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5.2. SR 01-12-20095.2. ~~.iver MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: Jeff Gongoll, Community Development Director DATE: January 12, 2009 SUBJECT: Mississippi Connections (Downtown) Redevelopment Study In August 2007, the City Council voted to suspend activities. related to the Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework Plan pending the completion of a geometric study of Highway 10 though the City, and specifically through the downtown area. The Council initially discussed and reviewed the layout in April 2008, giving MnDOT direction to make changes, supporting the freeway alternative, and recognizing expressway as an interim plan. In November 2008, the Council reviewed those changes, and gave direction to initiate the public comment portion of the Hwy. 10 process. The remaining action is the formal submittal of the study to the Federal Highway Administration for their review and approval. Once completed, the City will review the plan a final time as part of municipal consent. This is anticipated to be completed by late 2009, at the earliest. Pending this, the primary planning and design activity has been completed. As a review, the purpose of the Redevelopment Framework Plan began was "... to serve as both a blueprint for the City to r~sporad to private investrrrerzt prraposalr, and as a avor~ Mara for the City to erreate arad maintain an environment in a manner consistent rrritb the community's vision." Based on the work completed to date, the Council may find it appropriate to restart the Task Force. Initial steps would include: • reassembling the Task Force. • begin identifying the revisions to the work plan, including Main Street between Hwys. 10 & 169. • determining budget/cost impacts to complete the plan_ Staff anticipates developing a revised work plan and schedule for Council information and review at an upcoming meeting. (see attachments on next page) Attachments • Executive Summary -Redevelopment Framework (draft as of July 10, 2007). ^ Goals for the 400-acre core of Elk River. ^ Redevelopment Framework Timeline (dated 8/21/07). ^ August 13, 2007, memo to Task Force re: River Traal concept ^ August 13, 2007, Task Force meeting minutes. ^ August 20, 2007, Request For Action memo to City Council. ^ August 20, 2007, City Council meeting minutes re: Redevelopment Plan. ^ August 21, 2007, memo to Task Force. 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A Goals for the 400-acre core of Elk River are to: • Establish the Mississippi River as the significant recreational amenity to the community and increase public access connections to the river and the study area's other recreational amenities. • Redefine the study area in order to increase its economic viability by introducing land uses that can be supported in the long term. • Create opportunities to identify the study area both as a gateway to the community and as a place of historical significance. • Establish the core area as an identifiable asset to current and future residents by creating connections to downtown and making sure it is a destination for residents and visitors. • Encourage reinvestment and strengthen existing residential neighborhoods through a variety of improvement programs. • Maintain Highway I 0 access and visibility to the core downtown area and create enhanced primary traffic corridors through the study area to strengthen its connection to the community. • Introduce new land use changes north of Hwy I 0 to complement the core downtown area. Redevelopment Framework Timeline Meeting Date To is City Council Oct. 2, 2006 r'~uthorized redevelopment plan be prepared for the expanded downtown Elk River area/appointed a Task Force to com lete the redevelo ment lan Ta_tik Force Nov. 6, 2006 Education/Background 'T'ask Force Dec. 4, 2006 Definin Downtown/SWOT Task Force an. 2, 2007 River Desi Pers ective Task Force Feb. 5, 2007 Market Perspective Task Force Mar. 5, 2007 H~ 10 Ci _ r Council Work Session Mar. 12, 2007 U date Task Force Aril 9, 2007 Historic Preservation Pers ective Task Force Ma 7, 2007 1S` visionin meetin Task Force une 4, 2007 2nd visionin meeting une 20, 2007 Mail draft Plan com onents to Task Force Task Force June 25, 2007 Comment on draft Land Use Plan, Vision, ~~ ~~ i ~~~' - ~~ ~ Goals/Policies/Specific Area Strategies City Council July 9 Council directs Task Force to re-evaluate I Iighway 10 configuration options within the draft Pl~u~ and to proceed with stakeholder meetings. Task Force Monday, July 16 Review and accept entire draft Plan to ~~~ t~'; ~ ~ ~ release for public review and comment (to include Background and Implementation Priorities) Stakeholders (Study area property Tues, July 24 Presentation on process, goals, vision. owners) Gather input on draft land use plan. Task Force Mon, Aug 13 Special meeting of Task Force to discuss Hi hwa 10 o tions and river trail conce t City Council & Task Force Mon, Aug 20 Review and approve Task Force's recommendation on I-Iighway 10 portion City Council of draft Plan voted 4a1 to Suspend the (M,~il revised Task Force draft Plan to Council, Taskforce until HRA, F..DA, Planning Comnussion, Par[ & Rec. Hwy 10 Conunission, HPC, and Urilities Cotnmission for review and comment Post revised draft Plan on Geometric Study City website and announce confirmed dates for is completed. Community Open Houses.) S:\Downtown Revitalization\Master Redevelopment Plan\timeline.doc -~= '.