Background:
A study session on the structure was held on March 2, 2005. At that meeting staff presented an overview of the structure's operation, costs and potential changes to improve operations until the downtown plan review was completed. This recommendation is based upon the functional relationships that exist between the parking structure, plaza and on-street parking and traffic control in the city core.
Enforcement of Ashland Municipal Code parking regulations is provided by Diamond Parking, Inc., as bid by the Police Department and awarded in 2001. The contract was eligible for bidding as of July 1, 2004 but was extended by the Finance Director to allow further review of operations potential changes. Staff believes there is a direct relationship between the on-street parking and paid parking in the structure thus significant changes should be deferred until the study is done.
City of Medford and Central Point have bid parking services in the last two years and only received one bid each, awarding to Diamond in both cases.
Revenue generation of the structure has been such that debt service, operations and maintenance, enforcement and minor upgrades are totally funded. However, data to support significant changes is still being gathered so smaller changes addressing many of the daily issues raised at the study session should be dealt with at this time.
With approval, staff will negotiate with Diamond changes in services and related costs in the downtown area and will evaluate the cost benefit of physical and operational changes at the Hargadine Structure to improve operations and customer services. Anticipated areas of discussion are the i. - v. items (hours of operation, equipment and lighting upgrades, special use programs and handicap fees) included in the study session communication.
A report of significant changes will be forwarded to Council when a contract is struck with Diamond or when there are large changes at the structure. | 
