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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MARCH 6, 1995 <br />Council has been dissatisfied with the progress that <br />has been made with the project thus far, and has <br />concerns about the proposals which have been submitted. <br />The Council feels that in order to get the right fit <br />for the project, the City should be looking toward <br />hiring experts to provide it with input about planning, <br />marketing, and financing. Three firms - Ehlers and <br />Associates, Hoisington Koegler Group, and Maxfield <br />Research Group - have put together a proposal for a <br />development guide for the Rice Street/Little Canada <br />Road area for the Council to consider. <br />Rusty Fifield, Ehlers and Associates, pointed out that <br />a few weeks ago he attended a workshop at which the <br />redevelopment of the Rice Street/Little Canada Road <br />area was discussed. Fifield indicated that the City <br />has been dealing with the prospect of redeveloping this <br />area for quite some time. Fifield pointed out that in <br />the Council's discussions of this redevelopment, it was <br />apparent that they are trying to determine what they <br />want to see happen in this area. Fifield reported that <br />he has put together a team to provide those answers for <br />the City, specifically dealing with the areas of <br />planning and design, market analysis, and financing. <br />The process would include a good look at the physical <br />and market characteristics of the area, and what is <br />feasible for the City. Fifield reported that the <br />entire Rice Street and Little Canada Road area would be <br />looked at, since this is the commercial center of the <br />City. While the area at the intersection is important, <br />this is not the only piece where redevelopment is being <br />considered. The review will include developing a guide <br />as to what the community wants and what the City's role <br />will be in the process. Fifield reported that the <br />result of the analysis will be a starting point for the <br />City, and will give the City a final work program to <br />get to where it needs to be. <br />Fahey asked how this work program would be combined <br />with the work being done by the City Planner and <br />Planning Commission in updating the City's <br />Comprehensive Plan. Fahey pointed out that the City <br />does not want to redo those efforts. <br />Fifield stated that he is aware that the City is in the <br />midst of updating its Comp Plan. Fifield felt that the <br />work program his group would be putting together would <br />enhance the Comp Plan, and indicated that his group <br />2 <br />