should manage for the
norm, not for the unusual since 4 day weekends do not occur very often.
Recommendation:
In order to turn over parking spaces and to provide a time limit that is enforceable, limit
parking time in the north and south lots to 72 hours, to be enforced May 15 to
September 15 each year.
B. MIDDLE LOT (map # 22)
Situation:
4 hour intermediate term parking for regular and handicap spaces and 30 minute
loading zones
Options:
Maintain,
reduce or increase time
Discussion:
For all practical purposes, this lot is geared primarily to nearby businesses. The 4 hour
limit was picked to 1} allow customers ample time to shop and dine, and 2} to avoid
the lot being filled with half-day cruise passenger vehicles. With this in mind it probably
needs to be enforced only during the daytime. By the time the time the lot was signed
and people got use to the 4 hours, the season was about over; however, it did appear
that spaces were turning over and there seemed to always be empty spaces.
Enforcement should start earlier than the summer season because of the potential of
having early season fisherman's vehicles being left in the lot.
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3/22/93
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Recommendation:
Maintain 4 hour limit from April 15 to Sep 15 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
C. NORTH OF COAST GUARD (map # 43)
Situation:
ARR land with no time limits posted
Options:
Leave as is or obtain ARR permit allow city parking management
Discussion:
This is an area of remaining railroad land that is not under lease. It has been used for
public parking for many years. The city did pave and stripe it a number of years ago
without paying any attention to ownership. Because it is not under city control, the
city is unable to establish or enforce parking regulations. It is possible that the yacht
club might expand their ARR lease site and use the parking for their members.
Recommendation:
City work to obtain a permit from ARR to allow city management by setting parking
time limits consistent with the Middle Lot at 4 hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM,
April 15 to Sep 15.
D. 4TH AVE FROM FISH DITCH TO RAIL ROAD DEPOT (map # 44)
Situation:
Two hour short term parking
Options:
Maintain,
reduce or increase time
Discussion:
The current two hour limit seems to be working fairly well, providing for a turn over
of spaces, allowing patrons time enough to conduct limited business in the harbor.
Recommendation:
No change. Maintain 2 hour parking limit from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It should also be
noted that there is a need to post the street so as not to allow trailers, either attached
or unattached.
E. OVERALL SIGNING OF ENFORCEMENT TIMES
Situation:
Other than handicap and loading zones which should be enforced year around, parking
regulations in the larger lots and on 4th Ave are enforced during the peak season only.
Signs have been taken down in the winter and put back up in the spring.
Harbor Parking Mgmt Aeconvnendation.
3/22/93
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Options:
Leave the signs as they are now without the time regulations jre in effect and take
them down and put them up at the beginning and end of each season; or modify the
signs to include effective dates of regulations.
Discussion:
Fishermen and other boat users coming in the spring for fishing season may enter a
parking lot just before the signs are put back up, leave a vehicle, and return some time
later to find a ticket. If the signs had the effective dates of enforcement then people
would be informed at all times.
Recommendation:
Modify signs to denote the time of the year the parking regulations are in effect, and
if feasible because of weather, leave signs up year around.
F. HANDICAP PARKING
Situation:
There is a need to provide adequate handicap parking spaces in the harbor.
Options:
Add, reduce or maintain the number handicap spaces.
Discussion:
There are now handicap spaces at D, F and J floats; and on 4th Ave. in front of the
Harbormaster Office and the Park Service Visitor Center. There has been abuse of the
handicap spaces by people not observing the parking limits.
Recommendation:
1) Establish at least one handicap space in the extreme NE corner of the South
Parking Lot near the A-Frame building. (map #2)
2) Maintain existing handicap parking spaces
3) Post handicap spaces with the same time limits as the other spaces within the
same parking lot
II. LOADING ZONES
A. BUSESITROLLEY
Situation:
Trolley stop in front of Park Service. Buses parking in middle of street to on/off load
passengers
Options:
Maintain,
reduce or increase bus/trolley locations
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3/22/93
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Discussion:
The trolley stop in front of the Park Service appears successful. On the surface it
appears feasible to share one spot for both buses and trolley; however, the buses are
unscheduled and take some time to service passengers. That potentially leaves the
scheduled trolley without a place to stop. Because of the number of buses that will be
coming to the harbor, it seems reasonable to provide some loading zones to encourage
the buses which should in turn reduce the overall number of cars using the harbor.
Additionally, it is important to get the buses out of the traffic lane in order that they
do not block vehicles. Loading zones should have a time limit to eliminate having buses
left unattended. Buses would have to find alternate off harbor sites to park while they
are waiting for passengers to return from day cruises.
Recommendation:
a) Maintain the trolley site in front of Park Service on 4th Ave. (map # 26)
b) Establish a bus loading zone on the east side of 4th Ave immediately north of
the south entrance to the middle lot (Map #22)
c) Establish a bus loading zone on the west side of 4th Ave in front of the A-
Frame building (map #2)
d) Designate trolley and bus zones at the train depot (map #16)
e) Establish a 30 minute limit on loading zones
f) Buses within loading zones may not be left unattended
B. VEHICLE LOADING ZONES
Situation:
The only vehicle loading zones in the north and south ends of the middle lot, adjacent
to the D and F ramp fire lanes.
Options:
Maintain, reduce or increase the number of loading zones.
Discussion:
The only loading zones in the harbor are in the middle parking lot serving only D and
F floats. There is a need for loading zones near all the ramps to provide boat
owners/operators a convenient means to move goods, supplies and equipment to their
vessels.
Recommendation:
a) Establish three, 4th Ave parking spaces immediately north of the B Ramp fire
lane, as loading zones (between map # 24 and 26)
b) Maintain the 30 minute loading zones in the Middle Parking Lot serving D and
F floats (each side of map # 22)
c) In cooperation with 4 Seasons Property Mgmt, establish 3 loading zones in the
public parking portion of the 4 Seasons lot to serve J Ramp. (between Map #
18 and 43).
d) As the east side (map parking lot develops, establish 2-3 loading zones spaces
at the X float ramp (north of map # 42)
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3122193
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m. OTHER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
A. DOUBLE LENGTH PARKING SPACES
Situation:
Individual vehicles are using double length spaces designed for vehicles with attached
trailers
Options:
Ignore or restrict parking of vehicles without trailers
Discussion:
In order to reduce congestion at the launch ramp, it is important to have parking for
vehicles with trailers as close to the launch ramp as possible in order to allow ramp
users to park or retrieve their vehicles quickly, get back to their boat and move it out
of the way.
Recommendation:
a) In the south lot (map #1), post and enforce use of double size spaces for
vehicles with attached boat trailers only.
b) Assuming "boulder stadium" (map #34) will be used for parking, also post and
enforce use of double size spaces for vehicles with attached boat trailers only.
NOTE: THE ABOVE ITEM WAS DISCUSSED BUT REJECTED BY THE COMMITTEE
BECAUSE IT WAS FELT THAT IT RESERVED PARKING FOR TOO SPECIFIC A GROUP
OF USERS
B. OTHER TRANSPORTATION MEANS TO REDUCE PARKING NEEDS
Situation:
There are fewer parking spaces available than are needed by the business employees,
boat owners, visitors, day cruise passengers, vessel crews etc.
Options:
Encourage or discourage use of private and or public "mass transit" transportation
methods
Discussion:
One method of reducing the demand on the short supply of parking spaces is to
encourage the use of "mass transit" type systems such as buses, trolleys, and the
railroad that would bring large numbers of passengers but require no parking spaces.
Recommendation:
a) Encourage ARR and bus/day cruise travel packages
b) Encourage use of Trolley to move people in and out of harbor
c) Encourage bus or trolley shuttles from off site parking, campgrounds and
military camps for day cruise trips
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3/22/93
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C. PARKING TICKETS
Situation:
Parking tickets are $25
Options:
Maintain, reduce or increase ticket amounts
Discussion:
If reduced too much, a person would have a tendency to consider it inexpensive
parking. If too high it creates bad publicity more than it encourages turn over of
parking spaces. Issuing warning tickets during the first few days when the parking
regulations are effect might be good PR, but it dilutes and complicates the police
enforcement. How long is long enough to give warnings? It is assumed that if the
enforcement times are posted on signs, that should be sufficient.
Recommendation:
Reduce parking ticket to $20.00 with no warning or grace period.
D. REDISTRIBUTE LAUNCH RAMP PARKING NEEDS
Situation:
The launch ramp (map #28) creates congestion and a high demand for parking in one
location of harbor
Options:
Continue to make the best of the situation or seek to spread the use out.
Discussion:
A 2nd harbor launch ramp could be used redirect some traffic to a less congested area
of the harbor such as the east side near the grid (map # 39/40). There are federal
monies available through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for development
of sport fishing related facilities. The city is in #1 position for FY94 funds which will
not be available until 10/1/93. So it is possible to construct such a ramp in the spring
'94. Construction of primitive launch ramps at other locations such as SMIC could
further redistribute traffic associated with light skiffs and rubber boats
Recommendation:
a) Maintain the primitive launch ramp for skiffs and rubber boats at SMIC and
investigate other sites for such ramps.
b) Work toward the development of a full service boat launch ramp in the NE
corner of the harbor (map #40).
c) Carefully monitor launch ramp fees in order to provide base line data on the
needs of double length parking spaces
E. UNATTACHED TRAILERS
Situation:
Boat owners often launch their boats, park the trailer and leave it unattended, utilizing
limited vehicle parking areas
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3/22/93
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Options:
Continue to allow or restrict the parking of unattended trailers in public lots and streets
Discussion:
It would seem that a number of options are available to boat owners for their trailers
other than leaving them in public parking areas. They could take them to any number
of private storage lots within the community, or they can pay storage for them in
designated city boat storage areas.
Recommendation:
a) No unattached trailers of any kind should be allowed in any public parking areas
or along public streets.
b) Provide for unattached trailers, under the same harbor storage provisions as
boats, in the east lot (map #391 storage area
c) Ensure the harbor area is properly signed regarding unattached trailers
IV. ADJUST CITY CODE REQUIREMENTS
A. VEHICLES FOR SALE IN PUBLIC LOTS
Situation:
People are parking vehicles "For Sale" in public parking lots fronting 3rd Ave
Options:
Allow the practice to continue or restrict it
Discussion:
Obviously the use of public parking lots for the sole purpose of gaining exposure the
sale of a private vehicle is not the highest and best use of already overcrowded public
parking areas. However it might be difficult to clearly prove that the car was placed
there for the sole purpose of selling as opposed to having a "for sale" sign in a care
that happens to be parked. It is possible that there may be some constitutional rights
involved here.
Recommendation:
That existing and proposed parking regulations will probably suffice to manage this
problem. It is not recommended that any specific code changes be made on this issue.
B. OUT OF DATE. UNCLEAR AND UNENFORCEABLE CODE PROVISIONS
Situation:
There are some aspects of the city code relating to parking, such as 11.15.125 Small
Boat Harbor still shows 1, 12 & 30 days as short, intermediate and long term parking,
that are outdated or otherwise complicate the enforcement of parking regulations
Options:
Leave the code as is and chance having parking enforcement jeopardized in the courts
or modify the code to be in compliance and/or enforceable
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3/22/93
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Discussion:
It is not unusual to have parking tickets thrown out on technicalities such as improper
signing and unclear codes.
Recommendation:
Review all sections of the city parking codes paying particular attention to out of date,
unclear and unenforceable provisions and recommend ordinance corrections to Council
C. CAMPING IN PUBLIC PARKING LOTS
Situation:
People are using motor homes, vans, trucks and trailered boats for parking/camping
in the public parking lots. The code is not clear enough to distinguish between a
vehicle parking and one being used for camping
Options:
Ignore the motor home camping activity in public parking lots or work to move those
campers to designated camping areas
Discussion:
Allowing motor home camping in the parking lots not only utilizes high demand parking
areas, but creates a campground revenue loss to Parks and Recreation Department.
The reduction in time from 30 day to 72 hours will probably assist in moving some of
these campers out of the lots. The existing code states no camping in these lots.
Those who are skirting the law will claim they are only parking and not camping.
Although it seems clear to some what the distinction is, it has not really been tested
in court because digging in to the problem has been generally avoided. The restriction
of all RV's from the parking lots would Clearly solve the problem, but that would mean
a lot of people who are legitimately parking would be penalized for the actions of a
few. The chamber, merchants, campground personnel and harbormaster should work
together informing the public that no camping will be allowed in public parking lots.
Police and campground personnel can make routine checks between midnight and early
morning to have campers relocate out of the parking lots.
