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City Council Minutes <br />June 2, 2025 <br />--------- <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />provided feedback on the plan. Mr. Thompson responded that their initial survey had 300 responses. <br />Mr. Lang felt that it was a low percentage of the total population and also stated he was not properly <br />notified of the plan. <br />Mayor Dietz was concerned about the loss of parking, wider sidewalks, the money required to build a <br />parking ramp, alternative parking needs during parking ramp construction, the city's ability to guide the <br />plan, parallel parking on Main Street, and the idea of the American Legion becoming a grocery store. He <br />was in favor of parallel parking on Jackson Ave and a mini roundabout on Parrish Ave. <br />Councilmember Wagner explained that she was the council representative to the Downtown Master <br />Plan committee. The committee expressed concern about the necessary street and sidewalk repairs. <br />She stated the committee had discussed a proposed ramp and the city would not need to fund it, it <br />would need to be funded by a development. She felt the parking ramp would be a good opportunity for <br />tax increment financing. She added that the parking lot is never full. She noted that the majority of <br />parking in front of stores and restaurants seems to be by owners and employees, and she felt that the <br />loss of parking on Main Street would be okay. <br />Councilmember Calva asked who would maintain the wider sidewalks for snow removal. <br />Councilmember Wagner responded that the businesses would continue to maintain the sidewalks <br />outside their business. <br />Mr. Carlton added that parking issues have been top of mind since the first meeting. The removal of on- <br />street parking may be mitigated through parking agreements, parking time limits, and staging. He also <br />stated that the zoning of businesses in the downtown area could be used to guide the plan. <br />Councilmember Calva asked about Mr. Lang's concern with traffic increases near Gates Avenue. Mr. <br />Carlton responded that, as the plan was developed, traffic and impact studies would be performed. <br />Councilmember Grupa added that the area near Railroad Drive needed the most urgent attention. <br />Councilmember Beyer stated that the Downtown Master Plan came with a lot of 'if' and 'would depend <br />on' many factors. Each phase of the plan would need to come before the council for approval and the <br />city may already have too many apartment buildings. Parts of the plan would change or not come into <br />fruition. <br />Mr. Carlton agreed that Railroad Drive was a primary area for redevelopment. <br />Councilmember Wagner stated that the proposed plan has gained some media attention, including an <br />article in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and local developer interest. <br />Councilmember Grupa stated the city needs to create more spaces for new businesses to develop in <br />the downtown area. <br />Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Calva to adopt the <br />2024 Downtown Master Plan. Motion carried 4-1. Mayor Dietz opposed. <br />The council requested the public works director to attend the June 16, 2025, meeting to review the <br />downtown improvement, including redoing sidewalks and streets, so staff could begin planning. <br />Page 6 of 637