-'~T HRA Tues, Sept 4 Provide input on draft Plan EDA Mon, Sept 10 Provide input on draft Plan Planning Commission Tues, Sept 11 Provide input on draft Plan (Work Session) Parks & Recrearion Commission Wed, Sept 12 Provide input on draft Plan Heritage Preservation September Provide input on draft Plan Commission meeting General Public/Community Tues, Sept 18 Series of Open House opportunities to ..gather public comments. - 3pm and 7pm Tues, Se t 25 Sept/October ' Staff assembles and summarizes all input on the, draft Plan in preparation for Task Force review. Task Force Mon, Oct. 15 Review summary of all comments and make refinement decisions. Task Force Mon, Nov. 5 Review and Action on final Plan HRA Mon, Dec 3 Review and Action on final Plan Planning Commission Tues, Dec 11 Review and Act on Resolution Finding Plan Consistent with City Comprehensive Plan City Council December/January Public Hearing followed by Review and Action on final Plan S:\Dowtrtown Revitalization\Master Redevelopmetrt Plan\timeline.doc u - - ~ % t`~- ~ -` MEMORANDUM TO: Redevelopment Framework Task Force CC: Mayor & City Council FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development DATE: August 13, 2007 SUBJECT: Consider River Trail Concept Attachments • Draft Modified River Trail Concept for Discussion Purposes, dated August 13, 2007 Issue The Task Force is asked, upon request by a several residents of the Morton/Norfolk Avenues area, to consider removing the river trail that is currently depicted in the Draft Redevelopment Framework Plan and Draft Illustrative Land Use Plan. A spokesperson from the Morton/Norfolk Avenues neighborhood has been asked to make a brief statement on behalf of the neighborhood regarding their concerns and request. Following their statement staff recommends that Task Force discuss and take action on the following questions: Options for Discussion In a normal redevelopment planning process, the public participation phase would allow for the entire community, including stakeholders, City Boards and Commissions, and the rest of the community to review and provide comments on the Task Force's accepted Draft Plan. All of the input would be collected over a period of approximately two months and then provided to the Task Force in its entirety for review and consideration as opposed to reacting with modifications to the Plan while it is under the review phase. The first question for the Task Force to consider is: 1) Does the Task Force wish to make revisions to its Draft Plan now, or allow the process to proceed in order to allow the rest of the community an opportunity to provide comments prior to modifying the Plan? Consider River Trail Concept August 13, 2007 Task Force Meeting Page 2 of 2 If the answer to the first question is yes, then staff recommends the Task Force consider selecting one of the following options for dealing with the river trail concept within the Draft Plan prior to its proceeding for public review and comment: 1) Eliminate the entire future river trail in its entire from the Draft Plan, illustrations and narrative. 2) Eliminate the entire future river trail from the Draft Illustrative Land Use Plan, and related plan illustrations, but leave references to the desire for a future river trail within the Plan narrative. 3) Modify a portion of the future river trail concept within the Draft Plan to extend from River's Edge Commons Park westerly to Lowell Avenue (with the understanding that the concept would be implemented in conjunction with a future redevelopment proposal), up to Main Street and continue its connection easterly to Babcock Park (this would explicitly eliminate the river trail from Lowell Ave west from the Draft Plan). A draft illustrative land use plan indicating this concept is attached for discussion. 4) Leave the future river trail concept "as is" within the Draft Plan. MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER REDEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TASK FORCE HELD AT THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007 Members Present: Louise Kuester, HRA Commissioner; Jean Lieser, I-IRA Commissioner; Lance Lindberg, Heritage Preservation Commissioner; Dan Tveite, EDA Commissioner; Mike Niziolek, Parks & Recreation Representative; Dave Rymanowski, Business Representative (First National Bank); Mark Urista, Task Force Chair & Business Representative (Coldwell Banker Vision); Keith Holme, Business Representative (Kemper Drug); Stewart Wilson, HRA Chair; Larry Toth, HRA Commissioner; Dana Anderson, Planning Commissioner; Molly Nadeau-Peterson, Resident Representative and John Anderson, Resident Representative Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Parks & Recreation Director Bill Maertz (6:00-7:OOp.m.), City Engineex Terry Maurer (7:15-8:OOp.m.), Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz and Planner Chris Leeseberg Others Present: Stacie Kvilvang of Ehlers & Associates, Inc. and twenty-three members of the public 1. A~pro~e AuAugust 13, 2007 Agenda The August 13, 2007 agenda was approved. 