Recommendation:
In order to eliminate campers from using the current 30-day lots for camping, strongly
enforce current regulations and add a sign at each lot that reads "No occupied vehicles
or boats allowed between Midnight and 6:00 am.
D. CHANGING ZONING CODE PARKING REQUIREMENTS
Situation:
a)
b)
The Zoning Code allows businesses in the Harbor Commercial Zone fronting 4th
Ave to utilize public parking lots to satisfy their parking needs. Those facing 3rd
Ave. provide parking on their own land.
There is no requirement in the code for parking needs for the marina itself
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3/22/93
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Options:
Leave the code as it is or make modifications such as requiring established and/or new
businesses to provide parking, established parking requirements for marinas, etc.
Discussion:
The city zoning code is obviously inadequate in its parking requirements for both
harbor users and upland businesses. For future expansions and new harbors a code
revision can easily address those needs. Although the harbor area has been developing
steadily over the past few years,it appears to be generally recognized that the daily
passenger/crew capacity of the day cruise industry, now in excess of 1400 people per
day and a projected to be over 2000 by the 1994 season, is having a tremendous
impact on the harbor parking.
Recommendations:
a) Review and adjust code to include parking requirements for the existing,
expansions and new harbors/marinas
b) Tour related businesses using boats for hire that are licensed to carry 20 or
more people, including crew, must provide on or off site parking.
1) Existing businesses must be in compliance by May 1, 1995.
2) Any new business or an existing business bringing in an additional (as
opposed to a replacement) vessel must comply immediately.
d) The Committee discussed and rejected:
1) MOdifying the code restrict existing businesses from eliminating any
current on-site parking spaces;
2) Requiring new businesses other than day cruise vessels, to provide
parking
V. ADDITIONAL PARKING AREAS
A. PUBLIC LANDS
Situation:
There are a number of sites on public lands otherwise undesignated for parking that
are being use being used for parking or could be used for parking.
Options:
Open up new areas for parking or live with what lands are presently designated for
parking.
Discussion:
a)
Third Ave has become an alternate off site parking. There is mixed concern
about the safety of people, especially children darting out from behind parked
cars; people crossing to the boardwalk access points; trailer parking; lack of
shoulder and visibility at intersections. There appears to be room for as many
as 150 single parking spaces between Van Buren and the Port Ave. (map # 45)
Halbor Parking Mgmt Recommendation.
3/22/93
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b)
The long term boat storaoe area south of NAPA is viewed as a poor use of
limited land resource. If paved and stripped, about 88 single spaces could be
developed in this area. (map #14)
c) Boulder Stadium has been used for overflow parking on busy weekends.
Although it is used sporadically by the Parks and Recreation Department for
softball tournaments and overflow caravan parking, it is available most times
for parking. If properly marked, the area has the potential for about 70 double
length spaces and 135 single spaces. (map # 34)
d) The large lot on east side of harbor has largely been ignored with regard to
parking management except by users of X float. (map # 39)
e) The area along 4th Ave between the breakwater and Harbor Liohts Condos
although part of the camping area, is used for parking as well. If the 100 feet
or so fronting 4th Ave were paved and stripped with a more defined
campground entrance about 45 parking spaces could be created; however, it
would mean a loss of campground revenue. (map #30)
f) Forest Acres Campground is under utilized and might be an alternate off-site
parking area.
Recommendation:
a) Since Third Ave is a state highway, DOT/PF is requested to review parking
along this road in light of the safety concerns expressed. They should sign it
accordingly. (map #45)
b) Remove boats in the storaoe area near NAPA, to either east side of harbor or
SMIC. In the interim, place log barriers to delineate parking rows. Work toward
paving and striping the lot. It would be under the same parking management as
the North Lot. (map #14)
c) For the short term, in cooperation with the city Parks and Recreation
Department schedules for softball tournaments and overflow caravan camping,
make the "boulder stadium" ball field available for parking primarily vehicles
with trailers. For the long term, work toward developing a new ball field
elsewhere in the community to replace boulder stadium as permanent parking,
primarily for double length spaces. (map #34)
d) On a temporary basis, grade and surface the East Lot. Locate boat storage in
a line on the far east side of the lot. Take measures to delineate parking rows.
