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5. HRSR 09-04-2007ITEM # 5. mover MEMORANDUM TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development DATE: September 4, 2007 SUBJECT: Discuss Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework Plan Project Attachments • Draft City Council meeting minutes of August 20, 2007 Issue HRA Chairman Wilson has requested an HRA discussion on the Mississip~ii Connections Redevelopment Framework Plan Project and related issues following the recent action of the City Council to suspend the Task Force until completion of a Highway 10 geometric study (see attached draft Council minutes). The issues for discussion may include: • Estimated timeframe for Highway 10 geometric study • Gauge commitment of HRA/Task Force members to reconvene upon completion of Highway 10 geometric study • Identify HRA priority projects and work plan during interim S:\Downtown Revitalization\Master Redevelopment Plan\Task ForceVvlemos\HRA memos\hra 9.4.07.doc City Council Minutes (1 ~ /(~\ ~ I I Page 3 August 20, 2007 ~ U u(r-V LL11 Mr. Barnhart requested to postpone this item but noted it was advertised for a public hearing. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM AND REPUBLISH THE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE WHEN IT IS READY FOR CONSIDERATION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6.2. Confirm the Direction of the Redevelopment Framework Plan (Mississippi Connections) Task Force Regarding Highway 10 Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. Mayor Klinzing questioned if the proposed cut and cover design for Highway 10 would have a cover over it. She thought it would be similar to 35W in Duluth and would allow green space over the top. Mr. Maurer stated it may not have a cover if it is not needed functionally and Mn/DOT would make this determination. Councilmember Motin expressed concerns with having the Taskforce continue this Plan (Mississippi Connections) when a large part of the puzzle (the final design for Highway 10) is incomplete. He stated he would like the proposed alignment for Highway 10 finalized before moving forward. He stated he would like to suspend the Taskforce until a Geometric Study (Study) could be completed. Mayor Klinzing stated the Plan is long-term so it would make sense to wait until a Study was completed. She noted that the Taskforce did an excellent job on this plan. Councilmember Motin questioned what the Council would like to see if a developer wants to build along the highway prior to a final plan being completed. Councilmember Gumphrey stated the Taskforce did an outstanding job with the Plan and he doesn't want to stop their progress. Councilmember Zerwas stated the city would be putting property owners in a difficult position if there are too many plans in place. He questioned the timeframe for the Study. Mr. Maurer stated the Study might possibly be incorporated into the 169 Study with the understanding that the city would pay for it. He would need to get confirmation from Mn/DOT. He stated it could be six to nine months before completed to the alternative selection stage. Councilmember Gumphrey questioned the cost of the Study. Mr. Maurer stated it would depend on the level of work completed but could be up to $500,000. He stated the cost would depend on whether the Council wanted land use powers Ciry Council Minutes ~ ' " ~ '. ~ ,_ Page 4 August 20, 2007 ~~ ~~ ~ ~-~ t~ ~~ for right-of--way but further noted the environmental portion of the study would have a limited shelf life. Councilmember Farber stated he would like to see Jackson Avenue and Main Street remain open. Councilmember Motin questioned members of the Taskforce as to how they feel if the group was put on hold until the Study could be completed. Ms. Mehelich stated the taskforce hasn't had an opportunity to discuss this as a group. Stewart Wilson stated that due to the amount of time spent on the Plan he would like the original members to stay together. Councilmember Gumphrey stated work could be done in the interim by the Taskforce but he was also fine with postponing the group for six months. Mayor Klinzing stated she would like to hear what the Taskforce would like to do. Ms. Mehelich stated the Taskforce understands amendments could be made to the original Plan after the Study is completed. Councilmember Motin stated the issue with trying to proceed further is that the general public will focus on the worst parts of the Plan. He stated there will be confusion with the changes and the city would have to redo all the hearings. He stated he would rather wait 6-9 months and not have a duplication of efforts. He stated this is a long term plan and there is no rush to complete it. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO SUSPEND THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TASKFORCE UNTIL A HIGHWAY 10 GEOMETRIC STUDY IS COMPLETED AND WHEN THE TASKFORCE RECONVENES, IT WILL RECONVENE WITH THE SAME MEMBERS. MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Mayor K]inzing opposed. Mayor Klinzing stated she could not support this motion because the Taskforce could work on other areas of the core downtown. Larry Toth, Stated the motion was off key by not having the Taskforce do anything until the Study is completed. He stated the Taskforce needs to continue its process due to the amount of work that will pile up with other studies they could be concentrating on. 6.3. Resolution Authorizing Eminent Domain and Acquisition of Real Property and Adopting- Approved Appraisals of Value for 193=~ Avenue Project Mr. Maurer presented his staff report. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-72 AUTHORIZING EMINENT DOMAIN AND ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH MINNESOTA STATUTES CHAPTER 117 FOR THE 193 AVENUE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR AND ADOPTING APPROVED APPRAISALS OF VALUE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.