Meeting began at 9:10AM with Jerry Breiner, Tom Mericle, Michael Kodama, Mike Merewether, Jeff Smith, Greg Smith, Barbara Evans, Sid White, Dave Armstrong and Quinn Fenwick in attendance. Tom chaired the meeting today, going over the basics of 4 subjects:

FINANCING/REVENUE

Currently the WiFi mesh/network is being installed with no additional funding initially needed. This is vital to the success and effectiveness of the meter system. The second tier of the installation would be primarily aimed for meters' use, and the timing schedule is set for the next 3-4 months. A few options are being considered to finance the meters, the last being debt financing. As previous discussions have reviewed the meters' vendor has financing options that may allow leasing, purchasing or a combination of both. Long discussion.

ORDINANCES

Recommendation within the suggestions for the ordinance changes include the creation of the Parking Management District Advisory Board, set up in a similar way to other Council advisory groups. Long discussion on editing suggestions to provided materials. Tom to send off to committee members for input. Jerry to forward to larger group. One question still remaining in the City Attorney's office is the question of how the original parking districts were setup, whether by the City or the stakeholders. As it is, Tom reported that as far as he can tell from various sources the original assessments, bonds and improvements were paid off in the 1960s. There is remaining confusion about how and if to disband the existing districts. Discussion. The current parking structure is not in either of the existing parking districts.

RESIDENTIAL PERMITS

Parking board/PBID coordination will be vital to address some of the issues of concern, especially the long list of possible benefits. Would the new funding mechanism work hand-in-hand with the PBID Management team once formed? A re-establishment of City baseline services will be forthcoming from Sid.

METERS

Discussion on the need to make instructions absolutely crystal clear to users. Discussion was raised by Jerry about the concept of back-in parking. Positives were listed as safety for those exiting their vehicles to be able to easily get to the curb instead of having to walk around the vehicle, as well as the ease of use to put items in the trunk. Negatives were listed as the exhaust from vehicles aiming directly at the curb, outdoor diners and passersby, the fact that plants in planters (and the planters themselves) could easily be damaged, private property owners' reluctance to allow the change due to the above. Discussion. Tom suggested that it appears to be soon to be having this discussion, and the fact the committee and the City focus on more angled parking at this point, as this can be addressed in the future with simple restriping. He stated the CIP will be altered to extend the Main Street core to Ash with either bulb-outs and either a stop sign or signal. Discussion followed on the need for a signal at Fir. The corner of Thompson and Ash is finally funded and a new crosswalk of some design will take place there within the year, all things moving forward. Discussion on spaces and designations took up our remaining time.

Meeting adjourned 11:00AM

Meeting began at 9am. Today's meeting, short in agenda, was to discuss the results of the public meetings, Parking's endorsement request and the staff report, and the next steps for the committee and Tom/Mike in regards.

Tom sent over a 3-page summary for the board's review, Jerry to email prior to the 5/28 board meeting. Mike noted that the survey results had come back, and of the responses few disagreed that meters should pay for police and valet programs: most of the responses stated concerns about revenue's final destination (all discussions centered on DOTs request to have all revenues remain in the district for use in the district) and security/streetscape enhancement issues. Newer structures would be paid for out of fees from the parking at those structures. It is very clear that private lots are not being utilized to their maximum, this from both the surveys and other input Tom and DOT have picked up. Discussion about moving the Farmer's Market to allow parking on that/those lots. The Senior Center lot was discussed, but the most animated idea we discussed was the concept of using the east City Hall lot, the one to the right of the driveway at City Hall.

We discussed the timing of installation (what time of year to install meters) and the timing of the meters themselves. We had discussed in the past the hours of 9-6 or 10-6, though Tom is still looking at 10-10. More discussion needs to take place in regards: some of us had concerns about post-6:00 timing.

Tom has met recently with CalTrans regarding decking the freeway. Discussion. Mike Kodama is meeting with Marcia Rood, former development manager for the City of Pasadena in regards how they set up their districts, etc. Both will report back to DOT with info once in hand. There is a meeting there June 10 - discussion about Jerry and Rob attending. Mike will also be attending the International Parking Mgt. Conference later this year in Dallas, where he will be winning yet another award. Kudos to Mike!

Rob will attend council to deliver DVO endorsement, with Jerry, Dave and Greg in attendance.

Meeting was called to order at 11:07 with Jerry Breiner, Deborah Schreiber, Jill Martinez, Sherry Cash, Ken Corney, Rick Pierson, Adele Ferguson, Mike Merewether, Pat Cunningham, Nick Deitch and Peter Brown in attendance.

Discussion began on the plan to get the City Housing Element draft to Council. Mike asked if the geographic area should be defined, and if so, should we define it locally? Downtown only? Westside + downtown? Though the downtown and the westside are the primary focus, the consensus was that a citywide policy would be a great end-goal but DVO's mission is to handle the downtown as best we can. To that end, our focus will be on downtown-specific goals and aspirations.

