03-12-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council 11inutes Much 12, 2007 Page 2 . Advantages/ disadvantages for placement of sidewalks Bikes use on sidewalks Widths of sidewalks . . . 5.1. Council Open Forum Mayor Klinzing would like a discussion on whistle-free train zones. She requested information on costs and liability to the city. 5.2. Downtown Redevelopment Plan Taskforce Update Taskforce member Mark Urista presented an update of the progress by the Taskforce regarding key issues and the next steps needed for a redevelopment plan for the greater downtown area. Ms. Steinmetz stated the taskfo1=ce is looking for Council input on whether they are moving in the right direction. Councilmember Motin expressed concern with the decision regarding TH 10 remaining at grade. He questioned whether vehicles on the highway will want to stop in downtown Elk River. He expressed concerns with the uncertainty of Mn/DOT's plans for TH 10. Mr. Urista stated it may be 15-20 years before Mn/DOThas a plan for the highway. Ms. Steinmetz stated it is the consensus of the Taskforce that the draw for the downtown will be local traffic. She stated the Taskforce felt it would be best to remain at grade in order to keep Elk River visible. . Councilrnember Gumphrey stated the city shouldn't wait for a Mn/DOT decision to be made on TH 10. He questioned why such a large portion ofland north ofTH 10 is in this downtown redevelopment plan. Councilrnember Motin asked the Taskforce if they added the parcel near Elk River concrete to their study area as requested by the HRA. Councilrnember Zerwas stated concerns with the Taskforce decision ofTH 10 remaining at grade level because it made the city look like it is unwilling to consider other options. He stated it could take more time for local traffic to cross the highway if it is kept at grade level. He further stated that after the Taskforce holds its open houses, it should take a few more months to evaluate the public input before bringing it to the HRA. He suggested that a representative from Mn/DOT be invited to the Taskforce meetings. Councilrnember Farber stated the city can't do anything about Mn/DOT's planning but the city does need to move forward. He stated keeping TH 10 at grade is too rigid and the Taskforce needs rework this decision. The Council concurred. Mayor Klinzing questioned the natural progression for redevelopment. . Mr. Urista stated the areas that will most likely be redeveloped will be specific project areas on the north side of the highway.