07-09-2007 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes J>ily ~, zoos Page 4 Mc Tveite responded that the Interregional Corridor Study completed by MnDOT for this area concluded that the speed limit increase resulting from an approximate $14 million investment would sustain an "F" level of service. Mr. Clazk added that it is important that the task force complete its process and that the plan may be amended after a Highway 10 study is completed. Mr. Tveite stated the taskforce is hopeful that the investment that has happened in the past few years in the downtown area will encourage others to invest in order to continue growth in the azea. Mc Zerwas agreed that the investment in the downtown in the past years is encouraging but stated that people may hesitate in further investing if the connection between Main Street and Highway 10 is severed. He also stated the members of the EDA and the Council weren't told what the task force was working on and was wondering if the task force should have waited until the parking plan was presented, as well as presenting a draft plan after completion of the Highway 10 geometric study. Mr. Tveite said that the taskforce realizes this is a first draft, and that revisions will have to be made after the upcoming studies. The task force wants to make sure this plan is great for the downtown area not only now but in the future, and will remain flexible while determining what's best for the downtown area. Mr. Clark agreed with Mr. Tveite's comments and stated that this is an initial draft and the next task force draft is potentially 5 months out. Ms. Steinmetz stated that the task force has worked hard studying the azea in order to produce this first draft and she expressed thanks for their hard work and dedication. Mr. Motin asked why the task force designed the road layout of westbound Main Street directed to Jackson and then to downtown or Highway 10 versus leaving the roads separate. He feels that currently there are traffic issues, and feels that the funnel effect will cause more problems, which are seen currently when a train comes through town. Ms. Klinzing stated that the word "draft" is stamped on the map and also the words "for discussion purposes only." She noted that the discussion has to start someplace but she is afraid the public won't see this is a draft and wanted to make it clear that the Ciry Council has not approved this plan and that it is indeed just for discussion purposes. Mx. Clark commented that the stakeholders meeting will include the disclaimer that the City Council has not approved this draft plan. Mr. Motin asked if the draft plan has been put on the Ciry Website. Ms. Steinmetz replied that it will be added to the Website tomorrow. Orh r B ein None