The Gateway could be, and by all rights sounds like it would be, the best link between the different agencies, their clientele and the public. Its design, both socially, politically and conceptually could very well serve as a template for other jurisdictions. Jill noted that we are prioritizing downtown and looking at other facilities in the meantime for sobering centers, for example. She has had discussions with the property owner at the old Greyhound bus terminal, currently for rent, in regards. She reminded that the 10-year Strategy is a county-wide proposal, but anything we do downtown can assist that strategy. Nick made a suggestion to complement the plan in our letter, but prioritize downtown.

Peter brought up the fact that there are really two places that need to be addressed, hopefully by this letter: (1) the City Housing Element, required to be updated by State law, and (2) the City of Ventura budget. Prioritizing downtown and noting that is part of the community at large may be helpful in the notes. He suggested Nick use verbiage, perhaps along the lines of:

- DOT is offering our collective opinion and expertise on these various matters to begin to identify and assign suggested impact levels by the community; we are part of the community but the focus of our opinions here are for the downtown.

- the Locations of these units need to be where the highest degree of suitability for the intended residents AND the community's needs are best addressed

The reality is it's NOT good to concentrate homeless in one specific area but rather integrate them back in to the society they left by locating them within the community but within reach of services. Integration is much more of a normal life and that is one thing sorely missing in the lives of many of these people. Discussion.

Jill noted that Lynn Jacobs, of the State of California, is putting a lot of pressure on cities wanting affordable housing units NOW. Ventura hasn't added one for years. Discussion followed on various levels of "affordable" as defined by the State. All the more reason to suggest changes and actual action to Council. She also suggested that we send a copy of the Sacramento Good Neighbor Policy to Cindy Cantle, Christie Madden, Melanie Roy, Carolyn Briggs and Barry Zimmerman as an intro to our letter. Jerry to coordinate this with Jill.

Meeting came to order at 9:07am with Jerry Breiner, Barbara Asbell, Barbara Evans, Rob Edwards, Dave Armstrong, Greg Smith, Tom Mericle, Mike Faulconer, Mike Kodama, Alex Herrera, Ed Warren, Pat Cunningham, Mike Merewether and Quinn Fenwick in attendance. Jerry thanked everyone for being on time for this most important of meetings.

We confirmed that the public town-hall meetings on the subject of the Parking Management Study would take place at 9am and 6pm on April 28th and May 13th at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Pat stated they would supply coffee and waters, Barbara Asbell agreed to provide snack foods of her choosing. The scheduled first date to go to council will be May 29th, and DOT will need to report back to the DVO board on its recommendations, based on the public input and DOT's opinions after this long period of information gathering. Tom and Mike will prepare the City's portion of the PowerPoint presentation and Jerry will provide DOT's input.

Tom suggestion a format whereby the City would do as little as possible. Discussion about that exactly could mean followed, and we agreed to "donut" the City presentation within the DOT intro and wrap-up. The total presentation should take no more than an hour without questions, but as we know there will be questions 2 hours seems to be the right length of time to set the meetings for. We will know after the first two on the 28th. Tom has met with City management, including Rick Cole, Ron Calkins and they have made suggestions to the delivery and timing of the concepts. Ron suggested to Tom that Council approve the concepts of the program, such as the implementation of the Downtown Specific Plan, and direct staff to create the documents necessary to implement and go to the next steps. These steps would include the creation of the parking management district and their structure, additions to the City code in regards the district and the meter revenues. Discussion.

Though we discussed the concept of bringing up the concept of adding the Harbor-at-California parking structure in to the DVO boundaries, consensus was we don't want to muddy up the waters at this point. We already have a full plate.

Tom noted that, once Council approves (assuming Council approves) we would go back to Council in July for final direction. Quinn and Barbara Evans spoke of the need to include beach parking in the benefit zone, not continue to separate the beach from downtown if we possibly can. Additionally, there are revenues to be generated for the lots on Harbor at Paseo de Playa and Surfers Point that currently are open season. Coastal Commission way have to weigh in on the plan, regarding access.

Mike M. liked the idea of the educational aspect of these meetings and wanted to know the timeline for owner participation in talks about structures. Tom noted that the biggest hurdle in tackling the existing district(s)) is the meeting to be held between the City Attorney's office and the property owners who currently have surface lots. Discussion.

Suggestion was made to lobby successful businesses for their take on the meter situation, including Clarey Rudd, Seana Weaver, Jim Rice, Chang and others. Mike Faulconer will speak to his neighbors, including Parts Unknown and A Secret Place for input.

PARKING

Meeting began at 9:50 with Jerry Breiner, Tom Mericle, Michael Kodama, Greg Smith, Jeff Smith, Barbara Asbell, Sid White, Quinn Fenwick, Ed Warren, Pat Cunningham, Dan Frederickson, Rob Edwards, Barbara Evans and Mike Merewether in attendance. Today's meeting was set to bring the committee up to speed on where the City Parking Management Study is, and to give DOT/DVO opportunity to weigh in on timing issues and public notification procedures.

