City of Billings

Key discussions included the ongoing priority to correct garage space numbering in Park Two and plans for deep cleaning the garages, potentially utilizing temporary staff and new enforcement vehicles. The Board discussed contracting out garage washing services, pending resolution of water runoff compliance issues. Regarding the Parking Strategic Master Plan, the Board requested review of the draft final report upon receipt. Updates were provided on completed projects like the Minnesota Avenue project and partial re-striping/meter removal at the North 27th Street Lot. The Board sought estimates for re-naming garages and requested staff contact Empire Garage Association Owners regarding re-naming the Empire Garage. Concerns about transient activity led to a suggestion to adjust security enforcement hours, with staff tasked to review the contract and solicit new quotes. The Downtown Alliance reported on successful events and new business openings.

Key discussions included a review of the monthly report, noting that July's performance was down compared to the prior month, while August showed improvement in cash sales and token usage. The FY16 Year End Budget Report revealed variances in several line items, such as Parking Ticket Violations being lower than budgeted and Park One Store Rental being higher due to a new lease, with the overall budget in good financial shape. Progress on the Parking Garage Concrete Restoration Project was reported, including the hiring of a new Project Manager and plans for a weekend closure for work completion. The board also discussed the draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for the next two phases of the restoration project. Updates from the Downtown Alliance mentioned City Council awarding matching funds for the Hart Albin Garage renovation and ongoing efforts to secure retail tenants. Discussions also covered setting a goal for implementing new parking meter rates by Spring/Summer 2017, starting the RFP process, and addressing a request from the Petroleum Club for dedicated leased parking spaces in Park Two, with a proposed system involving hangtags and validation for overflow patrons.

This document outlines the City of Billings MET Transit's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal for Federal Fiscal Years 2024-2026, in accordance with United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) guidelines. The proposed overall DBE goal is 0.07%, which MET aims to meet entirely through race-neutral means. The methodology involves determining a base figure based on DBE availability within Yellowstone County and making adjustments informed by past participation rates and findings from the 2022 Montana Department of Transportation's Disparity Study. The plan also details ongoing efforts and supportive services to increase DBE participation in FTA-assisted contracts.

The meeting included discussions on monthly operational reports for June 2009, noting an increase in cash sales potentially due to local events. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the final draft of the Downtown Parking Study conducted by Rich and Associates, where the Board identified numerous errors, including spelling, grammar, and incorrect map references. Concerns were raised that the data collection, performed in December 2008, was not representative of a typical day due to weather and holiday timing, and the Board moved to inform the City Council not to accept the report or make payments until a satisfactory revision is provided. In new business, the Board recommended to the City Council to solicit bids for the sale of the Park 4 garage at a minimum bid of $4,750,000 or trade for a new garage. Reports from the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) and Downtown Parking (DBP) were presented, covering topics such as debris removal, planter irrigation, and the potential return of funds from the Federal Courthouse project. Informational items included the upcoming bid opening for the Park 1 garage elevator replacement and ongoing work to bring handicap parking spaces in all garages up to ADA code, detailing the required space counts for each facility.

The meeting included review of monthly operational reports indicating increased cash sales and improved revenue over expenses, totaling $330,000 difference. The Downtown Alliance report mentioned ongoing work with snow, litter, sweeping, and TIF activities, as well as monitoring holiday parking. Public comment included appreciation for parking staff and discussion of volunteer recognition. Key discussions involved filling upcoming Board vacancies, resulting in the approval of Brandon Scala as the new Chair and Sean Lynch as the new Vice Chair, effective January 1, 2022, while continuing to seek candidates for two other vacancies. The Board also discussed renaming the three parking garages, considering options like historical places or colors, and decided to research further. An action item resulted in the approval for Eisele's Custom Footwear to receive a handicap parking spot, contingent upon Engineering Department approval and removal of an existing meter. Additional topics included modifications to the 2-hour free parking system, potential group rates for landlords, and targeting evening rates for residents.