Minutes of Sept 11 WSPage 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Creekwood Estates— 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was started at 7:07 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Molly
Cummings, Jason Gadd, Kristi Halverson, Cheryl Youakim, City Manager Mike Morrison, Director
of Economic Development Kirsten Elverum, Community Development Coordinator Tara Beard,
Public Works Director Steve Stadler, CAC & BRCC representative Ann Beuch, Shepherd of the Hill
Lutheran Pastor Scott Searl and Cunningham Group Architecture representative Bruce Jacobson.
New business:
CAC (Community Advisory Committee) SWLRT Update
Ms. Beuch gave an overview of the work so far by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).
The committee has had four meetings to set the ground rules, review met council reports and
determine key areas of concern. Some areas of concern regarding SW LRT that CAC has discussed
are trails & parks, station area location, connections with bus or other transit, environmental
sensitivity, platform design, rail relocation in St Louis Park and affordable housing. There will be an
opportunity for community feedback at public meetings as the process continues.
Ms. Elverum updated the Council regarding an opening for a representative on the CAC representing
the Shady Oak Station. Staff is looking for a replacement committee member and would appreciate
any suggestions. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is scheduled to be released on
September 28th and the City staff, Council and residents will have 45 days to review and comment on
the DEIS. Ms. Elverum updated the Council on the Transitional Area Station Action Plans and staff is
continuing to work on the vision and location for the station areas.
There was discussion by Council regarding inviting the six CAC committee members to a future
Council Work Session for a general discussion regarding the SW LRT process and areas of concern.
BRCC (Blake Road Corridor Collaborative) Update
Ms. Beard gave an overview of the Blake Road Corridor Collaborative (BRCC). Ms. Beuch gave an
overview of the 2012 BRCC activities which included small group meetings to share information
about development projects and resident concerns, encourage area residents to participate in the
Cottageville Park redesign and Cottageville Park garden & community events. Pastor Scott Searl of
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church gave an overview of a tutoring program that was housed at the
Church. Ms. Beuch updated Council on a survey being conducted by a student on the transportation
needs and uses along Blake Road. The survey results will be shared with the staff and Council once
complete. The BRCC has learned that residents along the Blake Road corridor continue to have needs
for affordable housing, size limitations of housing and that public transit is well used but not always
meeting needs. The BRCC continues to encourage resident lead initiatives and engage residents in the
community.
Cottageville Park Update
Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the Cottageville Park planning process. Mr. Jacobson of
Cunningham Group Architecture gave an overview of the History of the Cunningham Group, team
members who are working on the park design and the focus of the project that includes Public
Outreach, Stormwater Piping &Treatment improvements and park planning. Mr. Jacobson discussed
the public information that has been gathered and will be incorporated into the master plan and the
design challenges of the stormwater requirements. Mr. Jacobson discussed the timetable, concept
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review with the opportunity for public input & Council feedback, cost management and project
phasing.
There was much Council discussion regarding the stormwater zone & holding pond options, parking,
surrounding neighborhood, adjoining alley, entryway into park, creek access, buffering for
neighboring residents and grant monies.
BP site Update
Ms. Elverum gave an update on the BP redevelopment project scheduled to begin this fall. Ms.
Elverum reviewed the design of the two -building retail center and the project timetable.
There was Council discussion regarding the design plans and staff will present the plans to Council as
soon as possible to keep the project schedule moving forward. A public neighborhood meeting will
also be scheduled.
Other:
• A Creekwood Estate resident expressed concern over a Blake Road Crosswalk. Mr. Stadler will
investigate the concern.
• A rendering of the Mayon building redevelopment project is on the city website.
• Council Member Gadd discussed the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Project.
• Discussion of the future redevelopment of the Cold Storage Property.
• Mr. Mornson updated Council on the Business Forum scheduled for September 27, 2012.
• Commissioner Callison will be at the September 18 City Council meeting to give an update on
Hennepin County.
• Mayor Maxwell thanked Creekwood Estates for hosting the Engaging Raspberry Renter events this
year.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Cummings and a second
by Council member Youakim to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor