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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.01.14 PC MinutesMINUTES CITY OF HUGO JOINT WORKSHOP — NORTHERN GATEWAY/ MIXED USE PLANNING JANUARY 14, 2010 (Fall to Order Mayor Miron called the workshop to order at 7:05 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor and City Council Members Planning Commissioners Economic Development Authority Commissioners ABSENT: Moore, Rosenquist, Thistle, Bever, Granger ALSO PRESENT: Mike Ericson, City Administrator Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant Rachel Simone, Associate Planner Shayla Syverson, Parks and Economic Development Intern Ann Pung-Terwedo, Washington County Ted Schoenecker, Washington County Len Pratt, Pratt Development Northern Gateway and Mixed Use Planning Community Development Director, Bryan Bear, explained the agenda and gave the background to the Council and Commissions. He explained that this had been a city goal outlined by the commissions and council every year in their goal setting sessions and that the meeting would be to talk about possible next steps as we try to envision the future development to the North. Associate Planner, Rachel Simone, along with Intern Shayla Syverson, gave a presentation to the workshop group that outlined the opportunities, constraints, and surroundings for the northern gateway. They talked about transportation and transit considerations, planning ideas, and development options. They also shared many photos that would help to envision what the area might look like with different style of developments. They asked the Council and Commissions for their thoughts, ideas, and possible next step ideas for continued planning. Mayor Miron started the conversations around the future of transportation in the area. He asked the staff from Washington County to address the future for transportation in that area. Many of the questions and comments from the group was surrounding the possible connection from County Road 4 and Interstate 35E. Some members felt they needed more concrete direction from transportation planning before long term planning should be done. Others felt that the economic slowdown would enable them to focus on better planning for the area. Workshop Minutes — January 14, 2009 Page 2 Mayor Miron asked Len Pratt to say a few words on future planning for the area. Mr. Pratt thought that eliminating barriers and constraints, and discussing tools similar to what the city uses in the downtown area would help drive energy to the area. He talked about having an anchor in the area, such as a big box to bring in and stabilize the smaller commercial businesses. He also talked about marking the City's entrances better so people know where they are when they enter the city. City Administrator Mike Ericson offered a bus tour to other communities to see good examples of mixed use planning. Many group members switched their focus to the downtown, trying to get energy back in that area instead of having nodes of development elsewhere. Many thought that a parking or transit hub would be very beneficial to the downtown area. Bryan commented that there is a good relationship between transit and commercial. Mike Ericson added that the Northern Gateway would be discussed at the Council's Goal Setting Session on January 25, 2010. There were some comments that planning should be done now to be effective, others thought that downtown should be the focus. Mayor Miron concluded the meeting by stating that the City does not want to lose sight of downtown but still plan for future development. He encouraged the other commissions to take part in the council discussion at the goal setting session. Adiournment Motion by Denaway, seconded by Klein to adjourn the EDA. All Ayes, motion carried. Motion by Gwynn, seconded by Arcand to adjourn the Planning Commission. All Ayes, motion carried. Motion by Weidt, seconded by Petryk to adjourn the City Council. All Ayes, motion carried. Workshop Adjourned. Dennis Fields Community Development Assistant.