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City Council Nfinutes <br />August 25, 2003 <br /> <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />Mr. Lundberg indicated that he does not believe that the public parking issue in downtown <br />has been addressed. <br /> <br />Mayor IQlinzing stated that the HtLA, City Council, and staff are all concerned about the <br />parking and she feels that the public parking will be adequate with this project. Mayor <br />Klinzing also stated that the lender would never lend to the developer on this project if a <br />clear tide could not be obtained. <br /> <br />Matt Westgaard, 19417 Baldwin Circle, questioned the status on the utility, correction on <br />Baldwin Circle. He stated that he has left messages with City, Engineer Terry Maurer but has <br />not received a response yet. <br /> <br />Mayor I(3inzing asked Director of Planning Michele McPherson to address this issue. Ms. <br />McPherson stated that this was the first she has heard about Mr. Westgaard's issues. Ms. <br />McPherson stated that she knows that there is a letter of credit currendy outstanding for the <br />developer. She stated that she will check with N[r. Maurer and her cont~tct at the developer's <br />office and get back to Mr. Westgaard. <br /> <br />Yern Hanson, MetroPlains, wished to clarify that the size of the proposed building to be <br />constructed on the Jackson Square property is three stories. Mr. Hanson also stated that <br />there will be adequate public parking in the downtown area once the project is completed. <br /> <br />Chuck Christian, Owner 707 building and co-owner of the Cinema building, stated that he <br />has concerns that there will not be adequate public parldng for the downtown businesses. <br />NIX. Christian also stated that he believes the proposed project is too large for the size of the <br />downtown area. <br /> <br />Rob VanValkenburg, Sunshine Depot building owner, stated that he agrees with NIX. <br />Lundberg's comments. Nix. VanValkenburg stated that customers ~vill not walk a block to <br />visit the downtown businesses and so more up front parking is needed. Nix. VanValkenburg <br />stated that parking is the key issue with the proposed project. <br /> <br />Mayor Klinzing indicated that she believes a major part of the parking problem is due to <br />employees parking in front of the businesses. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dietz stated that if the Municipal Utilities building is removed and parking <br />is created, that an area could be reserved for downtown employees, which would then free <br />up closer parking spots for customers. <br /> <br />5.1. Accept Wal-mart Donations for Pohce and Fire Department <br /> <br />Pete Reiner representing Wal-Mart presented Fire Chief Brace West and Police Chief Jeff <br />Beahen with donations of $1,500 each. Mr. Reiner stated that he appreciated the support of <br />both departments and the support of the city. These donations will be used to purchase a <br />LCD projector for training. <br /> <br />Chief Beahen thanked Wal-Mart for their great support of the community. <br /> <br />Chief Beahen stated that he was on-site at a very intense and dangerous lumber yard fzre at <br />Arrow Building Center on Sunday, August 24, 2003 and he feels Chief West and the Elk <br />River Fire Department should be commended for their excellent work. He stated that Chief <br /> <br /> <br />