In response to a letter from Glen Holstein, published in The Enterprise on March 5, the Downtown Parking Task Force would like to thank Holstein for his interest in the task force’s work. We would also like to extend a sincere invitation to Holstein and any other member of the public to attend and give input at our meetings, which are conducted as public meetings. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Davis Senior Center Activity Room, 646 A St.

The City Council appointed the Downtown Parking Task Force members to study downtown parking issues and develop recommendations for improvements to benefit all downtown users. Improving the availability of parking for those who drive downtown is an important aspect of our charge. Task force members represent diverse interests; however, it is safe to say that we are all users and beneficiaries of the downtown area, who wish to see the heart of our community continue to thrive.

Each month, the task force receives and reviews a tremendous amount of information that city staff collect and compile to support the work of the task force. Task force meetings must allow time for the appointed task force members to ask questions of staff and outside experts, and to discuss the parking issues as a group. In order to ensure smooth conduct of the business assigned by the City Council, task force meetings are run in a format similar to City Council meetings and city commission meetings. Members of the public are invited to provide public comment at designated times.

At our February meeting, which Holstein attended, the task force took formal action to increase the periods of public comment, to include opportunity for public comment at the beginning and end of each meeting, as well as before task force votes on significant issues. Moving forward, the task force welcomes input from any interested parties on the matter of downtown parking, and we will continue to solicit that input at all of our meetings.

Matt Kowta

Chair, and the Davis Downtown Parking Task Force

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