2. Approve July 16, 2007 Minutes The July 16, 2007 minutes were approved. Task Force Member John Anderson asked for clarification on the Task Force's July 16 .motion to accept the Draft Redevelopment Framework Plan based on Task Force modifications as of the same date. Chair Mark Urista responded that the Task Force voted to accept the Draft Plan in order to present it to the stakeholders. Member John Anderson also asked when his comments, which he submitted in writing to the Task Force on June 25 would be incorporated into the Draft Plan. Stacie Kvilvang of Ehlers & Associates responded that all of the Task Force's modifications in addition to Board/Commission and public input would be incorporated for Task Force review at their October 15 meeting. 3. Recap of Last Meetinm & Purpose of August 13th Meetin Ms. Kvilvang provided a recap of the July 16~ Task Force meeting when the Task Force considered and accepted the Draft Plan. She also stated that the stakeholders meetings on July 24 were well attended and indicated that a spokesperson for stakeholders of the Morton/Norfolk neighborhood in attendance this evening would be invited to speak during Item 5. Ms. Kvilvang stated that the purpose of tonight's meeting is for the Task Force to further discuss Highway 10 in relation to the Draft Plan as directed by the City Council. She added Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 2 that a couple of Task Force members requested that a discussion regarding the Draft Plan's proposed river trail also be added to tonight's agenda. She said that it is not typical in a normal redevelopment planning process to react to the public comments at this point because it is important to let the redevelopment planning process "play itself out". She specifically mentioned the importance of gathering all of the public input from City Boards and Commissions and the general public prior to making refinements to the Draft Plan. In addition, she said that it is important to be consistent by showing the same Draft Plan to the public. 4. Summary Report of Stakeholder Meetings Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz summarized her staff report regarding the July 24 stakeholders meetings in addition to written public comments received as of August 7. She stated that the top two issues of concern submitted via written comments were the river trail and high density housing. She added that staff is not asking for the Task Force to take action regarding her report since staff will be gathering and providing additional public comments to the Task Force in October for review and consideration in refining the plan. Discuss River Trail Concept Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich summarized her staff report regarding a request made by a several residents of the Morton/Norfolk neighborhood, to consider removing the river trail that is currently depicted in the Draft Redevelopment Framework Plan and Draft Illustrative Land Use Plan. She invited John Babcock, spokesperson for the neighborhood, to add any comments regarding the neighborhood's request. Mr. Babcock distributed a summary of written comments from the neighborhood to the Task Force and provided additional verbal comments he had received from neighbors regarding the issue. Ms. Mehelich introduced Bill Maertz, Parks & Recreation Director, who was in attendance to answer any questions from the Task Force. She asked the Task Force if they wished to make revisions to its Draft Plan now, or allow the process to proceed in order to allow the rest of the community an opportunity to provide comments prior to modifying the Draft Plan. Discussion ensued regarding a variety of options for how to refine the Draft Plan in reaction to the neighborhood's request, including the option of a river trail beginning at the dam and ending at Babcock Park. Task Force member Molly Nadeau asked about a parks and trails map that she heard was circulating around the City. Mr. Maertz responded that the map is two years old and that it reflects the City's Comprehensive Parks & Trails Plan approved in 1989. He has received comments from property owners recently about proposed trails being included on the map and will replace the map to indicate only existing trails. Member Dana Anderson stated that the Draft Plan is not "reinventing the wheel" by including a proposed trail along the Mississippi and Elk Rivers because this trail has been included in the Master Park Plan for years. He asked the Task Force why they were discussing options for refining the Draft Plan regarding the trail before answering the question "Do we want the process to proceed in order to allow the rest of the community an opportunity to provide comments prior to modifying the Draft Plan?" Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 3 The Task Force continued to discuss the different options and the following related policy issues: Consistency of all Ciry plans Precedence that reacting to this request would set for other neighborhoods Integrity of the redevelopment planning process that the Task Force agreed upon at their first meeting last November Member Larry Toth asked if the river trail could begin on the southwest end of the Draft Plan area ending at Babcock Point. At this point, audience member John Houlton asked to speak since his family owns a significant amount of property in the area mentioned by Member Toth. Chair Urista invited Mr. Houlton to speak. Mr. Houlton mentioned that he has environmental concerns about the proposed river trail, especially because the area is a floodway (not just a flood plain). In addition, he spoke of the economic encumbrance that the proposed trail puts on his and other people's property along the river. MOVED BY MEMBER DAN TVEITE AND SECONDED BY MEMBER JEAN LIESER, THE TASK FORCE ELIMINATES THE ENTIRE FUTURE RIVER TRAIL IN ITS ENTIRETY FROM THE DRAFT PLAN, ILLUSTRATIONS AND NARRATIVE. THE MOTION FAILED 7-6. MEMBERS MARK URISTA, STEWART WILSON, LOUISE KUESTER, MOLLY NADEAU, DANA ANDERSON, LARRY TOTH AND MIKE NIZIOLEK OPPOSED. MOVED BY MEMBER STEWART WILSON AND SECONDED BY MEMBER MOLLY NADEAU, THE TASK FORCE REFINES THE DRAFT PLAN, ILLUSTRAIONS AND NARRATIVE TO INCLUDE A RIVER TRAIL BEGINNING AT RIVERS EDGE COMMONS PARK (HEADING EAST) AND ENDING AT BABCOCK PARK. THE MOTION CARRIED 10-3. MEMBERS LOUISE KUESTER, DANA ANDERSON AND MIKE NIZIOLEK OPPOSED. 6. Highway 10 Discussion Prior to the Highway 10 discussion, Chair Urista stated that he hopes that the Task Force upholds the integrity of the redevelopment planning process from this point forward and that all members remain stewards of the Plan. He does not want to see the Task Force's year-long planning efforts go to waste. Planner Chris Leeseberg provided a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate Community Development Director Scott Clark's staff report regarding Highway 10. City Engineer Terry Maurer stated that he has recommended that the City Council fund a geometric design study to be completed for Highway 10 through downtown Elk River as part of the Ciry's Capital Improvements Program budget for 2008. Member Larry Toth asked why the Task Force was talking about the different Highway 10 options since the Ciry Council either wants the highway to be elevated or depressed. Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 4 Mr. Maurer responded that even prior to the 35W bridge collapse; MnDOT was not planning to fund any improvements to Highway 10 through downtown Elk River for at least thirty years. With the collapse, Mr. Maurer is assuming that bridge improvement projects will take precedence in the foreseeable future. Therefore, he would still recommend that the City fund a geometric design study. The Task Force discussed the land north of Highway 10 and how they didn't think it was appropriate to leave the area "as is" with no opportunity to redevelop due to the threat of blight if a design configuration for Highway 10 continues to go undetermined for 20-30 years. Member Niziolek added that he came up with a Highway 10 option that would leave it "at grade" but would reconfigure its current alignment by going under the railroad tracks and following the realigned Main Street concept in the Draft Plan, crossing over Jackson Avenue and begin elevating and curving up and over the railroad tracks and Highway 10 (near the grain elevator) and terminating at Main Street between Lowell and Morton. Ms. Mehelich responded that the City Council has made it very clear that they will not accept the "at grade" option whatsoever. Member Dana Anderson stated that the City Council compromised the integrity of the redevelopment planning process when they dismissed the Task Force's recommendation for Highway 10 a few months ago. The Task Force continued to discuss the issue, including the disruption that elevating or depressing Highway 10 would cause for the community. Member Keith Holme added from a downtown business owner's perspective that if Highway 10 is elevated or depressed "you might as well remove all commercial business from downtown" due to the lack of visibility and direct access. MOVED BY MEMBER LOUISE KUESTER AND SECONDED BY MEMBER DAN TVEITE, APPROVING THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION REGARDING HIGHWAY 10 WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN: 1) THE ILLUSTRATIVE MASTER PLAN SHOULD SHOW JACKSON AVE. AND MAIN STREET BEING AT GRADE (THIS WOULD REPRESENT THE IDEA THAT IT IS A PLACEHOLDER, ALBEIT THE TEXT OF THE PLAN WILL STRONGLY ARGUE FOR A GEOMETRIC STUDY). 2) THE TEXT OF THE PLAN WILL CONTAIN PLAN ILLUSTRATIONS THAT REPRESENT THE VARIOUS OPTIONS THAT HAD BEEN CONSIDERED. 3) THE MATRIX FOUND ON THE ORIGINAL DRAFT (PAGE 31) WILL BE MODIFIED AS SHOWN ON THE "ROADWAY DESIGN OPTION" ATTACHMENT. 