11-06-2017 HRA MN SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes November 6, 2017 Page 2 lot of clutter on the sidewalks (planters, garbage cans, benches, newspaper kiosks, etc.). She stated that the group agreed with Mr. Adam that it would be better to get things up off the ground, such as planters, by having hanging baskets instead. She questioned how much the baskets would be and if it would be feasible to provide them (at what cost). She offered the following suggestions, as discussed by the Downtown group: ■ No new planters — instead team with ERMU to add hanging greenery baskets to new light poles. ■ No new benches — instead try to funnel people to the park and use the seating provided there. ■ No new bike racks — relocate existing bike racks to less intrusive areas of the sidewalks. ■ Relocate garbage cans ■ Relocate Star Tribune Kiosks • Feasibility of possible relocation of large kiosk by the park ■ Possibility of a clock tower ■ Re -think lighting, use spotlights to shine down on trees instead of uplighting Fred McCoy, also representing the downtown group, stated he also supported including a clock tower as a focal point for the downtown. He stated that there is so much "stuff' on the sidewalks it is difficult to get around, especially in the winter months with the snow. Ms. Othoudt stated that these were great suggestions and that is why staff and the HRA are considering a planning document. Ms. Wagner stated that she was aware that WSB does great things, but she did not feel it was appropriate to use over half the 2017 funds on a plan. She felt there were enough creative people in the group to be able to do a plan themselves. Chair Toth stated that with the input of the downtown group, the HRA is on the right path. He stated that a plan would benefit the downtown as a whole. Mr. Missio stated that he did not disagree that creative people could design a plan for the ideas they discussed. He explained that the reason a planning document is useful is because people come and go. He stated that if the city has a document, they could get funding that they could not get without it. He noted that a plan is also useful when donations come up. Ms. Wagner stated that if the city had a larger budget for this project, they would not be having a conversation about whether or not they needed a plan. Ms. Othoudt asked what the downtown group wants. Ms. Wagner stated that it is up to the HRA but she did not see the value in spending time and money on a plan when the budget is very limited. Chau Toth stated that the HRA appreciated the downtown group's ideas. He stated that if the HRA did not have WSB do the plan, the city does not have the staff to do it, either. Ms. Wagner stated that they need a concept not a 50 -page book for planters on light poles. She stated she did not see there would be enough dollars in the future for a big project.