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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-12-04 Special SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Hastings, Minnesota July 12,2004 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a special meeting on Monday July 12, 2004 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota. Members Present: Mayor Werner, City Councilmembers Janette Yandrasits, Turney Hazlet, Danna Elling Schultz, Paul Hicks and Lynn Moratzka. Members Absent: City Councilmember Ed Riveness Others Present: HRA Members, Harold Birkeland, Dennis Martodam, Ron Toppin, Bob Hollenbeck, Kurt Keena; Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Committee Members Pam Holzem and Laurel Cox. Staff Present: Osberg HRA Director, John Grossman and City Administrator Dave Call to Order Mayor Werner called the special meeting to order, with the purpose of discussing the Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Project, and allowing members of the City Council, HRA and Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Committee an opportunity to address questions with Sherman and Associates, and to provide some direction and opinions on the current concept plan. Mayor Werner reminded all in attendance that the project is intended to do what is best for the entire community of Hastings and not necessarily focused entirely on the Downtown. Mayor Werner encouraged those in attendance in the audience and the members of the City Council, HRA and Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Committee to work in a more positive environment all while keeping the best in mind of the entire Hastings community. Current Proiect Status Jim Prosser from Ehlers and Associates provided a brief update on the current status of the project. Preliminarv Concept Plan Loren Bruggeman from Sherman and Associates provided a presentation on the current concept plan under consideration. Elements of the current concept plan include: a.) Phase 1; Block One, North half, condo's, restaurant and banquet facility. (Fall, 04) b.) Phase 1; Block 14, row houses. (Fall 04) c.) Phase 2; Block Three- condo's and associated parking (summer 05) d.) Phase 3; Block One-South half, mixed use retail and condo's, (summer 06) Questions/Answers-feedback on Preliminary Concept Plan At the conclusion of the presentation by Mr. Bruggeman on the proposed concept plan and the various revisions, Mayor Werner opened the floor for questions from the members of the City Council, HRA and Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Committee. Through a series of questions and discussions between the City Council, HRA, Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Committee, Staff, Consultants and Mr. Bruggeman, the following topics were addressed and elements of feedback were provided: B/ock Three -There is some preference to keeping Block Three available for public uses. -Consider alternatives such as build on the HRA lot, but keep the City lot. -Not supportive of condo's on Block Three unless the City and HRA can capitalize on new TIF to acquire substation at Block 4, as an alternative condo site or parking site. -Need to calculate the amount of TIF generated by Blocks 1, 2, and 29 to determine if both amenities and substation relocation can be funded, including the impact of decertifying the old district. -Be certain the possible development of Block Three does not become impossible, due to the financial impact of the substation removal project. -Condo's are needed, and Block Three is appropriate for development, with many downtown business owners or property owners supported condos; with Block Three being acceptable for development, provided more parking than currently exists becomes available. The City Council and HRA members provided general agreement that the contents of a Development Agreement could include a provision that allows Sherman and Associates the exclusive right to develop Block Three for a period of time, contingent upon approval of design and uses. Block Two -Will need to be compatible with Sherman's plan and the City's master plan -Block Two should be included in the TIF district to allow for financing of certain public amenities, included but not limited to the funding for the removal of the substation. -All proposals will be treated the same, regardless of who the developers are, and their development locations. Desian -Need to separate condos from esplanade, with possibilities including elevation change, fence or open space. -Heights of condos must be varied. -Elevation drawings for phase one should be provided by about August. -Buildings should be finished on all four sides, with no "backs" -Amenities must be included to assure the view from the bridge is more attractive. Substation In addition to the earlier feedback addressed as it relates to the discussion on Block Three, the following feedback and discussion was also included: -Substation could be a site for a permanent farmers market. -If the new Tax Increment Financing District is extended to include the substation, there should also be consideration of adding Hudson to the district. Parkin a -Must replace, maintain all the current available parking that is located in parking lots and on City streets, and additional parking would be beneficial. -Must maintain vehicle access to the American Legion. -Need to arrange for alternate parking during construction, especially on Block Three -Consider re-evaluating the parking ratios for downtown, particularly for mixed use. Development Aareement -Include guarantee that amenities will be constructed. -Sherman will have the exclusive right to develop Block Three for a period of time, contingent upon approval of use and design. -While keeping the options open on Block Three, do not want to limit the developer with too small of a site. Advisory Committee -Involvement of the Committee until completion of the development agreement is critical. Next Steps -Developer, Staff and consultants to start master planning and site plans, and the necessary Tax Increment Financing studies, public improvement studies, research on the removal of the substation, and development agreement drafts, with particular attention given to Phase One, which includes the development of Block One. Adiournment Mayor Werner thanked all members of the audience who attended, along with those members from the City Council, HRA and Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Committee, and declared the meeting adjourned at 8:33 PM. ~ Michael D. Werner Mayor