Tom plans to go to Council on May 19 or so with his proposal, based on what he will have by that time from various sources, including DOT. He will need input this week on the paperwork handed out today, and he would like very much to meet prior to the next board meeting. We discussed setting up a special DOT next week, on Thursday same time/place, to catch everyone up on where we are. Once DOT has all of the info necessary, has had chance to discuss it fully, then the plan is to take the concept to the DVO board for endorsement. As the board meets 4/23 and then 5/14, it will be necessary to get public input - in detail - PRIOR to going to Council, if DVO is to consider endorsement. Discussion as to timing of this request. It was suggested to go the DVO board after public input is in hand...

Mike noted that the most difficult part of the management plan to figure is the future build-out of downtown, including parking structure locations, etc. Part of the scope of work includes loading zone and commercial parking management, and to that end Tom and Mike are meeting with reps of UPS to discuss the possibility of using downtown Ventura as a test case for a new delivery concept for them. Delivery times and loading zone locations are two aspects of downtown's parking management that Traffic has not been proactive in, though Jerry noted that the department was very helpful, reactively, when the loading zone issue came up in 2001 and 2002. Mike noted that parking demand in general, as per the surveys, is heaviest mid afternoon where Main street is 90%+ utilized. The need to control demand is the target, and how best to achieve that goal will be part of the plan for paid parking.

Tom produced a worksheet for the morning, saying he is looking to get DVO endorsement on 8 subjects. We discussed the subjects, starting with timing. Greg and Jerry spoke to the need to thoroughly vet the concept and its implications, both positive and negative, with the public. The question of what time frame we will need and how best to approach the PR aspect of it was discussed at length. Tom noted that though the City is struggling to save money and cut costs to many projects, they are allowing self-funded or revenue-generating projects through the pipeline. Mike said the supply/demand study is what is driving the meter installation portion of the parking management study. Greg stated, and the consensus agreed, that if we lead the study with meters and we (DVO/DOT) can't describe the total plan, its revenues, where they are planning to go, who decides where they go, how much is forecast to come in based on revenue streams, and other "triggers", we will fail in the eyes of the public, perhaps the Council, and the speed at which we seem to be heading will be counter to the hopeful output of all the work put in by Traffic and DOT. He stated we will need the remainder of the plan, detailed in its description, to be able to answer questions and perhaps defend the City's and DVO's stance on the meters. Discussion.

An outline of the plan will help greatly, as well as a status report on each individual component of the plan. We can all then refer to the document for clarification if and when we are asked about it. Discussion followed as to the concept of a multi-staged workshop/town-hall meeting to discuss the plan. For example, Jerry asked: what if a question comes up from a merchant, asking what the plan is for commercial loading zones, and if there is a plan to eliminate, change or alter them in any way? Mike said that at a certain level of detail such as that, discussions with merchants will be necessary and welcomed. A well-thought out rationale needs to be created to be able to deliver to the merchants and the general public, and to that end Quinn, Tom Mericle, Michael Kodama, Greg Smith and Jerry Breiner will work together to create the PR piece. Delivering these flyers by hand will be covered by VPD with Quinn in charge. Jerry and Rob will email the doc to the big email list, and other flyers and press releases can be coordinated by Jerry and Rob. Kevin Clerici of the VCStar has asked about these meetings in the past, and Jerry will interface with Kevin.

It was discussed that four 90-minute+ meetings, at 9:00am and 6:00pm on April 28 and May 12 should take place. The DVO will sponsor the meetings and the City will run them. Suggested meeting locations include the Community Meeting Room, the Knights of Columbus, the Mason's second floor and the Topping Room. The subcommittee will handle the reservations. All agreed this is the most efficient way to get the word out, in advance, to the general public and merchants. Barbara Asbell volunteered to provide snacks.

HOUSING

Jerry started the meeting late, due to the parking subcommittee running over time. Apologies all around.

We discussed the City code regarding solicitation and panhandling. The following is from the City Municipal code website:

Improving the way of life downtown with a solid "good Neighbor Policy" is vital to going forward, and to that end Nick Deitch is working on a draft of an update to the City Housing element. Jerry will contact him in regards so we can speak to the issue and the draft at the next DOT meeting in two weeks (4/24). Barbara Evans noted that somewhere in the Good Neighbor Policy there needs to be a mechanism for complaints. Discussion.

We talked about how larger populations of homeless, due to recent fires, are moving upriver towards Ojai. Barbara said that clearing out the River Channel would greatly help in this regard, but funding continues to be a stumbling block. Sherry is working on alternatives to the shopping carts, having found another type of collapsible cart at www.hookandgo.com. Discussion on how the locker scenario in Santa Barbara does not work well, due to mold, mildew and filth.

Jerry said only after we can get an update from Nick will we meet. He will update everyone before the 24th if the update is not forthcoming.

Meeting started at 9:15 with Jerry, Ed Warren, Barbara Evans, Quinn Fenwick, Rob Edwards and Pat Cunningham in attendance.

LIGHTING/SECURITY

Discussion centered around lighting in the KofC/Landmark 78 public parking lot across from Figueroa Plaza. Pat and Ed, both either property owners or representing same, were asked if there might be a way for a public-private partnership to light that parking lot, as the vandalism and crime has seen an upsurge. Quinn mentioned that the new 3-officer Special Projects Team, with Tom Higgins in the lead, may be looking at that issue. Ed has spoken with Dr Yu about moving the Chinese Mural along the side of Landmark 78 in hopes of opening up the Plaza to the Landmark building, and he will be speaking with Glen (the new tenant) about that issue and the lighting. It will serve both parties, at the very least, to light that lot.

