| Parking Space Problems
Phil McBride and Steve Taksar have been asked to attend this meeting to address the problem of blue parking spaces being used by visitors and the shortage of faculty/staff parking spaces in general.
Mr. Taksar asked how often the problem occurs with large numbers of visitors and how many people (staff) are displaced by these visitors? He said that he would like to listen to concerns at the meeting today and come back at a later date with more information for the council.
Capt. McBride was asked if there is any limitation to the visitor pass at all. His answer was no. He also noted that we have 2,087 total spaces in our parking lots and about 7,000 people needing parking spaces. We have 328 blue parking spaces and 413 annual parking permits purchased for those spaces. There are 107 blue spaces in the main lot and 42 blue spaces in the Knobview lot.
Capt. McBride was also asked if the blue spaces can be kept for faculty and staff only. He stated that he has not discussed this issue with the current chancellor but former chancellors have instructed police not to ticket community/business people attending functions.
A concern was voiced that non-traditional students and elderly employees have trouble leaving campus at night (especially if they must park in student parking due to lack of blue spaces by visitors) with inadequate lighting. According to Bloomington representatives, the lighting is adequate according to code, but new lighting is in the offing because parts, etc., are not available for the current fixtures. This would cost approximately $500,000 to replace all outside lighting.
Another concern noted was the gravel lot near Knobview. It is often muddy and not easy to walk on the gravel. Capt. McBride noted that a request has been put in to expand parking for fall, 2003. This request would add 150 new spaces. The areas affected would be the rear of the Evergreen lot and the gravel lot south of the Knobview lot. A sidewalk would also need to be added near the Knobview expansion. After this is done, they hope to black top these areas. If these are approved, blue spaces would likely be added as well as student parking.
Capt. McBride also noted that part-time workers (especially in IT) have a large number of blue permits and this has dramatically changed the complexion of the problem. Also a certain number of spaces are mandated by law to be designated as handicapped accessible.
Mr. Taksar suggested that a couple of staff people meet with Mr. Taksar and Capt. McBride to focus on issues and review policies before they come back to the council to report. The president suggested that this take place after the first of the year and said that she would talk with council members and appoint at least 2 people to this discussion group.
|
