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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes <br />March 28, 2006 <br />Page 2 <br />1 Jonathan Flaming, Planning Manager, Three Rivers Park District, addressed the Council and <br />2 provided an update on Silverwood Park. He reviewed the master plan components and how this <br />3 plan developed, by public process and demand. He added there has been strong public interest <br />4 for a center that combines art and the environment. <br />6 Michael Horn, Architect, stated they have hired a consulting engineer for assessments. Phase I <br />7 development includes a performing arts stage, garden space, new visitor center combined with a <br />8 reservation type facility, studio / classrooms, trails and walkways, parking, and possibly a pier. <br />9 He showed artist renderings. He added future phases could include a maintenance facility, picnic <br />10 shelters, canoe and kayak rentals, an interactive art feature, and improved garden spaces. <br />11 <br />12 Councilmember Thuesen thanked the presenters for the visual presentation and asked about <br />13 contact with the school district. He asked, due to their strong presence, how involved northeast <br />14 Minneapolis was in the survey of the local art community. He also asked if there is any <br />15 communication structure with the different players. Mr. Flaming replied he is unsure of the <br />16 exact art groups surveyed but approximately 70 groups were contacted. He added during the <br />17 construction phase communication is minimal; however, during the design development phase <br />18 and the programming phase communication and education will be critical. <br />19 <br />20 Councilmember Thuesen asked if during the construction phase there would be minimal impact <br />21 beyond the gates of the park. He also asked what is the estimated amount of visitors and the <br />22 impact on Silver Lake Road. Mr. Horn replied there would be minimal impact. He added they <br />23 are currently doing a traffic impact study. <br />24 <br />25 Councilmember Thuesen stated he assumes the performing arts stage is not intended for rock <br />26 concerts, but does the City need to look at noise issues. He also asked if there have been other <br />27 developments like this and have they had noise issues. Mr. Horn replied there will be no huge <br />28 sound systems or lights. He added there have not been other performing arts venues such as this. <br />29 <br />30 Councilmember Stille asked about the timeframe. Mr. Horn replied they are currently under <br />31 contract with a consultant for the buildings and utilities, and then they will be working on phase 1 <br />32 development plans. The initial construction is set for late this year. <br />33 <br />34 Councilmember Stille stated the display looked pretty grassy in the presentation and asked if it <br />35 will be mostly a natural area. He also asked what is the rule regarding walking dogs in the park. <br />36 Mr. Horn replied it will not entirely be motif grass. Mr. Flaming replied the park district has <br />37 been moving towards opening one trail in each park for dog walking. <br />38 <br />39 Mayor Faust stated the impact of dog and cat droppings on water is quite severe; it all ends up in <br />40 the waterways. <br />41 <br />42 Mayor Faust stated they are a community of 8,000 and expects over 100,000 visitors. Mr. <br />43 Flaming replied the most used regional parks have over five million visits per year. He added <br />44 one of the master plan requirements is that transportation issues are looked at thoroughly by Met <br />45 Council and by transportation planners to see if there is local or regional burden. The issue has <br />46 been reviewed and no issues were identified. <br />47 <br />