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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.02.10 EDA MinutesMinutes for the EDA Meeting of February 10, 2015 Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm. PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, Puleo, and Weidt ABSENT: None STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Intern Approval of minutes for the EDA meeting of January 13, 2015 Puleo made motion, Klein seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of January 13, 2015. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on Lions Park Parks planner, Shayla Syverson, gave an update on Lions Park. Syverson showed the EDA three different concept plans and requested insight on different aspects of the plans. The EDA was to keep in mind traffic flow and access, pedestrian connections and circulation, parking layout, locations of active and passive activities, and locations of parking next to certain park features. The EDA had good feedback for parks planner, Syverson. Theses ideas included opening the amphitheater up to the park to have more space, especially for larger events, and potentially moving the pavilion to the center of the fields in concept 3. The EDA also agreed that there needs to be some more discussion on the tennis courts and if there would be enough use to keep them in the plan. Commissioner Puleo asked if the park plans allow for 147th St. from Oneka Parkway to be connected to Highway 61. Syverson answered that the plans do allow for this. Commissioner Petty inquired about the splash pad water usage. Syverson described the kind of technology that is available within splash pad systems. Some of this technology includes a recirculating system, sensor systems, where the splash pad is only using water when someone is there, and water shutoff devices. Chairman Weidt described how he likes the playground in the corner by LaValle Fields, so the elderly residents can also enjoy the park and watch the children play. He also liked the memorial and the amount of parking. Parks Planner, Syverson, concluded by saying that the next step is to have input on the preliminary master plan concepts, which will be revised as needed, to then come up with the master plan to be approved. She said the goal is to be planning the shelter and have an idea of the budget and fundraising campaign by Good Neighbors Days, in June. Update on St. Paul Port Authority Meeting Planner Juba gave an update regarding the January 23, 2015 meeting with Staff and the St. Paul Port Authority. She described the steps the St. Paul Port Authority suggested to the City in marketing City owned property in downtown. These steps included property control, proper zoning, community input, creating a summary of financing options, putting together a marketing brochure, and reaching out to brokers. Planner Juba explained that the meeting with the St. Paul Port Authority reconfirmed that Staff has been taking the correct steps in beginning to market the City Owned Property and the St. Paul Port Authority have offered some help in this process. Discussion on Marketing of City Owned Property Planner Juba looked for insight from the EDA in developing potential criteria to sell the City owned property for $1.00. The EDA agreed that there should be development criteria and plans to continue to work with Staff to come up with this criteria. Staff will formulate this criteria and pass it on to the City Council for further review. Update on the Future of the Rail Line City Administrator, Bryan Bear, gave an update on the future of the Hugo Line. He described that the Hugo Line is a 10 mile line extending southward that has three businesses on it. The businesses that use the line are Schwieters, Loadmaster Lubricants, and NRI. The future of the rail line is uncertain based on business rail volumes, which are lower than original projections, and the Hugo Line needing significant maintenance. City Administrator Bear said that the City is facilitating meetings with the businesses and also talking with the railroad in an effort to help develop a strategy. The EDA agrees that the City needs to be involved and financially supportive to the businesses in keeping rail service. Commissioner Puleo made a motion, seconded by Klein, that the EDA support the financing of the railroad improvements. Chairman Weidt called for a roll call vote. Denaway: Aye. Gallivan: Aye. Houle: Aye. Klein: Aye. Petty: Aye. Puleo: Aye. Weidt: Aye. All ayes. Motion Carried. Update on Downtown Redevelopment Planner Juba updated the EDA on downtown redevelopment, particularly regarding O'Reilly Auto Parts. Adiournment Chairman Weidt made a motion, seconded by Klein, to adjourn at 8:03 pan. All Ayes. Motion carried.