4) THE PLAN'S HIGHWAY 10 CONCLUSION IS THAT A GEOMETRIC STUDY (TO INCLUDE SOIL BOILINGS) IS CRITICAL TO AVOID ANY NEW REDEVELOPMENT EFFORTS CAUSING CONFLICT WITH FUTURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 12-1. MEMBER DANA ANDERSON OPPOSED. Member John Anderson added that while he appreciates the effort that staff put into the Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 5 Highway 10 options advantages/disadvantages chart included in the meeting packet, he feels that it is incomplete. Member Niziolek added that more options need to be considered for Highway 10 in order to attract future redevelopment to the area. Ms. Mehelich responded that the Draft Plan narrative includes the following verbiage "the Task Force recognizes that other unexplored roadway options and configurations may be feasible". Ms. Mehelich invited Task Force members to the August 20 City Council meeting when staff will report tonight's Task Force direction regarding Highway 10. Next Steps Ms. Mehelich discussed the anticipated Task Force timeline through the end of the year, inviting members to attend Board/Commission meetings and other public meetings in which further public comments will be gathered on the Draft Plan. 8. Final Comments Ms. Kvilvang asked each Task Force member o talk about his/her concerns or comments regarding the discussion this evening. The comments are listed below: • Mark Urista - He is "O.K." with how things went tonight and hopes that the Morton/Norfolk neighborhood will remain true to what they said (that they will be ambassadors of the plan now). • Stewart Wilson - He echoes what Chair Urista said and was sensitive to the neighborhood because there are several influential people who own property in that neighborhood. • Louise Kuester -She feels that the Task Force violated the normal procedure of redevelopment planning tonight and it bothers her. She is concerned about the precedence this will set and feels that the Task Force needs to remember that they are serving the entire City, not just one neighborhood. • Keith Holme - He agrees with-everyone's comments so far but admits that he didn't look at all sides of the issues regarding the Draft Plan. He feels that there has not been enough public communications on the project and that more pressure needs to be put on the Star News. He doesn't feel Q&A newsletters are sufficient. • Jean Lieser - It is nice that the Task Force was sensitive to the stakeholders. The general public will appreciate that the Task Force listened. • Molly Nadeau -She agrees with Jean and would like each and every Task Force member to know that she holds them in high respect. • Dave Ryamowski - He is normally a "process guy" but is comfortable with the meeting tonight. • Dana Anderson - He feels that Task Force degraded the process tonight and have gone backwards. The neighborhood seems to have a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitude. The Task Force set a precedent that hurts its integrity and it will be interesting moving forward. • Larry Toth - He was picturing that the Draft Plan would look different on paper. He feels the Draft Plan is a starting point but that the Task Force should've continued work on the plan after the completion of the downtown parking study and the Highway 10 geometric study. He is not happy with taking the initial river trail out of the plan. He hopes that it doesn't take thirty years to implement the plan. • Dan Tveite - He is a "process guy" too but felt that the situation of taking the trail out didn't compromise the Task Force's process because the Task Force solicited the public Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 6 comments. He feels that the Task Force would've lost credibility if they didn't react to the neighborhood. • Lance Lindberg - He feels that the Task Force should've had more information before proposing a trail in the first place. He agrees with Dan Tveite that since the Task Force solicited public comments that it was O.K. to remove the trail. • Mike Niziolek - He feels that today was a very difficult day due to his role on the Task Force as an advocate for Parks & Recreation. He feels that it is a very difficult balancing act to appease the property owners while advocating the importance of Parks & Recreation for the community. • John Anderson - He doesn't understand why this process has been rushed. The next meeting will be held on October 15, 2007. Sub/mr it~te~d by, Heidi Steinmetz Assistant Director of Economic Development REQUEST FOR ACTION To Item Number Ci Council Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Community Development August 20, 2007 Scott Clark, Community Development Director Item Description Reviewed by Confirm the Direction of the Redevelopment Framework Plan Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator Task Force regarding Highway 10 Reviewed by Action Requested The City Council is asked to make a motion to confirm the direction of the Redevelopment Framework Plan Task Force regarding Highway 10. Back4round/Discussion Per the direction from the City Council on July 9, 2007, the Redevelopment Framework Plan Task Force met on August 13, 2007 (see attached draft minutes) to re-evaluate their recommendation and the design options for Highway 10 as it appears in the Task Force's Draft Plan. The attached staff report outlines the options that were presented. Following discussion the Task Force approved the following action by a vote of 12-1 regarding Highway 10 within the Redevelopment Framework Plan: 1) The Illustrative Master Plan should show Jackson Ave. and Main Street being at grade (this would represent the idea that it is a placeholder, albeit the text of the Plan will strongly advocate for a geometric study). 