5.1. HRSR 07-5-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Revitalization Project Update July 5, 2005 fIRt1 Mecung Page2of3 The Council held a special meeting with MetroPlains on June 27`h to discuss the construction plans. MetroPlains presented the Council with a revised design for The Bluffs of Elk River project. The Council acknowledged the refinements were better but requested additional refinements in particular to the turret and visual breakup of the mid-section. The Council directed staff that the HRA review and comment on the designs, and any other issues related to the project, prior to the Council. The Council has requested the HRA's attendance for the July 11th Council work session for a follow up discussion with MetroPlains of the refined design. Staff recommends the HRA call a special meeting for Monday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of a joint meeting with the Council to discuss the MetroPlains refined design. Jackson Square Flag Pole and Gazebo Following the HRA's review and comments the Council considered the transfer of the flag pole and gazebo structures at its June 6`h meeting. The Council approved the transfer of the flag pole to the school district for its offices located downtown. Staff has been working with the school district to identify a site and obtain a quote for the relocation. At its June 6th meeting the HRA indicated a willingness to consider contributing toward the cost of relocating the flag pole structure in order to keep it in the downtown area. The Council approved the transfer of the gazebo structure to the Guardian Angels of Elk River for relocation of the roof portion to the senior center. Since that time Guardian Angels has indicated that the cost to relocate the roof portion exceeds the cost to purchase and install a new gazebo structure and has declined its offer to relocate the gazebo. Staff is currently exploring any option in which Meadowvale School has indicated an interest in relocating the gazebo to the school. Neither the flagpole nor the gazebo will be relocated from the Jackson Square property until the city has completed closing on the transfer of the Jackson property to MetroPlains. The closing is anticipated to occur by the end of July, upon MetroPlains completing the contingencies outlined in the Development Agreement and the amendment as authorized by the Council. Construction Staging Plan/Public SafetX The city recognizes that the construction of the projects will be disruptive at times for the downtown. Of priority concern to the city is public safety fox pedestrians, vehicle traffic and the construction site and workers. Another concern is keeping downtown open for business with as little inconveniences as possible. Fire Chief Bruce West has been designated as the lead public safety contact for the construction project and will be the liaison between the city and the developer's contractor on public safety issues. The city staff is currently reviewing preliminary construction staging plans and Chief West will present the staff recommended public safety plan to the City Council prior to construction commencing. Communications The latest project Q&A newsletter was distributed in early June and primarily focused on the King Avenue parking lot improvement project. The next edition of the newsletter is being planned for distribution in August covering issues primarily related to the construction. In addition, a vision piece is being developed which will be a full color glossy four-page brochure highlighting the project goals, description, schedule and graphics. The purpose of the vision piece is to remind the public of the big picture purpose for the redevelopment, how the goals set forth by the city will be achieved,