8.1. SR 04-20-2015 �i
EOty lk Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business Aril 20, 2015 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Rivers Edge Commons Park Concept Plan Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Recommend, by motion the Rivers Edge Commons Park Concept Plan.
Background/Discussion
At the November 3, 2014, Council meeting, staff presented options to replace the pavers at Rivers Edge
Commons Park and the downtown crosswalks. After the discussion, Council directed staff to replace the
pavers in the crosswalk and upper alley,which was recently completed. Council also directed staff to
work with the Parks and Recreation Commission to review stabilizing the retaining walls and expanding
the seating for the park.
Rivers Edge Commons Park design services included expanding the park into the alley, additional seating
space, stormwater enhancements, retaining walls stabilization, and a Mississippi River dock option. The
dock option was requested by Council in July of 2014 after a resident spoke during Open Forum. HKGi
was chosen for design services and work began in late January of 2015.
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed concept plans on March 11. The commission discussed
the need to make the park a destination for downtown by attracting larger capacity crowds for concerts,
weddings, and providing river access,which is also recommended in the draft Parks and Recreation
Master Plan.
Staff recommends a phased approach as outlined in the attached phasing diagram. Phase I includes
removing the alley, adding seating, and restoring the retaining walls. The concept phased in cost options
will be presented by HKGi at the Council meeting.
If Phase I improvements are to be made to the park this fall, staff recommends removing some of the
trees between the alley and park before the concert series begin on June 11.
Financial Impact
If the Council elects to begin Phase I of the concept plan, the proposed cost for final design and
construction documents is $80,000. Final costs will be presented to Council before beginning any work.
Attachments
• Rivers Edge Commons Park Concept
• Rivers Edge Commons Park Phasing Diagram
P0WInII a
Template Updated 4/14 [NATUREJ
Park Expansion
Concept
EXPANDED SEATING
WITH LIMESTONE
REMOVE/REGRADE
ALLEYWAY
STEPS
TO RIVER
LANDING
STORMWATER
WATERFALL
PERMEABLE
PAVERS
BRIDGE
NO CHANGE
Elk River Commons
version 4.15.15
STEPS
CURVED RETAINING WALLS
- decorative railing
STORMWATER
WATERFALL
ACCESS RIVER
• formal stairs to landing
• informal stone steppers into water
• ADA ramp - future option
• fl oating seasonal dock (DNR review required)
UPPER PLAZA
• add plaza
• shelter
• open for bleachers
UTILITIES
• relocate light control box/cable box
• consolidate electrical
STAGE AREA
• Enlarge stage
CREATE STRONGER EDGE
• restore slope with prairie plantings
shelter
ADA ramp as future option
landing set
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Economic Deve�oprnent Department
Process DiscusMon
1. EDD
a. Key contact for the department. Act as a gatekeeper and decision-maker,if required,
and ensure siting/expansion decisions are driven by customer requirements.
b. Team Atmosphere— EDA members direct questions/concerns to EDD for follow
UP.
c. Maintain collaboration and alignment among internal/external departments.
d. Be progressive &proactive
e. Reinforce Success
f. Emphasize our strengths
2. Lead Generation
a. Generate leads from a customer-driven marketing and sales plan.
b. New prospect,lead or existing customer.
3. Site Selection/Site Visit
a. EDD to guide this process with clients.
4. Project Review/Proposal Development
a. Negotiate and develop a comprehensive proposal including project and approval
components for client review and acceptance.
5. Finance Concept Approval
a. Delivering a packaged deal to EDA and Finance Committee subject to final
approval.
6. Final Project Approval
a. Assist the client in obtaining the needed regulatory approvals for the project.
b. Collaborate with internal departments to obtain necessary approvals.
Po nts to consider
1. Rely more on State/Federal programs for projects.
2. Utilize TIF/TAF for GAP Financing.
a. Reduces overall tax burden for residents.
3. Utilize Internal Microloans/Revolving Loan Fund money for GAP Financing.
4. Create a sound business environment
a. Take care of our existing business base
b. Maintain a strong downtown
c. Conduct BR&E Visits with members of the EDA
i. Collaborate with the Elk River Chamber & Grow Minnesota to conduct
Visits
d. Listen to Client's needs and address concerns
5. Ensure confidentiality with clients
6. Develop a Long-term Client Relationship
a. Builds Trust
b. Provides opportunities for referrals.
City Council
EDA Public Utilities
& Engineering
V.7
Administration Planning and
Zoning
Finance and Building and
Legal Inspections
oordha e Externan Communkadans on
City
Administration
Site Selector
Real Estate
Utilities
Broker
Developer B u s '� n ea s 1(1!,5;State/Federal Infrastructure
Agencies Project
Workforce
Rail
Center
Tech Colleges
and State
Colleges