08-06-2007 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jackson Place The project is expected to be complete in late September/early October, the construction fence will be removed and traffic restored on Jackson Avenue. Downtown Parking Study Carl Walker, Inc. has completed the initial phase of the Downtown Parking Study and is moving into the second phase which includes analyzing existing and future needs. They will be making a recommendation regarding parking management which may include a concept design for a future parking ramp. Staff proposed a joint meeting of the I-IRA and City Council, and also will be inviting the Downtown Parking Focus Group. No date has been set yet, but may possibly be the work session on the second Monday in September. River's Ed e Downtown Business Association Street Dance This event is moving forward. The River's Edge group will meet next Wednesday for an update. Ms. Mehelich noted that staff regularly attends these meetings. Commissioner Toth asked if anyone had gotten back to Marcy VanValkenberg regarding her question in the Rivers Edge meeting minutes as to whether the King Avenue parking lot deeds included any use restrictions. Mr. Clark stated yes, that Lori Johnson, City Administrator, has responded and there were no deed obligations. The Bluffs of Elk River project Mr. Clark provided an update regarding the status of the construction and issuance of the Certificate of Occupanry for the residential and commercial units. Commissioner Motin asked if the bank has authorized the final draws. Mr. Clark stated that it is his understanding that yes, the draws have been authorized. • 6. Project Update -Redevelopment Framework Plan Ms. Mehelich noted that information regarding the project is available on the city's website. She provided background information regarding appointment of the Task Force, establishment of the study area boundary, and visioning discussions which led to the acceptance of the draft plan by the Task Force. She explained that two "stakeholders" meeting were held on July 24th, with approximately 135 people in attendance at each meeting. Staff is currently tallying the comments received from the "stakeholders" and summary of the comments will be presented to the Task Force at their August 13th meeting. They will also be re-examining the Highway 10 issue. The draft plan fox dealing with Highway 10 will be presented to the City Council at their August 20~ meeting, and if the are in agreement, the Task Force will continue with the open houses and city boards and commissions review. The Task Force will then review all of the comments received and revise the plan, making a final recommendation to the HRA and City Council for adoption in December or January. Commissioner Lieser asked how many citizens have requested follow-up information. Ms. Mehelich stated that approximately two dozen people have requested more information. Commissioner Toth asked how long the trail concept along the Mississippi has been in the city's plans. Mr. Clark stated that Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz has dated the concept back to 1988. Commissioner Motin stated that he felt the City Council had been blind-sighted, regarding presentation of the plan to the stakeholders prior to City Council review. He stated that he