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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes <br /> • September 15, 1998 <br /> Page 4 <br /> 1 specific suggestions for changes to language in the ordinance, as well as general <br /> 2 recommendations with regard to the scope of the document. <br /> 3 <br /> 4 Bergstrom recommended the ordinance should be broken into two classes: commercial <br /> 5 residential and individual homeowners, which is not yet written. Horst stated the Planning <br /> 6 Commission is fortunate to have the benefit of Bergstrom's familiarity with water management. <br /> 7 <br /> 8 Horst asked whether compliance with the Metropolitan Council will be maintained. Ms. Moore- <br /> 9 Sykes stated the water management plan meets their broad requirements and is therefore <br /> 10 acceptable. <br /> 11 5. Implementation Process for Update Comprehensive Plan <br /> 12 Bergstrom reviewed a draft memo reviewing the Planning Commission's recommendations for <br /> 13 the implementation of the 1998 Comprehensive Plan. He stated the memo itemizes those issues <br /> 14 and opportunities which the Planning Commission believes are necessary to implementation of <br /> 15 the Plan. <br /> 16 <br /> Bergstrom stated the Planning Commission had identified 3 focus issues as itemized in the <br /> memo: <br /> 19 1) Commercial redevelopment. This includes the redevelopment of Apache Plaza and St. <br /> 20 Anthony Shopping Center. Bergstrom stated the slow decline of the shopping center <br /> 21 exemplifies lack of direction on the part of the City. <br /> 22 <br /> 23 Horst stated it is unfair to use such characterization when in fact the shopping center has <br /> 24 seen vast improvements since 1979. He added that he and other merchants have worked <br /> 25 hard to improve the quality of the center and are pleased with the progress and viability of <br /> 26 the center. <br /> 27 <br /> 28 Bergstrom stated he would amend the memo to reflect Horst's comments. <br /> 29 <br /> 30 Bergstrom drew attention to the recommendation that the City hire a half-time economic <br /> 31 development specialist to focus on redevelopment issues. He added the revenues from <br /> 32 the increase in property taxes as a result of this employee's efforts would offset the salary <br /> 33 dollars spent. <br /> 34 <br /> 35 Horst stated the property manager for the Shopping Center works hard to attract new <br /> 36 tenants, and he questioned the ability of a City employee to be more effective. Bergstrom <br /> 37 stated the right person would have a set of skills to include an in depth knowledge of state <br /> 38 requirements and statutes; ability to take bids and acquire property; and work as liaison <br /> between the City and developers. <br /> 40 <br />