PARKING/SIDEWALKS

Ed asked that we talk about widening the sidewalks at our next meeting. Coupled with that, discussion followed on parking and the fact there is adequate off-street parking now that is under-utilized and might be better utilized with the elimination of some Main Street parking. Quinn noted that there still remains a perception of lack of safety, even though in his view that is not necessarily the case. Sure, there are instances of problems just like in the rest of the City, but Quinn said he would investigate and get back to us on the ordinance, either thru ABC or the City, that allows the possibility of restaurants being able to vend in to the parking spaces along California and Main. Café Bella has already applied for the ability to do so, and if it works for them they could be the first restaurant taking advantage of a little-known but existing ordinance allowing for (and possibly encouraging) usage of the parking spaces for that purpose. Jerry noted that he had a discussion with Councilman Monahan about this fact just last week. If we can get an encapsulated version of the ordinance, Jerry will ask the DVO board for permission to put it up on the website.

UPLIGHTING/PUBLIC REALM

Discussion on the current state of affairs with uplighting and how best to couch the discussion for maximum buy-in from council. Councilman Andrews referred to the uplighting plans as "twinkle lights." Discussion followed on how we can showcase the safety and perception-of-lack-of-safety issues with the public. Quinn next asked what the latest was with parking meters and DOT's/DVO's stand on the issue. Jerry and Rob discussed at length the current status of the parking management plan, one facet nearly done (meters), and how DOT/DVO needs to have the entire plan complete prior to endorsement. That said, they both noted in separate ways that all of the work to date has been exemplary, though incomplete, and part of the plan from the beginning (see DOT notes from June 07) was that BEFORE DVO brings the parking meter plan to the Council it needs to be well-vetted with the public in workshops and public relation. At this point, with the water and sewer replacement tearing up Main Street and the businesses lack of traffic/parking, the timing of the installation really needs to be postponed. Economic factors outside our control don't help, and hammering the merchants at this point with a potentially incendiary concept would be well-timed. DOT has endorsed the idea of parking fees from our first discussions, but even prior to those discussions was the concept that nothing should get done without ample public input and notification. Much discussion.

Rob suggested that DOT put together an accomplishment/wish list for those seeking information on what DOT has done to date. Discussion.

10:25 ADJOURNED.

Meeting began at 10:40 with Adele Fergusson, Jill Martinez, Sherry Cash, Clyde Reynolds, Peter Brown, Pat Cunningham, Barbara Evans, Rob Edwards, Jerry Breiner and Debora Schreiber in attendance.

SEATTLE HOMELESS SYMPOSIUM UPDATE

Adele gave a great recap of her trip to the Seattle Conference on Ending Homelessness. She stated that Bill Gates, Sr, spoke, noting that the poor spend upwards of 70% of their income on housing and other presenters even suggested higher numbers. She said there was so much info it was like "trying to take a drink from a fire hydrant." We discussed the fact that the lack of affordable housing is the driving force behind this wide-spread phenomenon. The conference included many people from across the country, due to a heightened need for housing and related services. Pasadena's Colorado Blvd used to be a haven for slumlords before the City and the business improvement district took control. She mentioned that in Australia there is virtually no "family homelessness," and that if you don't vote you are fined. We all thought that made an awful lot of sense.

Mr Gates Sr also noted that homelessness is a symptom of our social system which is set up to address only one issue at a time. Typically, the homeless are facing more than one issue (addiction, mental instability, financial woes), so the importance of case management becomes vital to success, second only to the housing problem. Adele provided us a wealth of internet sites which we can use for further information and involvement, below:

National Alliance to End Homelessness

Minnesota Housing Programs

HUD

Homeless Resource Guide

Mid-America Institue on Poverty

LA mission report on what Americans believe about homeless people, problems and solutions

Special Populations of homeless Americans (9/03)

U S Conference of Mayors (2000)

Community Voice Mail

Warren Village

10-Year Plan and other updates for Portland

Corporation for Supportive Housing

Ain Dah Yung Center

AIDS housing of Washington

Washington State Housing Finance Commission

Capitol Hill Housing

How deep poverty affects the Midwest

Alternative to Shelter in Ending Family Homelessness

Also, she sent two email addresses for two of the speakers:

- Joanne Dyer (joanne.dyer@buildingchanges.org) who spoke on ending family homelessness

- Lancaster County PA experience (kmmcdivitt@tabornet.org)

GO TO TOP

We discussed the fact that, as the economy weakens, the idea of "Hooverville's" popping up becomes more of a reality. This applies to the "tent cities" that sprang up during the Great Depression, thanks in part of President Hoover's administration not having the tools to address the problems that led up to it. Jill spoke of the high percentage of foreclosures/bank-owned properties now on the market (Jerry noted over 50% in Oxnard and over 30% in Ventura currently) which could conceivably be used to house people. These homes are vacant and there is literally 100s of 1000s of square feet sitting vacant right now in Ventura County. Discussion. Jill said there is a great need for housing at the multi-member-family level that is not being addressed or solved. She suggested a scenario where a social services agency, perhaps run through the Gateway, could act as the liaison between the tenant and the landlord for maybe 6 months, as a trial. Discussion.

