Council votes to eliminate downtown employee parking program
Yellow rectangles represent employee lots.
Item will return next meeting to allow for public comment before final vote
– The Paso Robles City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday night, addressing several items on its agenda, including the elimination of the downtown employee parking program.
Downtown employee parking program
The council reviewed the city staff’s report which outlined issues with the downtown employee parking program.
Key findings include:
- The program offers no financial incentive, exclusivity, or premium value since on-street parking is now free.
- Costs of the program exceed expected revenues.
- Consistent enforcement would require additional expenses.
- Employees can park on the street without restrictions.
- City hall and tram station lots remain free.
City staff recommended eliminating the program, stating the lot could better serve general parking needs.
During public comment, resident Dale Gustin expressed concern, saying merchants who had contributed to the program might view its elimination as a “slap in the face.”
Councilman Steve Gregory agreed with the report’s findings but emphasized the need for further discussion with downtown business owners. He also suggested adding signage to clarify shared use of the lot for both the public and employees.
Strong noted that employees would still have access to free on-street parking, while paid lots should not be seen as punitive.
Gregory suggested holding a second meeting to gather input from downtown business owners. Strong recommended placing the item on the next meeting agenda as a public hearing rather than a consent calendar item.
The council unanimously approved the recommendation to eliminate the program after a second reading and public hearing at a future meeting. The item will return on the next city council meeting agenda to allow for members of the public to attend and comment.
Public hearing: Special tax revision for Improvement Area No. 2
During a public hearing, the council approved a resolution revising the special tax for Improvement Area No. 2 of the Paso Robles Community Facilities District No. 2022-1N, which covers Olsen Ranch and South Chandler facilities.
Councilman Fred Strong described the resolution as “fairly routine.” The tax applies to future homebuyers in the area and is supported by the developer.
The measure passed unanimously.
The council also unanimously approved all items on the consent agenda without discussion.
Click here to view the full agenda with linked staff reports.
Watch the full meeting below:
