City Council Minutes 01-20-1999 Joint MeetingMINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT WORKSHOP
HRA, CITY COUNCIL, PARKS COMMISSION,
PLANNING COMMISSION, EllA, ANU DAT
Wednesday, January 20, 1999 - 6 p.m.
Present: COUNCIL: Mayor Roger Belsaas, Bruce 1'hielen, Clint Herbst, Roger Carlson
DAT: Mike Cyr, Rita Ulrich, Susie Wojchouski, Gail Cole
EDA: Chair Ron Hoglund, Bill Demeules, Ken Maus
HRA: Chair Steve Andrews, Bob Murray, Brad Barger, Darrin Lahr
PARKS: Chair Larry Nolan, Jennifer Fearing, Earl Smith, Fran Fair
PLANNING: Rod Dragster, Dick Frie, Richard Carlson, Roy Popilek
Staff: Jeff O'Neill, Deputy City Administrator
Ollie Koropchak, Economic Development Director
Wanda Kraemer, Administrative Assistant
Gregg Engle, Parks Superintendent
Dawn Grossinger, City Staff
Guests: Barb Esse, MCP
Marianne Khauv, Chamber of Commerce
Michael Schroeder, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc.
Jerry Kimball, Past Planning Director, City of Duluth
Brad Johnson, Lotus Realty
Pat Sawatzke, Walnut Street Property Owner
Paul & Evelyn Wurm, Park Place Apartments
Michelle Ewing, Riverstreet Station
Onn Khauv, Best Western
Scott Douglas, Golden Valley Furniture
Diane Lange, Riverfront Owner
Woodrow Lange, RiverFront Owner
Brent Morningstar, Wright-Hennepin Electric & Security
Call to Order.
HRA Chair Steve Andrews called the joint meeting to order at 6 p.m. and introduced
Michael Schroeder, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc.
2. Introductions.
3. Workshop Purpose.
Mr. Schroeder presented a brief overview of the Revitalization Plan for the downtown
and rivertront area, noting that the comprehensive plan is intended to be a guideline and
provide strong direction for firture development. He noted that the purpose of the
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workshop is to review the Downtown/Riverfront Revitalization Plan, receive input from
commissions, evaluate the need for broader community input, and consider a plan for
proceeding.
4a. Overview f the D wntawn and Riverfront Revitalization Plan Michael Schroeder .
Mr. Schroeder reviewed the City's Riverfront Revitalization Plan which was adopted in
1997 as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan to provide direction for development of
the riverfront. It was emphasized that the key to a successful downtown is a good mix of
compatible uses, and the value of development along the riverfront was also noted.
Mr. Schroeder stated that there are three components critical to the Plan:
a. Revitalization of the mall
b. Civic/governmental core area
c. Downtown/Riverfront Bridge Park
4b. A Per ective of the Value of Riverfront Im r vements.
Mr. Jerry Kimball, Past Planning Director for the City of Duluth, reiterated the value of
the riverfront, stating he has traveled to other cities researching waterfront development.
l-le suggested that Monticello's strengths be identified and nurtured and that the unique
aspects of the carnrnunity be emphasized. Duluth began the process of revitalization in
the early 1980's with a vision. As a result of this vision, Duluth has experienced a record
number of conventions, more industry, and growth in local businesses; however, he noted
that the most important benefit of all is the pride the city now has in itself.
Mr. Kimball suggested that a comprehensive plan is necessary, but additional planning is
also needed to obtain more specific ideas; and implementing a plan takes time. It also
takes many partnerships between various entities to accomplish the goals set in the plan.
4c. A Pro osal far Monticello's North Anchor Brad Johnson .
Mr. Brad Johnson of Lotus Realty stated that, as a developer, he considered the
Revitalization Plan as a way to turn anon-earning asset into an earning asset. Many
times the asset in question is not privately owned and, therefore, community involvement
is essential. He noted that restaurants and hotels are key to a successful retail business.
5. Commission Input,
Development of Monticello's North Anchor and Riverfront
Michael Schroeder opened the meeting for input regarding the goals and. visions for this
area, and the following comments were received:
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The City's relationship with developers needs to be enhanced by letting them
know what the City envisions for the riverfront area.
2. One of the goals is not to sell the park but to enhance it, perhaps even enlarge it.
3. Residents along the riverfront should be kept informed of the development
process.
4. Communication between the commissions needs to be improved.
S. The City should maintain current activities at the park such as hockey and skating;
festivals, music, etc., should be added to draw people.
b. Consider protection of the waterfront by buffering developrncnt.
7. Look at the long-term investment and make sure it is a quality development.
8. Perhaps the river's historical significance could be utilized such as a steamboat
prop on land welcoming people to Monticello.
9. The islands could be used far activities such as treasure hunts since the water is
only 3-4 feet deep and could easily. be crossed.
10. Paddleboating, tubing, or canoeing in the summer and feeding stations in the
winter far the swans.
11. The pathway system should be incorporated and made an integral part of the area.
Mr. Schroeder added that development on one side of the river affects development on
the other side. The Revitalization Plan was formulated with the idea that Monticello was
a great small town, not a suburb or a bedroom community. He felt that the ideas that
were being presented were much the same as noted in the Revitalization Plan.
.Deputy City Administrator Jeff O'Neill noted that the City needs to make a commitment
to the Plan and determine how willing it is to acquire private property to develop the
Plan. Economic Developrnent Director Ollie Koropchak added that the HRA has
acquired three properties on Block 54, adjacent to the park, as they have become
available.
The NeecC for Community Input
Mr. Schroeder asked For comments from the commissioners regarding whether public
input should be included in the development process. Comments received from the HRA,
Planning Commission, Parks Commission, and City Council indicated that the
commissions should develop a more concrete concept for the area prior to receiving
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additional input from the public. The Design Advisory Team and MCP Chair felt that
input from the public was necessary to help determine what types of` uses should be
included in the design concept.
6. Next .Steps.
Mr. Schroeder suggested that each commission, at their next meeting, list the top five
things they would like to achieve with the North Anchor and Bridge Park area. Staff will
then compile a list and distribute to all members.
The commissioners were generally in agreement that a more definite concept for the area
should be developed prior to requesting specific plans from developers.
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H1tA Chair Steve Andrews stated that a summary of the meeting would be sent to those present
and adjourned the meeting at 8 p.rn.
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Karen Doty
Deputy City Clerk
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