SPECIAL PROJECTS POLICE TEAM

Peter informed the group about the new Special Projects Team put together by the Ventura Police Department. They will be working on specific areas and specific projects and, in a somewhat related note, Quinn would like to work with DVO/DOT in helping acknowledge the upswing in level of VPD activity downtown.

HOMELESSNESS

Peter noted that he and Ken Belden will be speaking with VPD on the homelessness situation downtown and on the Avenue, and he will be attending and speaking at an April 10 symposium hosted by the faith-based community to talk about feedings in the Park and the misguided charity that accompanies the thoughtful act. He suggested that if any of us see such a move, that we ask respectfully to the giver "what is the exchange?" they are hoping to gain from feeding. If it's to help them eat because they are hungry, the idea of explaining that the way to end their stay on the street is not to enable them but rather to help them through other avenues of help, notably Family-to-Family on the Avenue. We talked about the fact that a Santa Paula church, the House of Jacob, comes to Ventura's Mission Park to find the homeless. Discussion. We suggested that some entity (undetermined) print up a business-sized card with a map on one side and the name and address/phone of two places to get food and housing. Sherry noted that the Soroptomists had printed up something similar, though it was more involved and larger, easier to throw away. Discussion.

HOUSING AND SUPPORT DRAFT

We discussed the status of Nick's (and the group's) draft initiative to engage multiple stakeholders (VSSTF, The Westside Community Council, DVO) in talks to spur edits to the City's Housing Element, due in June. Nick will set up a meeting between Kark Keller, Jerry Breiner, Michael O'Daniel and himself as all three groups are the most impacted and all 3 have credibility at Council. Though we are all seeking the same basic outcome, we have different approaches, tailored to our individual needs. We need a strategy that is inclusive of each group, and the housing element NEEDS to be updated to include, at the very least, a Good Neighbor Policy that currently does not exist at the either the City nor County level. Peter noted that we have currently 855 units and 1961 homeless more or less, but we will need - by the current numbers - almost 1400 in the county over 10 years. Ventura says we have a higher ratio and there is an unfair distribution of these housing units. He is hoping that we have a geographically-based solution as opposed to the count-based solution currently on the table.

All agreed to get back to Nick with our edits on the emailed piece he sent out for the next meeting. He will email Cathy Brudnicki for input (please see below her response):

Relative to the passage of SB2 (effective 1/08), each jurisdiction is required to specify an appropriate zone for locating an emergency shelter without imposing a requirement for conditional use permits - ALSO - HUD added a new category: extremely low income. The housing element is looking for specific wording for this category and for how the jurisdiction plans to meet the needs of this portion of the population. These people in the extremely low income group are in imminent danger of losing their homes. With the median income at $85K, then people who "only" make $65K are considered low income and eligible for specific programs. Low income (income of $40K) are eligible for supported housing. She said every comment regarding housing elements should be submitted in writing to the jurisdiction with a copy to HCD.

Our ultimate audience for this Town Hall meeting includes members of the City Housing Element, the County, and the Ventura City Council. Funding mechanisms need to be included in this goal's objectives. Perhaps it could be used as a template to find a way to merge it in to the 10-year Plan. Jill will facilitate a connection between Cathy, and Debora said she will facilitate a meeting between Nick, Jerry and Karl.

Adjourned 12:15. What a morning….

DOT Parking subcommittee meeting started at 9:10 with Michael Faulconer, Barbara Evans, Ed Warren, Greg Smith, Jim DeArkland, Debora Schreiber, Sid White, Alex Herrera and Jerry Breiner in attendance.

Sid gave an update on the tree lights situation, currently with an estimate in hand of $260,000 to do the entire job. He is attempting to find RDA monies to fund this much-needed project and will keep us abreast of any developments. He believes that he can put his office's "hands" on that amount, thru a variety of ways. Though the budget for the lights is not present in the mid-term budget report going to Council 3/17, he is trying to see if he can get it in the CIP budget later this year. The RDA will be going to Council on March 17 with a 5-year implementation plan and report to council on achievements to date. Sid suggested that DVO attend the meeting, at the least send email endorsements of how well the RDA has been efficiently managed since our inception and endorse the tree lighting program, as it is a security, safety and economic issue that has been put on the back burner for years. Greg said he would start a draft of the letter and those who plan on being there will assist in editing.

