Submitted By
Jill Velan, Parking and Mobility Services Director
Reviewed By
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Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion Authorizing a Modification to the Agreement with LAZ Parking Chicago, LLC for Valet Parking Services and Directing Staff to Prepare a Pilot Valet Parking Program for the Downtown Business Districts for Review and Consideration
End
Overview
Overview
With the closing of the Lake and Forest Parking Garage in mid 2014 the Village has been providing Valet Services to help facilitate patients and customers going to appointments in the immediate area. Overall there continues to be an increase in usage but due to the limited scope, the Valet service should be able to operate through the completion of the parking garage with one attendant. In addition Staff is proposing consideration of a pilot universal valet parking program that would encompass a larger user group and help facilitate access to the Village’s parking supply within the downtown business districts.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approve the motion.
Fiscal Impact
The cost of the current Agreement with LAZ Parking Chicago, LLC would decrease from $8698 per month to $5862 per month.
Background
On August 4, 2014 the Lake and Forest Garage closed in anticipation of a new parking garage being built. Around that time the Village Board approved an agreement to provide Valet Services during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for patients/customers who may have difficulting going to appointments in the immediate area.
Since the Valet Service began the monthly usage has increased steadily from 34 vehicles to a high of 102 vehicles per month within the last few months. The Village has worked with LAZ Parking to distribute information about the program to the nearby offices and had a few businesses indicate that they believe the service is valuable to their patients. Since the program continues to see an increase in usage, there appears to be a need for this service. Staff would recommend continuing the Valet Service in the current location with one attendant until the the new parking garage is completed this fall.
Staff did produce a survey but did not receive enough participation to produce statistically useful information. In addition, staff received information about the Oak Park Townships’ Senior ride service. This service is available to Oak Park/River Forest residents who are at least 60 years old or disabled adults. Rides need to be arranged 24 hours in advance and are on a first come/first served basis. Rides can be scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. This service frequently is used at full capacity.
With the closing of the Lake and Forest Garage the downtown area saw a significant increase in usage of on-street parking and area surfaces lots that are now routinely filled to capacity. While there was also a significant increase in the two other area parking garages, those facilities have yet to reach maximum capacity. When considering the additional development projects and the temporary loss of several parking lots in this same area, it seems now is the time to consider a system that would help facilate more convientent access to the Village’s parking space supply in the Downtown Oak Park (DTOP), Pleasant and Hemingway Business Districts.
There are several municipalities throughout the country who have had great success with a universal downtown valet system that consists of multiple drop-off and pick-up locations. This allows a customer to drop-off their vehicle at one location; take advantage of many blocks of retail, dining and entertainment; and retrieve their vehicle from another location.
If approved Staff would continue to research universal valet programs and would work with the Downtown Business Districts to prepare a Pilot Valet Parking Program to be reviewed and considered by the Village Board.
Alternatives
The Board could direct staff to maintain the current level of service within the agreement or terminate the agreement.
Previous Board Action
Agreement with LAZ Parking Chicago, LLC was approved on July 21, 2014.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
Parking and Mobility Services will participate in MAP in the final phase.