06-28-2011WSPage 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Raspberry Room - 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:34 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Rick Brausen, Kristi Halverson and Cheryl Youakim, Acting City Manager
Jim Genellie, Director of Planning, Economic Development Kersten Elverum, Nancy
Anderson, City Planner & Christine Harkess, Finance Director; Representatives of
Klodt, Inc. John Bell & Dave Clark; Zoning & Planning Commission members Charlie
Firth, Andrew Fischer, Molly Cummings, Aaron Kuznia, Andrea Kloehn Naef, Pat
Beddor, Doug Datta, Jennifer Allard, Tom Jenny, Bob Hatlestad.
Joint Meeting with Zoning and Planning:
Park Nicollet Site Redevelopment Discussion:
Mr. John Bell of Klodt, Inc. a local Minneapolis based real estate development firm,
selected to redevelop the Park Nicollet site, reviewed projects that Klodt, Inc.
specializes in, builds, owns and manages.
Mr. Dave Clark of Klodt, Inc. gave an overview of the proposed project on the Park
Nicollet site. The development firm also gave examples of what the area could look
like with the acquisition of additional properties next to the Park Nicollet site.
Mr. Clark showed potential space designs and described the possible unit counts,
building exterior and amenities, streetscape, pedestrian walkways, parking and retail
possibilities for the site.
There was much discussion by Council and Commission members regarding exterior
look to the building, inside and outside amenities, number of bedrooms, parking
spaces, streetscape upgrades, rental rates, rental vs. owner occupied housing,
additional property acquisition and timing of the project. The Klodt, Inc.
representatives stated that while there is a small chance that construction could
begin in 2012, it is much more likely that construction would begin in the spring of
2013 with completion in spring, 2014. The development firm is currently working on
securing environmental grants and the next steps will be hard lining the building,
securing permits, rezoning and design work.
The Council feels the project is off to a good start but would like to see the timetable
moved up if possible and thanked Klodt, Inc. representative for their time.
Mixed use zoning:
Ms. Anderson, City Planner, asked for feedback from Zoning & Planning Commission
members regarding the Mixed Use Zoning Ordinance that is coming up for approval.
Commission members discussed areas that should be considered for the phased
rezoning.
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B-4 Zoning Amendment:
There was discussion about allowing liquor stores in the B-4 district with possibly
adding some conditions. Commission members were asked to review this
information because the amendment will be coming before the commission soon.
Development update:
Ms. Elverum updated the Council and Commission about park planning, ground
breaking for Marketplace and Main on July 12, the redevelopment of the Mayon
building and the status of the BP gas station on Blake Road.
Council thanked the Zoning & Planning Commission for their time and efforts,
thanking the outgoing members and welcoming the incoming members.
Second Review of Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP) and Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP)
Ms. Harkess, Finance Director, reviewed the second draft of the ERP with Council.
She discussed the equipment needs for 2012-2016 and what had changed from the
current plan, cash flow statements, individual projects by year and funding sources.
Staff will be looking at the equipment plan closely in the next year; looking at
funding solutions, grant monies and leasing vs. purchasing equipment. Departments
will continue to look at their equipment needs closely, what they can do without,
what they can keep and what does not need replacing. There was much discussion
of different public works vehicles and what they are used for. Mr. Stadler will be
asked to review the different vehicles with the council.
Ms. Harkess explained the summary of changes in the 2012-2016 CIP with the
Council; cash flow statements for PIR fund, funding source & projects by department
and individual project sheets for residential street improvements. Ms. Harkess stated
that staff has reviewed the scheduled projects and reworked the annual street
Improvement projects. Council had some concern about keeping the infrastructure
at a certain level and if stretching out projects would cost more down the line.
Staff assured the Council that they will not let streets decline and will continue to
analyze and keep track of road conditions.
Ms. Harkess reviewed an additional CIP project for City Hall Server Room Air
Conditioning. Council requested additional information about the system and costs
prior to July 5 meeting.
The Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)will be
on the July 5 City Council agenda.
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OTHER:
• Council expressed concern over an area of overgrown weeds on Cambridge
Street. Staff will investigate who owns the property.
• Council members felt further explanation is needed on the City Manager
Personality Profile and looking for suggested interview questions for the Council,
employee panels and other interview groups. Mr. Genellie will check with the City
Manager Search Firm on these matters.
• Council discussed the possible effects the State shutdown could have on city
services.
• Mr. Genellie stated that the City will have a booth at Raspberry Festival Family
Days and are looking for volunteers,
• Mr. Genellie stated that Police Chief Reynolds has approached the Crime Fund
Board for reward monies for information on the recent apartment garage break-
ins.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Brausen
and a second by Council member Youakim to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor