City of Duluth staff members have again proposed installing parking meters as they attempt to increase use of the city's recently opened downtown parking ramp.
Duluth city councilors will consider the meter plan Monday evening.
On Sept. 25, the council rejected a plan to install 54 meters in front of the new ramp near SMDC's First Street Building. The latest plan mirrors that plan and expands it in scope.
The meters would cost $37,500 to install and would generate an estimated $40,000 annually.
Proposed meter locations are:
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* Most of First Street from Third to Eighth avenues east, except in front of SMDC's First Street Building, between Seventh and Eighth avenues east, and the north side between Sixth and Seventh avenues east;
* Second Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues east;
* The north side of Third Street from Third to Fourth avenues east;
* Fourth Avenue East from Second Street to the alley;
* Third Avenue East from Superior Street to the Second Street alley.
The meters could encourage SMDC employees -- now parking for free on nearby streets -- to park in the ramp. Some business owners and residents along the corridor have complained about employee traffic.
Drivers would be charged a quarter per half-hour for up to 12 hours' use. The meters would be effective from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
It is clear the city wants to encourage use of the ramp. The $11.5 million parking ramp opened last week, soliciting $75 monthly leases.
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The council will consider all or part of the plan, Councilor Don Ness said. He and others opposed the September proposal, citing concerns over residential parking needs. Ness said he looks forward to hearing how city staff addressed his concerns.
The 600-car ramp is expected to serve SMDC's First Street Building, the Voyageur Lakewalk Inn, a Sheraton Hotel that is under construction, and the public. The Duluth Economic Development Association and SMDC officials have been unable to agree on use of up to 400 spaces. SMDC owns and operates its own parking ramps at its other facilities.
On Monday, the council also will:
* Hear a presentation by Salvation Army officials on the proposed Kroc Center in Duluth's Oneota neighborhood;
* Consider raising the next mayor's salary. Councilor Russ Stover wants debate the 5 percent hike now instead of next year, when municipal elections are held.
The pay hike wouldn't help Mayor Herb Bergson, who has said he won't seek re-election next year. Under the measure, the mayor would earn $81,900. Benefits, including a $400 monthly car allowance, health insurance and $50,000 group term life insurance, would remain unchanged.
"I'd like to see the council vote it up or vote it down now," Stover said earlier this week.
* Weigh a protest to a decision by St. Louis County commissioners reclassifying 108 tax-forfeited parcels.
