Council asks staff to investigate parking‑lot leases near downtown ahead of festivals

Council members spent an extended portion of the Sept. 21 meeting discussing downtown parking policy and the status of nearby parking lots. Staff reminded council that the city had eliminated off-street parking requirements in the C3 overlay for new development and that the city already leases and maintains certain lots for parking; one previously leased lot’s lease has expired.

Council asked the assistant city administrator and staff to research ownership and leasing options for a lot near Third and Lafayette and to return with cost and feasibility information so the city can determine whether re-leasing or otherwise providing that lot as public parking is appropriate, especially during festivals. "There’s no off street parking requirements in C3," a staff member said during the exchange; council requested follow-up research and potential signage for public parking locations.