HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995.08.28 CC Minutes - Joint Council and Planning CommissionMINUTES OF THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 28._1995
Council Members Present: Barnes, Goiffon, LaValle, Leroux, Miron
Planning Commission Members Present: Agness, Kellison, Malaski,
Miltz-Miller, Rubenzer, Schumann, Peltier
Mayor Miron called the joint meeting to order at 7:45PM for the purpose of
considering consultants to assist the City in developing a downtown
redevelopment plan.
The first firm interviewed was RLK Associates, LTD. Mr. Steve Schwanke,
Scott Wendy, and John Dietrich made a presentation on the firms
qualifications.
The second firm interviewed was Loucks and Associates, Tom Loucks, Ed
Elliott, and Michael Lamb made a presentation.
The third firm interviewed was Hoisington Koegler Group, Incorporated,
with the presentation made by Fred Hoisington and Michael Schrader.
The fourth and final firm to make a presentation was Dahlgren, Shardlow,
and Uban, Inc. with John Uban and Dean Carlson representing the firm.
Following the presentations by the consultants, the Mayor requested the
Planning Commission provide their comments and recommendation to the
Council.
Jim Kellison asked whether the timing of the study was opportune and the
possibility of using the Governors design team to help in the downtown
renewal process. The Mayor and Administrator responded regarding the
timing, stating that the amount of activity in the downtown area was
increasing, including the construction of a new post office, a potential
for Carpenter's Steakhouse to launch a major redevelopment project,
Interstate Lumber considering expansion of the rail facility at the
intersection of Trunk Highway 61 and County Rd. 8, the construction of a
regional bike trail through the downtown area by Washington County, the
turnback of Trunk. Highway 61 from the Minnesota Department of
Transportation to Washington County Public Works, the potential of T.H. 61
expanding from two lanes to four lanes, the recent major expansion of
Granger's Inc. as well as the addition of the new Subway.
Council member Barnes indicated that the City, in it's planning efforts,
needed to be ahead of the development in order to guide construction in
the best interests of the City.
The City Administrator stated that the use of the Governor's design team
was a positive experience for a City but that it limited it's scope of
work to developing concepts and visions and did not become involved in the
development of an actual plan for downtown redevelopment. Given the
increased number of businesses expanding or locating in the downtown area
the City needs a firm plan with which to operate.
Planning Commissioner Schumann expressed support for hiring Loucks and
Associates to do the downtown plan because of their extensive experience
with the community. Planning Commissioner Agness also indicated a
preference for Loucks and Associates due to their recent assistance in
preparation of the City's revised comprehensive plan. He felt that the
P.C./C.C. Minutes - August 28, 1995
Page 2
firm already had a good range of knowledge on the community and this wou14
speed the process. Mr. Agness also stated that the market research
component of the downtown plan was critical to it's future implementation
and that he believed that the market research should be done by a separate
firm from the planner at the end of the planning process as a check on the
plans feasibility.
Planning Commissioner Peltier stated that she found RLK and Loucks
acceptable and was willing to go with Loucks.
Planning Commissioner Malaski believed Loucks or Hoisington were both
acceptable but due to the substantial cost difference between the two
firms. would recommend Loucks and Associates.
Commissioner Miltz-Miller felt that the past experience with Loucks and
the time and effort they seem willing to put into the project made them a
logical choice.
Commissioner Rubenzer expressed his preference for Hoisington, Koegler
Incorporated with concern regarding their cost and conceded that Loucks
and Associates had worked well with the City in the past and were an
acceptable second choice.
Following the Planning Commission's comments the Mayor opened the
discussion among the Council.
Councilman Leroux indicated that the Planning Commissions strong support
for Loucks and Associates, given their recent experience in revising the
City's comprehensive plan with the firm, made them a logical choice.
Councilman Goiffon indicated his support for Hoisington, Koegler.
Coucilwoman Barnes expressed her concerns that in order for the plan to be
implemented, there needs to be a strong community participation component
in it's development and, with some reservations on their cost, supported
Hoisington Koegler.
Councilman LaValle stated that he would prefer that the selection of a
consultant be included in the City's 1996 budget preparation process in
order to insure that the financial resources were available to conduct the
study.
Mayor Miron also expressed his belief that Hoisington may provide a fresh
look at the community and bring new ideas into the downtown redevelopment
process.
Leroux made a motion, seconded by Goiffon to direct the City Administrator
to enter negotiations with Loucks and Associates, and Hoisington Koegler
Group. Incorporated to refine their proposals for future consideration.
A11 aye.
Motion carried.
F.C./C.C. Minutes - August 28, 1995
Page _
The next item of business considered were the terms and conditions of
employment for Michael Kriz who was recently selected as the City's
maintenance supervisor. The City Administrator provided the Council a
copy of the letter to Mr. Kriz outlining such conditions.
Leroux made motion, seconded by Goiffon to approve the letter and have it
forwarded to Mr. Kriz.
All aye.
Motion carried.
Malaski made motion, seconded by Schumann to adjourn the meeting of the
Planning Commission.
All aye, motion carried.
The Mayor reminded the Council of the meeting with the Metropolitan
Council being sponsored by the Washington Council Board of Commissioners
on Wednesday, August 30. He also informed the Council that John F::eller, a
long-term member of the board of May Township recently passed away and
that his wake should occur in the near future.
At 11:00PM, Barnes made motion, seconded by LaValle to adjourn.
All aye, motion carried.
Robert A. Museus
City Administrator