Tom and Mike gave an update on the parking study, to date. They now have 6 proposals in hand for the meters, and their plan is to go to Council the 1st week of April with an update. Tom noted they are still on track for installation this summer, though DOT had discussed waiting for installation till after the streets are done. Discussion. Some of the quotes include WiFi installation, some not. We agreed that at the next DOT we would discuss where the revenues should go, including a Parking Benefit District, the DVO, etc. Tom had a discussion with the City Manager about pedestrian crossings and other improvements, after the walking tour of downtown last week. There is discussion in Traffic about lessening the number of lanes on Thompson to slow the traffic down. After a question from Jerry about lit crossings (in-ground lighting, as they have at the hospital), Tom said they have funding to 2 new ones each year, but the next batch does not have any for downtown. At $35,000/crossing, they are not cheap. Dan asked if there is a possibility for the private sector to engage and perhaps fund one or more of these for downtown. To answer this, and other questions in the thread, Tom will be providing a list of priority traffic items from the City, so DVO can better address where private monies can be best solicited for items such as these.

When asked about parking structures, Tom and Mike said that discussion had been put off for now until the subject of meters has been put to bed. He mentioned that Kalorama/Main is on the list for future signals. Discussion followed on the concept of creating a PUBLIC REALM PLAN, which addresses all of the parking needs, and more, in one place. Rob noted that San Luis Obispo's downtown specific plan is actually a map with clarification of the changes they look to have happen on the back. Rob will try to secure a copy for us to see. This Public Realm plan could conceivably include bike storage and lanes, shared auto spaces, new lights/signs/crosswalks and the like. Discussion.

Alex gave a brief update on the SCAG freeway-capping discussions that are ongoing with the City and a few parties. He will update us as he gets info, and DOT may be part of the larger discussion on same. On April 2, SCAG is planning on giving a presentation about their plan at top of the Crowne Plaza from 6-9pm. DOT members and the public are urged to attend. Alex also said the City is finalizing plans for the California Street Bridge Enhancement project, along with the Public Art Commission.

Meeting adjourned, with side conversations still going strong, at 9:55.

GO TO TOP

Meeting began at 10:00am with Jill Martinez, Jonell McLain, Barbara Evans, Debora Schreiber, Nick Deitch, Harv Champlin, Pat Cunningham and Jerry Breiner in attendance.

Jerry asked "how do we get traction on the requested improvements" to the list sent to the County? We discussed some of the answers, and continued discussion on next steps: getting to the meat of the problems. Nick suggested a charrette, or at the least, a Town Hall meeting, tentatively entitled "Cleaning Up Downtown with Compassion." We discussed that fact that City staff might not want to participate but surely would show up, perhaps for background information and possible display. Peter has been very helpful all along, and it was thought that he might be willing to participate with us. Discussion.

Nick said that, in his mind, the basic idea is to have the housing element address downtown's part of the 10-year plan. Sherry is doing some kind of assessment, update next meeting, on certain aspects of this. We discussed what the issues/points may be and who might best address them. Jill noted that, in response to the incredible need for housing, that she, Nick, Jerry and others are working on a possible solution, utilizing the City Center Motel site.

Discussion followed on the subject of the community workshop and what we want to get out of it. What might the purpose be? Nick suggested one purpose may be to create a "policy paper" or, perhaps, a "good neighbor policy", identifying on a map where the troublesome and/or strategic spots may be downtown to focus on. TO create a long-range specific plan to address downtown's housing problem may well be the result. Jill suggested that we ask Christy to attend some more DOT housing meetings, as her input is vital. Jerry will follow up.

Nick and Jill agreed to create a draft of the agenda as well as an invitee list. At the least, we all agreed that Sid White, Christy Weir, Rick Cole and Neal Andrews should most certainly be invited, if not to speak to participate as they have much information that could help propel the discussion forward.

Meeting adjourned 10:50am.

Meeting began at 9:10 with Jerry Breiner, Jeff and Greg Smith, Barbara Evans, Pat Cunningham, Ed Warren and Rob Edwards in attendance.

Discussion began on the parking lot directly behind the Knights of Columbus Hall on Figueroa Plaza. Pat reminded everyone that rear access is crucial, in that they are the only business on Figueroa, and Figueroa is not a street anymore. As talks were being had by the San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts regarding the former proposal and MOU in front of council, Pat felt the KofC was not consulted nearly enough regarding their needs in the development and entitlement process.

Next topic was the need, within the scope of the parking strategy being completed by Mike Kodama and Tom Mericle, to address the block-by-block strategy DVO has asked for, as well as addressing the expansion of angled parking west and east along Main as well as around Plaza Park, the timing of loading zone usage and locations, and the additional stop signs or lights needed at Main/Fir, Main/Ash and Main/Laurel. With no planned additional parking at the Museum, it is apparent and necessary in DOT's vision, to ensure that any new development in that quadrant offer some form of public parking, or in-lieu fee. Jerry will create the letter to Staff in regards.

We discussed meters and safety for same, including vandalism. Discussion followed on paying for parking in the Harbor Blvd. structure, as a future possibility. Who would manage it? (parking mgt. District?) Who would be willing to validate parking? Would the upper floors be open, at last? We also discussed the lack of clear and obvious signage on the surface public lots in downtown. It was and is the consensus of the group that the City's lots, with the 1970-style wooded signage are not clearly public parking lots, and suggestion was made to include in the letter to staff the request that the lots should have the words PUBLIC PARKING on them, not anything else. "City of Ventura" parking is unclear possibly misleading. If these lots ARE for public use they should say so.

