10-23-2000 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2 October 23, 2000 • 5. Central Business District Worksession City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that one purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposal for the sidewalk at the King and Main site and to determine how it relates to sidewalk replacement in the downtown business area.John Plaisted, developer of the King and Main Site, displayed and reviewed a drawing of the proposed building for the site. Mr. Plaisted discussed the proposal for a sidewalk consisting of a red colored concrete paver(cobblestone brick style). He indicated that he would install this sidewalk at no cost to the city. Discussion was held regarding whether this proposed King and Main sidewalk would be consistent with the future sidewalks in the downtown area. Cliff Lundberg (business owner)indicated that the design should be similar but does not necessarily have to be identical to a new downtown sidewalk plan. Bud Houlton (business owner)indicated that the downtown area should continue with the historic turn-of-the-century look, which includes the sidewalks, older buildings, and light posts. He stated he is not interested in a gray sidewalk. Grip Dare (business owner)indicated his support for a solid pattern look throughout the downtown sidewalks. Commissioner Thompson questioned whether business owners are interested in helping offset the cost of replacing the downtown sidewalks. John Plaisted indicated that the business owners have already paid for the reconstruction of • the sidewalks and do not want to pay again. Pat Dwyer noted that something must be done with the existing sidewalks. He indicated that the new design should remain consistent with the existing downtown theme. He indicated that he liked the King and Main sidewalk proposal. Discussion continued around the King and Main sidewalk proposal. Questions pertained to whether Plaisted's design is something that the city likes and whether the design can be incorporated into a future sidewalk plan and, at the same time, be economically feasible and mesh with the theme already present in the downtown area. The city engineer reviewed his memo dated 10/23/00 that discussed cost and maintenance/repair issues. The sidewalk replacement cost for the entire downtown area ranged from $175,000 to approximately$350,000. Mayor Klinzing suggested a committee consisting of representation from the City Council, HRA, and downtown merchants to work out the details of the sidewalk replacement. The city administrator indicated that staff could put together a more exact cost estimate for the sidewalk replacement. It was the consensus of the council to have the HRA take the lead in this project. There was also a council consensus concurring with John Plaisted's sidewalk proposal. The City Council directed staff to work with John Plaisted in coordinating sidewalk designs and to report back to the council as soon as possible. Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich talked about the need for long-term proactive planning for the downtown. She explained that the existing redevelopment plans are from the 70's and 80's and should be revised.