Council debates two-hour limits, paid parking and a leased lot to address downtown congestion

Council members spent substantial time weighing options to manage downtown parking, from expanding 2-hour on-street limits to leasing additional lots. City Manager Cardwell said a proposed leased lot could provide "several 100 at a minimum" spaces depending on how far east the lease extends, but cautioned the final number depends on the Montana Department of Transportation's downtown roundabout design.

Several council members and staff said paid parking would carry significant capital costs — for example, parking garages in other cities — and noted local business associations would likely need to drive such a change. Council members encouraged discussion with downtown businesses and the urban renewal committee before advancing narrow two-hour expansions to specific blocks.