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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/08/1994 Council Minutes1 i COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 8, 1994 FACILITIES STUDY CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERSiABSENT December 8, 1994 5:10 P.M. 6:20 P.M. Reinert, 'Mettler, Elliott, B Neal ergeson. Staff members present: Community Development Director, Brian Wessel; Planning Coordinator, Mary Kay Wyland; Community Development Secretary, Mary LaForest; City Administrator, Randy Schumacher and Clerk -Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Facilities Study and present a proposal for a Town Center. Council Member Bergeson explained that Mr. Wessel and Ms. LaForest will be presenting a concept for a Town Center. The presentation is only to provide information for the City Council to think about. A map of the City of Lino Lakes was displayed showing several sites that have been proposed for a new City facility. The map also indicates how many acres are available at each site. The acreage for each site varies and final acreage requirements will depend on how many acres are needed for the new facility. Mr. Wessel explained that Ms. LaForest had prepared a notebook outlining the concept for a Town Center. Ms. LaForest developed the notebook as a presentation for a class that she is taking for her Masters Degree in Economic Development. Mr. Wessel read paragraph four (4) of the Introduction. "This Town Center proposal incorporates 'Neo -traditional' planning, the return to a more traditional Midwest design with shop front retail, lower building profiles and a town square. This concept is one alternative to the standard suburban strip mall that has come to signify uncontrolled sprawl, lack of community identity and unimaginative design. A well planned Town Center can enhance the City's special qualities the community seeks to preserve and provide an appealing place to visit". Mr. Wessel noted that this PAGE 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 8, 1994 FACILITIES STUDY is a 1990's neighborhood concept. Mr. Wessel referred to page three (3) of the notebook, Needs Assessment. He noted that the proposed city hall will require about 24,000 square feet of space and the Police Department will require about 14,000 square feet. Mr. Wessel also noted that the Centennial School District is looking for about 10,000 square feet to rent/lease. Several proposals have already been submitted to the District. Mr. Wessel explained that a growing city like Lino Lakes will be requiring retail services and this concept could provide these services as well as provide the best use of land and a broad housing profile. Mr. Wessel requested that the City Council review the information provided in the notebook, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a Town Center concept and determine if a definitive program should be prepared. He explained that he envisioned that the program would be phased -in starting with the construction of the City facilities. These facilities would be the anchor for the development. Ms. LaForest referred to the Summary on page 15 noting that Town Center concepts have been gathering momentum in recent years as marketing concepts and as design ideas. These projects are usually located in suburbs and are designed to become focal points in their communities. Some of these projects revolve around the concept of an open air gathering place reminiscent of the Main Street of a small town, and include street front retail, town squares, city facilities, offices and residential uses. They are meant to act as new downtowns for suburban ares that evolved without such traditional cores. Ms. LaForest briefly mentioned a Town Center concept for Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Tualitin, Oregon and Orlando, Florida. Ms. LaForest further explained that a Town Center plan calls for extensive public interaction, community input and review, the use of consultants, developers and contractors. A city interested in using the impetus of public development to stimulate private development should first come to a consensus on its needs and objectives. Although the concept is complicated to complete, strategic public investment and concentrated marketing efforts can have a dramatic effect on encouraging private investment. Mayor Reinert had several questions including what would the tax base be and how much square footage would be designated for the public buildings. Ms. LaForest explained that this has not been determined since only the concept is being introduced this PAGE 2 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 8, 1994 FACILITIES STUDY evening. Mr. Schumacher explained that he and the Financial Director. did put figures together for a new city hall. He noted that Elk River recently completed a new city hall at the cost of $2,300,000.00. Space requirements for Lino Lakes would cost approximately $4,000,000.00. This would not include the cost of land or furnishings. Council Member Bergeson said that would provide a building that is needed 10 years from now. The need at this time is for approximately 34,000 square feet not including Public Works. Total costs would be approximately $5,000,000.00. Mayor Reinert asked how