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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes <br />May 3, 2021 <br />Page 5 <br />Commissioner Wagner stated she really dislikes making a decision on this when the <br />information is verbally presented. She stated this seems different than she anticipated. She is <br />surprised to not include the pedestrian bridge study. She requested in the future to present <br />items when they are received before the meeting. <br />Mr. Carlton stated he understood and stated there is nothing that says they can wait until <br />another meeting. <br />Chair Toth asked the impact of waiting to do the pedestrian study. He wasn't sure if the <br />council had a specific timeline for the HRA to complete these items. <br />Mr. Carlton stated he did not believe waiting would impact the results of the transportation <br />assessment and the parking assessment. <br />Commissioner Wagner stated she personally felt there was interest to find out if a pedestrian <br />bridge was feasible but was surprised others want to wait on the study and does understood <br />the reasons for waiting and the cost was not cheap. She likes to be prepared to give an <br />educated opinion. <br />Commissioner Ovall stated to be fair, the HRA asked Mr. Carlton what his opinion was. He <br />asked for Commissioner Wagner to explain her feelings and why she feels strongly for <br />proceeding now instead of waiting. <br />Commissioner Wagner stated she wasn't aware the Comprehensive Plan meeting was being <br />held the next day and understands the reasons suggested for waiting until after that meeting. <br />Chair Toth stated because the council asked the HRA to take over the project to not rush <br />part of it and doesn't propose waiting either but wants to make sure they receive accurate <br />information. <br />Mr. Portner asked for Mr. Carlton to explain when he recommends doing the pedestrian <br />feasibility study. <br />Mr. Carlton recommends doing the pedestrian feasibility study after the Comprehensive Plan <br />is finalized. <br />Mr. Portner also explained the federal government passing an infrastructure plan which <br />could provide monies available to be in a better position to leverage those funds. He likened <br />it to the chicken and egg planning, if you do not have a plan, you can't even ask for it. He <br />noted having a plan would give the city a better position but also when you do the study <br />would provide the most benefit. <br />Commissioner Chuba stated he would like to see the traffic study and parking study done at <br />this time and in the future, the pedestrian study done as soon as possible but after the <br />Comprehensive Plan is finalized. <br />Mr. Carlton noted if the HRA wants additional clarification, it can be discussed at the first <br />meeting in June, or the HRA could proceed with moving forward tonight. <br />