Finally, we discussed the need to know if there is a maximum length ordinance in place, that clearly defines how long a truck or car can be to park in the angled parking spaces along Main Street. It is DOTs belief there is no ordinance, and as long trucks sometime park for long periods of time downtown, it is becoming increasingly dangerous to drive downtown at times. DOT agrees, unanimously, that loading and unloading times downtown should end at 10am daily Mon-Sat. Delivery-sized vehicles (will need to know code on this) or oversized vehicles should be PROHIBITED for all angled parking spaces on Main Street and instead should park on side streets or in the designated loading zone areas PRIOR to 10am.

GO TO TOP

Clyde noted that our aim in helping those in need is to stabilize them first - only then can we begin to help them because they will need to be open to service. One difficulty in Ventura, perhaps, is the lack of a detox unit or sobering center. He feels, and most of us agreed, that we need to have the system in place sooner rather than later.

Updates:

ANTI-PANHANDLING CAMPAIGN

Peter gave an update and showed us the newly-printed anti-panhandling business card-sized notes, perfect for inclusion in shopping bags, restaurant tabs, shirt pockets. He plans on distributing them within the next few weeks around downtown to businesses for distribution to clients/customers. DVO can play a critical role in getting them out to the merchants, and to that end Rob is on task to complete this. Cheryl and Debora also said they would assist in distro. Mention was made that we should get some to the motels. Discussion on wisdom of this move. Peter noted that this is only the first in a series of things to be done for the campaign. He has also been speaking at churches, to help raise awareness about the homeless prevention and the concept of NOT giving to panhandlers and enabling them. The yearly homeless prevention fund goal is $60,000. Peter has had great reception from his meetings, getting a pledge of $15-20K/year from the Ventura Missionary Church for starters. Other churches and charitable organizations are starting to follow suit in Peter's targeted approach to the faith-based community. As the Homeless Prevention Fund's support goes to the core of the problem, the fact that breaking the cycle is the KEY to ending the problem: filling the gap that even ONE missing paycheck could create.

Clyde said caseworkers determine the eligibility of the applicant and then follow thru, theoretically, with care and contact. Mike noted that he went to the Social Services Task Force meeting last as well as the WestSide Community Council meeting, both on the same day, and believes the connection between DOT, WCC and SSTF is key, as well, and reps from each should participate in the others working groups. The dialogue has been started and it will be helpful going forward if that occurs.

Peter noted that part of the problem with the model we currently use in treating those in need has a lack of consistency, program to program. There is no common thread of care, other than general assistance.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Peter said Ken Belden, Case Manager and Street Outreach Coordinator, is very busy and doing well, from all indications. Early reviews say he is making an impact, and we should have data to back that up in 8 weeks or so. Mike discussed some of the actions the SSTF had taken early in the week, regarding submission of budgets for education and housing assistance, etc. We will discuss and review those once approved to see how DOT can work together with SSTF on these issues.

SHOPPING CARTS

In Mark Stadlers absences (VPD), Peter said he is working on the shopping cart issue, along with Peter and Sherry. We know people are using carts to carry their stuff with them, but enforcing return laws or charging the proprietor or the user incompletely solves the problem. Clyde suggested a solution: A storage location for carts. He noted that episodic homeless sometime live in cars, or if they don't have one, by their carts. A common-area "parking" station for carts, secured by the user, could be a possible solution. Where?

STORM WATER DISCHARGE

Peter brought up an interesting point, that those of here had not discussed before. Storm water discharge into the ocean, via the Ventura and Santa Clara Rivers, is an expensive proposition to clean but Ventura will be mandated to do just that, via a new state law. Just the flotsam and jetsam in the Ventura River, due to the homeless as well as dumpers of trash, added to the feces from humans and animals, will make the concept of paying for cleanup - to the average Venturan - much, much more expensive than was previously thought of before. It may be a way, to convince the general populace to support any number of issues and programs DVO, WCC, and SSTF put forth, if not alone just to save the pocketbook.

We discussed the concept of WalMart allowing people to park overnight, nationwide. Santa Barbara has a quiet but visible program of allowing 4-7 vehicles, with their owners, in certain public parking lots overnight. There are certain, and un-assailable, rules the users must follow, but it is a band-aid and a creative one.

We discussed the Gateway concept and sobering/detox center idea at the City Center with Clyde before leaving. The idea of putting a project together, with housing, could begin serious talks about doing other like projects around the county.

Adjourned 11:50am.

Meeting began at 9:05 with Jerry Breiner, Rob Edwards, Tom Mericle, Michael Kodama, Sherry Cash, Kevin Clerici, Dave Armstrong, Barbara Evans, Quinn Fenwick, Dave Wilson, Mike Merewether, Ed Warren, Jeff Smith, Mark-Brad-Ann from the City, Jim Dearkland, Alex Herrera, Sandy Smith and Sid White in attendance.