Post "no camping" between midnight and 6:00 am) in this lot". Designate this
as a 30 day long-term lot to serve the needs of the fishermen, and use this area
for the paid storage of unattended boat trailers. This area may need further
review during the design of the new boat launch ramp. The long range goal is
a paved parking area. (map # 39)
Harbor Parking Mgmt Aecommendations
3/22/93
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e)
Continue to the use the area along 4th Ave. between the breakwater and the
condos for camping. (map #30)
f)
Assuming a shuttle service or the trolley served it, a portion of Forest Acres
could be used as an off site parking.
C. PARKING GARAGE
Situation:
The concept of the city building a multi-level parking garage has been offered as a
means to more fully utilize available parking sites.
Options:
Consider or not consider the concept as viable at this time.
Discussion:
Is there enough of a parking problem to justify the enormous expense of a parking
garage? Could it pay for itself through fees or would the city have to subsidize it?
Because of the height and limited grade that the travelift can handle, except for small
trailerable boats, it would be impossible to store boats in the winter time. This would
make it a very limited proposition.
Recommendation:
A public parking garage would appear to be an unjustified expense at this time in light
of the limited period of time that parking is a problem and that it would be technically
unfeasible to use it for winter boat storage except of smaller trailerable boats.
B. PRIVATE LANDS
Situation:
There have been offers from realtors and suggestions by the public that the city
acquire vacant private lands near the harbor for public parking.
Options:
Approve or reject the idea of acquiring private lands for public parking
Discussion:
The RV campground site., the area between the lagoon and Van Buren St., and
portions of the Leirer Industrial area have been suggested as locations that the city
might look to acquire through purchase or lease for public parking. All the sites are
adjacent to the harbor area. The acquisition of private lands would have the effect of
reducing the city's taxable land base and it would remove these properties from future
private development. All have excellent locations for commercial and industrial
development.
Recommendation:
At this time, the city purchase of private lands for parking is not recommended. The
private sector is encouraged to review the parking needs of the harbor and develop
these lands for parking as a private enterprise.
Harbor Perking Mgmt Recommendations
3/22/93
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VI. OFF STREET PAID PARKING OR BUSINESS IMPACT FEE
A. PAID PARKING
Situation:
Existing public lots were paved and set up through harbor bond monies. Subsequent
maintenance has been done by either public works or the harbor departments. The four
public lots (map # 1, 13, 43 and 22) serve most of the local businesses, visitors and
boat. There is a question about fairness in providing public parking lots for businesses
in the harbor as opposed to business in the auto commercial districts that have to
provide their own parking.
Options:
Continue free parking, institute paid parking by customers, or a parking lot
maintenance assessment to businesses
Discussion:
A quick investigation revealed that it costs a minimum of $5300 annually to maintain
these lots. This covers the towing of vehicles to clear the lots, sweeping time,
replacement of sweeping brooms, striping, signs, trash pickup and snow removal.
Thus far there has been no maintenance or replacement of the paving. The police
enforcement is generally covered by the revenue generated by parking tickets. Another
factor to consider is the bad publicity that might generated by paid parking. The short
term 4-hour lots are being managed primarily in favor of upland businesses while the
longer term lots are managed in support of the boat owners.
Recommendation:
a) With regard to this report paid parking is considered management tool and for
capital replacement and maintenance. However the committee recognizes that
the council, as part of the budget process, could consider parking as a revenue
source.
b) As a test, designate the 4-hour Middle Lot (map #22), which primarily services
the business, for paid parking for the 1993 summer season only with the
understanding that the loading zones are free but handicap spaces would be at
the same rate as the remainder of the lot.
c) Paid parking should be managed in house by the police department based on
consultation with the Anchorage Parking Authority.
B. PARKING PERMITS
Although the topic of permits was discussed, it appeared that without all lots being
designated paid parking, there was no need for permits. Should paid parking ultimately
be instituted throughout the harbor this issue needs to be addressed.
Harbor Parking Mgmt Recommendations
3122193
12
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CITY OF SEW ARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION NO. 93-026
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
A TIEST:
Bencardino, Crane, Darling, Krasnansky, Sieminski, Swartz & White
None
None
None
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wohlforth, Argetsinger, Johnson &
Brecht, Attorneys for the city of Seward,
Alaska
Th~~ -
City Attorney
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(City Seal)