2) The text of the Plan will contain plan illustrations that represent the various options that had been discussed by the Task Force. 3) The matrix found on the original Draft (page 31) will be modified as shown on the "Roadway Design Option" attachment. 4) The Plan's Highway 10 conclusion is that a geometric study is critical to avoid any new redevelopment efforts causing conflict with future design and construction. 5) If a Plan is approved prior to a geometric study conclusion, it is understood that amendments to the original Plan may have to be reviewed and adopted. Upon the City Council's confirmation of the direction regarding Highway 10, all of the illustrations and narratives within the Draft Plan will be modified to reflect the change prior to the Draft Plan's review by the City Boards and Commissions and community open houses next month. Attachments • Staff report to Task Force re: Highway 10 Discussion, dated August 13, 2007 • DRAFT Minutes of the August 13, 2007 Redevelopment Framework Task Force Meeting S:\Downtown Revitalization\Master Kedevelopment Plan\Task Force\Memos\Council memos\Action Requested 8.20.07.doc City Council Muiutes August 20, 2007 Page 3 ------------------------- 6.1. R uest b Ci of Elk River for Ordin ce Amendm nt R din Si son Pu is Pro e Case No. OA 07- 9-Public Hearin to be Re-noti ed for Future Date Mr. Barnhart requested to postpone this item. but noted it was advertised for a public hearing. Mayor HIinzing 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 WREN IT IS READY FOR CONSIDERATION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. r~. 6.2. Confirm the Direction of the Redevelotiment Framework Plan (Mississippi Connections Task Force ReQardin~ I Ii~ha'ay 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 deterinination. Councilmember Moon 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 Geomemc 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. Councilmeinber Moon 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. Councilmeinber Gumphrey questioned the cost of the Study. City Council Minutes August 20, 2007 Page 4 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 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 takforce 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 sig 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 TASI~FORCE RECONVENES, IT WILL RECONVENE WITH THE SAME MEMBERS. MOTION CARRIED M1. Mayor Klinzing 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. and Adopting 6.3. Resolution Authorizing Eminent Domain and Acclwsition of Real ProvemT Anoroved Atioraisals 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 ~~ MEMORANDUM TO: Redevelopment Framework Task Force FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development DATE: August 2 I , 2007 SUBJECT: City Council Direction Regarding Task Force On August 20, 2007 the City Council was asked to confirm the direction of the Redevelopment Framework Task Force regarding Highway 10, which was approved by the Task Force at its August 13, 2007 meeting. Task Force members Stewart Wilson, Larry Toth, Louise Kuester and Keith Holme were in attendance at the Council meeting. Following Planner Chris Leeseberg's presentation of the Task Force recommendation on Highway 10, the Council had great concern regarding the timing of the Task Force Redevelopment Framework Plan and the uncertainty of the Highway 10 design. The Council recognized the need for the geometric study to be completed in order to create a Plan that addresses and avoids any new redevelopment efforts causing conflict with future design and construction of Highway 10. At the same time the Council acknowledged the good work, time and commitment of the Task Force to prepare the Draft Redevelopment Framework Plan. Following much discussion, the City Council acted on a 4-1 vote to suspend the Task Force until a geometric study is complete. There is not a confirmation at this time as to if and when a geometric study can be completed. It was estimated that a geometric study could possibly be completed in a timeframe of 6 to 9 months. This issue is currently under consideration and discussion by the City Council. More details will be shared with the Task Force as it becomes available in the next week regarding next steps with Task Force meetings and communications with the stakeholders. As of now the redevelopment planning process and timeline for presenting the Draft Plan to City Boards and Commissions, and the community open houses have been postponed until further notice. Please feel free to contact myself or Scott at 763.635.1000 with any questions.