Jerry gave a brief intro and let everyone know we had a packed agenda today. First up was Brad Starr with the City of Ventura, giving us an update on the schedule for the water and sewer main replacement/upgrades due to start March 1 or so. He asked for suggestions for sign locations and verbiage. His schedule, at this point, is to have the work done in parts:

1. 7pm-10pm sun-thurs nites along Main Street. This work will be the noisiest, including sawcutting and jackhammering concrete (high impact noise), localized.

2. 10pm-7am sun-thurs with full closure of parts of Main they are working on.

3. 8:30am-4:30pm sun-thurs for north Oak street and first block of S California

He expects occasional problems, so those with questions or concerns can always call the hotline on our front page. The streets will be swept each night at the end of the shift. Discussion.

Next up was Tom Mericle, who reported that Mark Hartley and the Watermark restaurant are in talks with the City regarding the use of valet parking on Chestnut and the Affinity Bank parking lot. They plan to have a soft opening in march (possibly) and some of the kinks should be ironed out by then. They are currently interviewing parking firms who do valet parking to gauge their effectiveness and professionalism. Their trial 6-month period will start upon their grand opening. This will be the first vale program in the downtown, and it will serve as a benchmark as we go forward with our plan for universal valet parking down the road (all puns intended).

The owner of the TopHat and the parking lot behind has notified the City that it is raising its rent from the current $1000/month to $11,000/month plus part of the property tax payment. Discussion. Jimmy Mesa has or will submit new plans for the parcel to be built on AFTER 4 years from now. Discussion on "vested" agreements and the fact that the property owner, if unhappy with the terms of the agreement, could potentially fence off the lot.

Tom noted that the RFP is being released today for downtown's WiFi system which will include meters as part of its job description, possibly water meters as well. It is due to be returned by the end of February. The current list of potential proposals is around 18, so the City should have a good selection to choose from if they all respond.

GO TO TOP

Mike noted that they now have the info on the vacancy rates and they have used aerial photos to assist them, basing estimated size and square foot on some of them. Larry Tansi did a lot of footwork for the City, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his work. They still need to adjust calculations after the RFP returns, and the next critical path is establishing a commercial and residential parking district. DOT will be discussing benefits of these districts at our next meeting. A question was raised: has there been discussion about offstreet and structure fees at this point? Answer: Any fees on either location offstreet will take place only when it makes sense to add that to the metering on Main. The acquisition and use of meters was discussed, basing usage and fees on the 85% threshold standard. As the economy slows down, it will necessarily restrict the income revenue streams, so the new structure's buildout will be based on new growth. Tom noted the next 5 years will determine the growth need for additional structures and further utilization of the existing one(s). Sid noted that it is vital that his shop is kept keenly aware of any information in regards, to be ahead of rather than behind the "wave."

Q: will the newly-acquired parking structure on Harbor be repaired:

A: The City just received it and yes, there are issues. They will be addressed quite soon, and luckily the City did not have to put in the $1M+ it would have had to if they had given up their lease and not purchased it. Sid will report back when he has more info.

Discussion followed on private structures and management of same, along with management of city owned structures/lots. Who would be the lead partner? Who would manage the district? What will the setup be? Will the district be a part of the City government structure? Will it be completely separate? IS that even possible? The "money" would be separate and by Calif State law, the monies collected for the district would absolutely STAY in the district for whatever purpose the management decides it needs. Discussion.

Tom then said he and Mike would come to us before April for recommendation of the plan and for site approval, including potential sites for the multi-modal transit center. Discussions have begun with SCAG in regards, and Jerry has attended one meeting so far. City applied for grants to further the scope to see if capping the freeway is a workable scenario. Discussion.

Adjourned 10:35am

Meeting started at 10:40 with Jerry Breiner, Rob Edwards, Ken Belden, Peter Brown, Sherry Cash, Jill Martinez, Deborah Schreiber, Clyde Reynolds, Mike Merewether, Harv Champlin, Dawn Dyer, Jonell McLain, Dan Frederickson and Nick Deitch in attendance.

Discussion centered on alternative housing options, including straw-bale homes and shipping containers. Clyde spoke about seeking permanent supportive housing for the River Haven occupants, perhaps using these discarded containers.

Jill mentioned she was going to be flying to Seattle for a homeless symposium in early February and will report on the results of this momentous occasion. Sherry will be attending along with a number of other interested parties. She said the "gateway" concept doesn't yet have legs, perhaps because we don't have a location - and we need a champion to take on the cause. Simi Valley says they're interested but has no one to delegate the job of rounding up the disparate parties to put it together - not yet. The benefit to the city and the county could be immense, but there is such a duplication of effort on many levels. Discussion.

A HUD-funded program is required to use the county HMIS system, though it is intended to be an all-inclusive program that ALL The departments should use. Pasadena and Glendale have one-stop models to look at, and as a success even there were gaps in the system. We discussed Ventura's first "one-stop" day" from a number of angles. It was a marginal success by all rights, but there were gaps (no hospice, incomplete or missing forms). Unless and until we have employment and housing the system cannot win. Discussion on global ID system for the Ventura/County social service system. The key to the success of the one-stop, said Peter, was the willingness of the different parties to "give up" power to the one-stop gateway. Dan sug