Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of May 25, 2023 Page 1 of 4
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
May 25, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Parking and Public Improvements Commission (Commission) of the City of Manhattan Beach, California was held in hybrid format (Zoom Call and in person at City Hall, 1400 Highland Avenue. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) on May 25, 2023 at the hour of 4:02pm.
B. PLEDGE TO FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners D’Amico, DaGiau, Kirschenbaum, and Chair Paralusz
Absent: Apostol
Staff Present: Erik Zandvliet, Traffic Engineer
Talyn Mirzakhanian, Community Development Director
Jan Buike, Recreation Manager – Parks and Recreation
Clerks: Fel Cortez, Agenda Host
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
05/25/23-1 Regular Meeting – April 27, 2023
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Kirschenbaum/DaGiau) to approve the minutes without corrections.
AYES: D’Amico, DaGiau, Kirschenbaum, Chair Paralusz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Apostol
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-minute Limit)
Chair Paralusz opened Audience Participation.
There were no speakers.
Chair Paralusz closed Audience Participation.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
05/25/23-2 Consideration of Possible Parking Measures in the Joslyn Center Parking Lot and on Valley Drive between 15th Street and 20th Place
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet summarized the staff report. In February 2023, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed parking concerns around the Joslyn Center and Valley Drive. Additionally, an environmental review for the Scout House replacement is being conducted , which includes a parking study to determine any net change in parking demand due to possible increases in programming and square footage. This parking study is still on going, and the results of this meeting will be incorporated into the planning evaluation for the Scout House.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that in 2013, the Parks and Recreation Commission asked the City to look into any type of parking restrictions that would allow the parti cipants of the Older Adult Programs to have more parking available during their classes. At that time, C ity staff determined that a 4 -Hour Parking restriction from “6:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Except for Sundays” would be an appropriate modification of short -term parking in certain spaces near the Joslyn Center . Traffic Engineer Zandvliet further discussed the existing parking restrictions, traffic related conditions, existing facilities in the area, and the various parking users that utilize parking in the area throughout the day/week.
Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of May 25, 2023 Page 2 of 4
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet presented the following measures that could help address the existing parking demand in the area:
Active Promotion of Remote Parking Lots
Additional Four-Hour Parking
Additional Two-Hour Parking
Additional Senior Permit Parking Only Spaces
One-Hour Parking plus Senior Permit Parking Only
Dial-A-Ride Service
Additional Accessible Parking Spaces
Modify Parking Angles along Veterans Parkway
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet cautioned the Commission that because this area is in the California Coastal Zone, the existing public parking spaces have to remain accessible to all users.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that all residents and businesses within 1000 feet of the Joselyn Center were notified via mail and were invited to give input to the Commission. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet read correspondence from members of the public that could not attend the meeting.
Commissioner DaGiau asked what the difference in square footage is for the new Scout House compared to the old Scout House , and further asked if there was a replacement plan for the Joslyn Center as well.
Director Mirzakhanian stated the proposed square footage of the Scout House is approximately 7 ,000 square fe et and larger than the existing structure . She stated that there is currently no proposal for replacement of the Joslyn Center. Commissioner DaGiau asked if a parking analysis would be part of the Scout House project. Director Mirzakhanian confirmed that there is already a parking analysis in progress related to the Scout House project.
Chair Paralusz asked what the current square footage of the Scout House is. Director Mirzakhanian stated she would find the answer to her question and let the Commission know.
Vice Chair Kirschenbaum stated that he felt the staff report was missing information regarding the ceramics studio.
Chair Paralusz opened Public Comment.
Dayle Eisenhauer (2400 Pine Ave nue) stated she felt the parking issues in the area have worsened, especially for older adult class attendees. She read correspondence she received from older adult s who take her class at the Joslyn Center. Ms. Eisenhauer stated that many of her students receive parking tickets due the parking restrictions.
Steve DeBaets, Chair of Manhattan Beach Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) , stated one of the responsibilities of SAC is to ensure the daily programs offered through the Parks and Recreation Department are utilized by as many senior residents as possible. Mr. DeBaets stated his wish to see better parking options for attendees of the classes at the Joslyn Center.
Director Mirzakhanian stated the existing Scout House is approximately 2,600 square feet.
Bruce Greenberg stated he in favor of some recommendations, including adding 12 additional parking spaces on Valley Drive by restriping, and also suggested restriping the spaces south of 18 th Street, converting the parking on the west side of Valley Drive to angled parking, expanding the senior parking permit program, e xpanding the Dial -A-Ride program to include free rideshare vouchers for residents travelling to and from the Joslyn Center, and to build a parking structure on the site of the current Post Office and the adjacent parking lot.
Blair Smith (412 17 th Street) stated many of the homes in the area are duplexes and that many of the residents park their cars on the street as an overflow parking area. Mr. Smith stated restriping the area would be a good idea as well as creating underground parking. Mr. Smith asked why the City has street sweeping on Highland Avenue twice a week. He feels this is unnecessary and only requires cleaning once a week.
David Archer (425 15 th Street), President and CEO of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce , stated he is in favor of finding new locations for parking.
Connie Macedo (408 16th Street) stated that this topic was discussed in previous meetings regarding the Joslyn Center where questions were asked about the parking study being done. Ms. Macedo stated that she felt that these parking issues should have been addressed prior to the Scout House proposal.
Andreas Koch asked about the EV charging stations and if more stations could be included in this area.
Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of May 25, 2023 Page 3 of 4
Jill Lamkin, Executive Director of the Downtown Business and P rofessional Association, stated her support of expanding the Dial-A-Ride program, and suggested that since the library was not required to provide parking when the facility was rebuilt, the City should consider enlarging Parking Lot 6 with funds from the library to help with the parking issue.
Chair Paralusz closed Public Comment.
Chair Paralusz asked if it was possible to use the funds from the library to increase the size of parking lot 6. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated he was not sure if that was pos sible because the funds were “earmarked” for a specific purpose.
Chair Paralusz opened Commissioner Discussion.
Commissioner DaGiau asked if staff has ever collaborated with American Martyrs to take on some of the programs to mitigate the parking. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated this has happened in the past as “one-off” events but parking availability could not be guaranteed for on-going programs due to their own parking needs/requirements. Commissioner DaGiau asked of there was a possibility of using new technology to inventory potential parking spaces throughout the City. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that it would be possible and the City is already investigating possible technology solutions.
Chair Paralusz asked if there was anything in the staff report that would require City Council approval.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated expansion of the Senior Permit Parking may require City Council approval as well as expansion of Dial-A-Ride services if there is need a for funding.
Commissioner D’Amico asked if the City has any plans for other Dial-A-Ride type transit services.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated there were no other type of services in the works similar to Dial-A-Ride.
Commissioner D’Amico asked if additional EV charging stations were being installed in the area.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated the City is pursuing funding for more EV chargers to be installed throughout the City . Commissioner D’Amico asked how much charger s cost . Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated they cost anywhere between $20,000 and $100,000. Commissioner D’Amico stated he was in favor of the re -angling of parking spaces to increase the number of spaces . He further asked if Dial-A-Ride vouchers could be used for Uber trips by seniors. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated it was possible and has been done in other cities. Director Mirzakhanian stated this is an option that the City is already exploring. Recreation Manager Buike confirmed that a voucher program is being evaluated by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Vice Chair Kirschenbaum asked if Manhattan Beach charges for the use of the EV Chargers. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that the Cit y does not charge for use of its public chargers. Vice Chair Kirschenbaum stated he is wary of supporting restriping the parking spaces from a safety aspect because drivers may back into bicyclists . Commissioner D’Amico agreed with Vice Chair Kirschenbaum’s concerns for safety. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that standards would be followed to keep traffic and bicyclist safety in mind.
Chair Paralusz stated that parking has been an issue for a long time in the city and will continue to be an issue. She stated that some of the suggested parking measures would help a lot with the issue. Chair Paralusz stated that the Commission should consider each of the measures separately and agree on which ones should be carried out or to suggest any changes to the measures.
Discussion followed.
A summary of the recommendations made by the Commissioners for this subject is provided below:
1. Active Promotion of Remote Parking Lots
Commissioners supported the promotion of alternate parking locations for larger events and activities, such as Civic Center (lower level available after 5:00p.m.), Metlox and Lot 8 parking lots.
2. Additional Four-Hour Parking
Commissioners supported posting four -hour parking restrictions along the east side of Valley Drive across from the Joslyn Center and Live Oak Park for a total of up to 75% of all public spaces on Valley Drive.
3. Additional Two-Hour Parking
Commissioners supported restricting the west side of Valley Dri ve to two-hour parking between 15th Street and 21st Place.
4. Two-Hour Parking plus Senior Permit Parking Spaces
Commissioners supported adding “Senior Permit Parking Tags Exempted” restriction to the existing two-hour parking spaces in the southerly row of the north parking aisle in the Joslyn Center parking lot.
5. Dial-A-Ride Service
Commissioners supported the advertising and promotion of the City’s Dial -A-Ride service in conjunction with larger Older Adult activities to provide scheduled rides for drop-off and pick-up as part of the registration for those activities
6. Additional Accessible Parking Spaces
Commissioners did not take any action on changes to accessible parking spaces
7. Modify Parking Angles along Veterans Parkway
Commissioners supported the modification of the parking angle on the east side of Valley Drive north of 18th Street that will add 12 additional parking spaces, with provisions for bike lane safety.
8. Electronic/App-Based Parking Management
Commissioners supported a comprehensive electronic and app-based parking management system for public parking.
OTHER ITEMS
05/25/23-3 Staff Updates
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet provided the following staff updates on the following items:
Proposed Traffic Calming measures on Valley Drive between 27th Street and Oak Avenue Appreciation to Chair Paralusz and Commissioner Apostol for their service on the Commission Commissioner Brown Act Training – May 31st, 2023
Two new incoming Commissioners at the June meeting
05/25/23-4 Commissioner Items
Vice Chair Kirschenbaum offered his thanks to Chair Paralusz for her services to the City over the last 18 years.
Chair Paralusz thanked the COMMISSION and Staff and specifically for the project at the intersection of Peck Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Commissioner D’Amico asked if the parking meters in the Downtown Area south of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue would return to one -hour parking after Memorial Day. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated a decision has not been made, and it may have to be approved by City Council.
Commissioner DaGiau provided an update to the Commission on the Outdoor Dining Task Force meetings. Commissioner DaGiau provided a PowerPoint presentation to the fellow commissioners.
G. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:07p.m. to the Parking and Public Improvements Commission Regular Meeting on June 22, 2023 at 4:00p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers (1400 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) and via ZOOM Call.
Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of May 25, 2023 Page 4 of 4