12-07-1987 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 6 City Council Minutes December 7, 1987 ----------------------- Arden Krinke questioned the Council as to their feelings on the Jackson Square area. Mayor Gunkel indicated she has expressed her opinion on this matter several times; her opinion being that the CBD area would be served better by using the area as a parking lot and to utilize the river bank as a park. Councilmember Tralle indicated be would like to leave the parking lot as it is now and not include it in the Main Street Project. He indicated he would rather see this area as a parking lot as opposed to a park. Councilmember Dobel stated he agreed with Councilmember Tralle in that he would rather see this area for parking only. Councilmember Schuldt stated he would like to see the Jackson Square area excluded from the Main Street Project and discuss the matter at a later date. Don Schumacher stated that the money spent on the area should be used to increase the parking area in the downtown area. Cliff Lundberg stated that the downtown people are trying to create a unique downtown atmosphere and the green space would add to this effect. He stated it should be considered a "town square" rather than a parking lot. Ron Black stated that this area is an eyesore at the present time. He felt the Council should consider what the true use of the particular piece of land should be. He encouraged the Council to look at downtown areas in other communities. He noted that some communities have very attractive park areas in the middle of the downtown area and along highways. After further discussion it was a Council consensus to allow the Jackson Square area to exist in the manner it currently is until a decision is made at a later date and to not incorporate this in the Main Street project. Keith Holme stated it would be a good idea to send out a poll to the business owners asking their opinion on the downtown area. He indicated that the park could possibly be included in the project at a later date as a change order. There being no other comments frond the public, Mayor Gunkel closed the public hearing. In conclusion, the City Engineer stated that the public hearings have been completed for the project except for the assessment hearings. The plans and specifications will be submitted to the State for review. Final plans will be submitted to the Council for approval within the next couple months at which time the City will advertise for bids for the project. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 87-74, A RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION REQUESTING A THREE FOOT VARIANCE FOR PARKING ON MAIN STREET FROM MN/DOT. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.