City Council MInutes 09-08-1977 Special
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SPECIAL MEETING - CITY COUNCIL
September 8, 1977 - 7:30 P. M.
Councilmen - C. Johnson, A. Grimsmo, G. Walters,
P. White, D. Blonigen
Planning Commission Members - Ridgeway, Topel, Gillham,
Bauer
Central Business Distric Committee Members - Bud Schrupp,
Steve Johns n, Marn Flicker, L. Flake
Also present were - K. Nelson of O.S.M. and Howar.d Dahlgren
and Dick Dw'nell, Consulting Planners.
PRESENT:
The purpose of the meeting was
Planning Commission and Downto
improvements for the Central B
to review with the council,
Businessmen, the proposed
siness District.
Mr. Howard Dahlgren, Principal Planner, reviewed the proposed
improvements to the Central Bu iness District and Walnut
Street. Total project costs were estimated at $332,000.00.
Mr. Dahlgren also recommended hat 50% of the costs be assessed
directly to abutting property owners. Assuming a 50%
assessment policy, the cost per front foot for the Downtown
Business would be approximatel $32.00.
After the presentation, the meeting was opened to comments
on the proposed improvements from those in attendance.
Mr. Jim Ridgeway, member of the Planning Commission ques-
tioned whether decorative ligh s, etc. were necessary' on
the Walnut Street portion of t e project. He also felt
that vandalism would occur on alnut Street should such
lights, speakers, and planting be installed.
Mr. Art
whether
tion of
Doran, owner of Skogmo
the taxpayers should
the Downtown Improveme,
Store in the Mall questioned
e made to pay for any por-
ts.
Mr. Larry Flake spoke in Suppd t of the project. He felt
that if the downtown area is ai lowed to deteriorate, pro-
perty values will decrease. A a result, the residential
property taxes will be eventu8 ly raised to pick up a larger
share of the tax burden. By keeping a healthy downtown
environment, all property owners in Monticello will benefit.
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Leo Stokes voiced support for some beautification in the
downtown area, but did not agree with the plans to construct
curb nodes along Broadway Avenue. He felt that curb nodes
would cause higher maintenance costs for snow removal
and they would also result in the loss of 20 parking spaces
within a 3 block area. He felt that the downtown retailers
should consider the possibilit of trees and plantings being
placed on the existing sidewal s for a beautification program.
Mr. Dale Lungwitz indicated support for the Walnut Street
opening but, like Mr. Stokes, disagreed with any obstruc-
tions being built into the street.
Marn Flicker supported some ty e of downtown improvement
project, but also disagreed with the curb protrusions on
Broadway.
Hearing no other comments from the people in attendance,
the Meeting was adjourned.
The Central Business District Ian will again be reviewed
by the City Council at a later meeting.
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