such a project would be financed. Mr. Schumacher outlined several areas from which to pull financing including TIF, MWCC SAC refund, and a lease/purchase situation similar to what was used to finance the new fire station. Mayor Reinert asked if a Town Center is a realistic project. Mr. Schumacher said yes. A financing plan covering a 20 to 25 year period with only interest being paid for the first several years would not require a significant tax increase. Mayor Reinert asked that the financing plan be outlined, and then go to the community and sell the plan, possibly through the 20/20 project. He felt the idea of the Town Center must grow out of the need of the community. Mr. Wessel also noted that the plan would need strong public support. He felt there is a need to focus on location and obtaining the property soon. He felt that the need for a City facility and a Town Center could be combined and the project completed in stages with the government facilities constructed first. Council Member Kuether said she liked the philosophy of a Town Center but felt the City Council needed to take the initiative and make it happen. She felt that many businesses would like to be located near city hall. Council Member Bergeson felt that the City could build another city hall in a different location but it would only be a city hall that would not be much different that what the City already has. Mr. Wessel explained that the EDAAB has been trying to put together a plan to "kick off" commercial development and a Town Center appears to be workable. Ms. LaForest said that the City could use government facilities to attract businesses. This concept would be a good marketing tool. PAGE 3 0 . COUNCIL WORK SESSION FACILITIES STUDY DECEMBER 8, 1994 Council Member Kuether asked that a scenario of the project and the financing be completed. Further discussion involved the need to develop a program and the need to hire consultants such as a planner, and a real estate market consultant. Public input would also be needed. Council Member Bergeson reminded the City Council that a market study was completed for the two (2) freeway intersections several years ago. Council Member Kuether felt that the study concentrated on what should be located at the intersections and would not relate to this concept. Mr. Schumacher noted that former City Planner, John Miller also prepared a study. Mayor Reinert suggested that a survey to determine where competition is located should also be prepared. Council Member Bergeson felt that the City should not be involved with commercial development and should let the private sector take the risk. Council Member Kuether felt a community center would draw private development. Mr. Wessel noted the need to include "people activity" centers. Mayor Reinert said that much of what government does is planned in a vacuum and felt the need to get the public involved to give them "ownership" in the project. He suggested that groups of proponents who see something in the concept be formed to "carry the ball". The concept must include something that citizens want. Ms. LaForest felt that residents would rather see the Town Center than another K -Mart or Walmart. Mr. Schumacher expressed concern regarding the timing explaining that he wanted a new city hall before the Centennial School District approaches the public with a new referendum. Council Member Bergeson said he did not feel the need for a new city hall in the next two (2) years but did feel the need to get a commitment on a piece of property. Mr. Wessel said he did not want to complicate the issue but felt the need to bring this concept to the City Council for consideration. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Schumacher how soon a new city hall was needed. Mr. Schumacher said he felt the need within the next two (2) years. Mayor Reinert felt that the Town Center would take more than two (2) years. Council Member Bergeson felt that both projects could be done if the right piece of property were secured. Mr. Wessel said he could see construction starting within the next two (2) to three (3) years. PAGE 4 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 8, 1994 FACILITIES STUDY Mayor Reinert suggested that a model of the Town Center be constructed and placed in the entry of city hall so that residents and visitors could give their opinions. Further discussion continued around the issue of the location for a Town Center. Council Member Kuether suggested that it be placed north of I35W so that it would not be in direct competition with the businesses in Circle Pines and Lexington. Mayor Reinert suggested that a professional be hired to research the location. Mr. Wessel said he would formalize a program for a Town Center and include square footage for the development. Mr. Schumacher asked the City Council to think about the presentation this evening. Another facilities study meeting will be scheduled after the first of the year. Council Member Bergeson noted that it is a "pain" to hold all of these meetings, however this issue warrants meetings and more meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 P.M. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on December 19,1994. Marilyh G. Anderson, Vernon F. Reinert, Clerk -Treasurer Mayor PAGE 5