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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes • March 14, 2000 Page 9 l Specifically, Mr. Bergstrom pointed out that, in 1999,the Commission held 11 public hearings, 9 2 variance requests, 5 concept reviews, and various other activities. Mr. Bergstrom stated that the 3 Planning Commission serves somewhat as a lightening rod for the Council and makes a 4 concerted effort to solicit comments from the public. 5 Additionally, Mr. Bergstrom thanked the Council for appointing a City Council Liaison to the 6 Planning Commission and stated that such a connection promotes excellent communication 7 between the two organizations. 8 Mr. Bergstrom wished to review a few of the upcoming activities for the year 2000: 9 1. Apache Plaza. Hillcrest Development is providing an excellent job in keeping the 10 City residents informed as well as the Planning Commission and City Council. Mr. 11 Bergstrom foresees two major issues surrounding the Apache Plaza renovation: (a) the 12 demalling of the structure will create many issues with respect to the community, public 13 space, landscaping, traffic situations, and other issues; (b) with equal significance is the 14 long-term development of the surrounding property. In short, as Chair of the Planning Commission, Mr. Bergstrom would recommend that the 6 City hire a planning firm to promote the City's interests in the renovation of the property. 17 Furthermore, Mr. Bergstrom recommended that the City Council provide City Manager 18 Michael Morrison the authority to retain the planning firm of Dahlgren, Shardlow, Uban 19 ("DSU") as soon as possible to work with Hillcrest Development, on behalf of the City, 20 during this major redevelopment period. 21 22 In addition, Mr. Bergstrom would suggest that the Planning Commission be empowered 23 to take the lead, together with the City Manager, to move forward with plans for the 24 renovation of Apache Plaza. 25 Morrison offered that this is a large parcel of property and time is of the essence. It 26 would be his recommendation for the City Council to authorize the City Manager to 27 negotiate with the planning firm. He reminded the Council that there are funds in the 28 Planning Commission budget to pay for initial start up costs, and a preliminary agreement 29 with the developer would be drafted. 30 31 Additionally, Morrison stated that Hillcrest Development already has a professional staff 32 on board. The intent of hiring a planner for the City is not to create additional energy, but 33 to provide an opportunity for both the City and Hillcrest to work together in developing 34 an excellent project. Cavanaugh expressed his understanding that the firm of DSU has been highly 36 recommended and he was aware of its excellent reputation.