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<br />Planning Commission Minutes <br />September 26, 2000 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />downtown area but there wasn't enough room for the park and ride facility and <br />also, they felt it would be difficult to get the traffic from Highway 169 to the train <br />station in the downtown location. In addition, there were safety concerns with <br />the downtown, and they were looking for bare land which would not require <br />moving residences or businesses. <br /> <br />Chair Chambers opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the <br />public, Chair Chambers closed the public hearing. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuester felt it would be appropriate to include in the resolution <br />items the Commission had concerns about, such as ensuring that the design of <br />the station and maintenance facility would be consistent with what was <br />presented to the City, and that City ordinances will be followed. Commissioner <br />Kuester asked if the stations in other cities would be the same design. Mr. Loch <br />stated that all the stations will be similar, but that the cities may enhance the <br />design with their own funds. For example, the City of Sf. Cloud plans to restore <br />and move their original depot structure to the new station location. Another city <br />will be adding a clock tower to their building. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Commissioner Chambers asked if MN/DOT will be running the facility when it is <br />completed. Mr. Loch stated yes and explained how MN/Dot became partners <br />with the NCDA. He explained that they have a Memorandum of Understanding <br />which provides for the purchase of the rolling stock by MN/DOT. Commissioner <br />Chambers stated he had concerns regarding MN/DOT following through on the <br />upgrading of the bus facility to the plan as presented. Mr. Loch stated that he <br />did not feel there would be an issue with upgrading the station; if it was not <br />clean, safe, and on time, people would not come. <br /> <br />Commissioner Pederson described the station he visited in Dallas, Texas. He <br />stated that the stations were all outdoors, because of the climate, and were very <br />nice. He noted that there were 2,000 riders on 10 miles of track. The property <br />values surrounding the station actually increased, rather that decreasing as <br />feared. Commissioner Pederson stated that he felt confident that the station <br />would pleasing, and in order to be successful it would have to be neat, clean <br />and attractive. <br /> <br />Commissioner Schuster asked who would have the ultimate approval on the <br />design and if it could be changed. Mr. Loch stated that there could be changes <br />but that they will be working with staff and the Commission would have an <br />opportunity to comment. Commissioner Schuster asked what would happen if <br />the City changed its mind and decided not to participate. Mr. Loch stated that <br />the Authority is now being faced with that issue and they do not know at this time <br />what will happen. <br /> <br />Commissioner Chambers stated that he was uncomfortable with the fact the <br />design could be changed without coming back to the Commission for approval. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Ms. McPherson explained that Planning Commission has the option to include <br />conditions in the approval. She noted that even though MN/DOT will be building <br />the parking lot for the bus station, the NCDA will be responsible for construction of <br />the building and platforms. <br />