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CR 91-280 Alleyscape ImprovementsDecember 10, 1991 ALLEYSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ACCEPT PLANNING AND ANALYSIS REPORT ORDER INFORMATIONAL HEARING Council Report: 91 -280 Proposed Action Staff recommends the following motion: "Move that Council accept the planning and analysis report as ordered on October 15, 1991, and that an informational hearing be scheduled for January 7, 1992 to discuss this report." This action will continue an alleyscape study in the alleys immediately north and south of Mainstreet, between 7th and 11th Avenues. Notification will be sent out in the mail for most CBD property owners, and listed in the Sailor Newspaper alerting everyone to the informational hearing that will be held on January 7, 1992. Overview On October 15, Council ordered a preliminary analysis report be prepared regarding proposed improvements for the alleys mentioned above. The process used in preparing this report consisted of holding approximately 10 meetings with the business owners from the eight blocks that would be affected by such a project. The purpose of the meetings was to present ideas, suggest projects, and receive comments and input from everyone effected. Analysis of Issues What was the property owners and DRC members response to this proposed improvement? o Recommendations in the report. o Project Cost o Why hold an informational hearing? o What further action will be required by the City Council? Supporting Information o Analysis of Issues o Planning and Analysis Report /� _.. -..`✓ /lam ublic Works Director - I'ustar Council Report: 91 -280 Page 2 Analysis of Issues o What was the property owners and DRC members response to this proposed improvement? - The timing for an alleyscape improvement project to be constructed in 1992 was found to be acceptable. The scope of such a project was well received by the property owners and business people in the downtown area. - Their generally was strong support for using a comprehensive approach to studying and eventually improving the alleys and parking areas of the CBD area. - Projects to the public right -of -way should not be assessed out. Funding mechanisms through the city's loan assistance programs should be made available as much as possible for improvements on private property. o Recommendations in the report. An executive summary found near the beginning of the report by RLK & Associates Ltd. outlines the consultants recommendations concerning this project. The following analysis further synopsizes staff and consultant position. - The recommended improvement program has been divided into 3 years. It is recommended that this form the basis of a future Alleyscape Improvement Program. - A parking study is recommended for implementation in 1992 or 1993. The study needs to reflect all the changes that have recently taken place in the downtown area, and explore various means to further improve parking and traffic conditions. - Centralization of recycling and trash enclosures was found to be a high priority item within all the blocks. - The concept of moving the depot into the CBD area should be pursued. - A continuation of the Mainstreet design elements should be carried into the alley environment to esthetically unite the front and rear entrances of the businesses. o Project Cost The project costs are included in the report and are listed with the proposed funding sources and by the year of the improvement. Why hold an informational hearing? Staff feels it is necessary to hold an informational hearing on this project to insure the entire city knows what improvements the city is considering. It was thought that if their was strong opposition to this project it should be known prior to spending additional money on a feasibility report. Council Report: 91 -280 Page 3 o What further action will be required by the City Council? If the project proceeds as anticipated, Council will adopt the motions contained within this report and subsequently order a feasibility report to be prepared after the January 7 informational hearing. Further action would be dependent on the findings in the feasibility report. Alternatives Based upon staffs recommendation, the City Council has the following alternatives; 1. Approve staffs recommendation. 2. , Discontinue any further action on the project. 3. Table item for further information. NOTICE The Planning and Analysis Report listed under Supporting Information is being completed by RLK & Associates and was not ready at the time of agenda distribution. This report will be hand delivered to your home prior to the meeting. Thank you.