5.2. SR 01-12-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 2 that a couple of Task Force members requested that a discussion regarding the Draft Plan's proposed river trail also be added to tonight's agenda. She said that it is not typical in a normal redevelopment planning process to react to the public comments at this point because it is important to let the redevelopment planning process "play itself out". She specifically mentioned the importance of gathering all of the public input from City Boards and Commissions and the general public prior to making refinements to the Draft Plan. In addition, she said that it is important to be consistent by showing the same Draft Plan to the public. 4. Summary Report of Stakeholder Meetings Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz summarized her staff report regarding the July 24 stakeholders meetings in addition to written public comments received as of August 7. She stated that the top two issues of concern submitted via written comments were the river trail and high density housing. She added that staff is not asking for the Task Force to take action regarding her report since staff will be gathering and providing additional public comments to the Task Force in October for review and consideration in refining the plan. Discuss River Trail Concept Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich summarized her staff report regarding a request made by a several residents of the Morton/Norfolk neighborhood, to consider removing the river trail that is currently depicted in the Draft Redevelopment Framework Plan and Draft Illustrative Land Use Plan. She invited John Babcock, spokesperson for the neighborhood, to add any comments regarding the neighborhood's request. Mr. Babcock distributed a summary of written comments from the neighborhood to the Task Force and provided additional verbal comments he had received from neighbors regarding the issue. Ms. Mehelich introduced Bill Maertz, Parks & Recreation Director, who was in attendance to answer any questions from the Task Force. She asked the Task Force if they wished to make revisions to its Draft Plan now, or allow the process to proceed in order to allow the rest of the community an opportunity to provide comments prior to modifying the Draft Plan. Discussion ensued regarding a variety of options for how to refine the Draft Plan in reaction to the neighborhood's request, including the option of a river trail beginning at the dam and ending at Babcock Park. Task Force member Molly Nadeau asked about a parks and trails map that she heard was circulating around the City. Mr. Maertz responded that the map is two years old and that it reflects the City's Comprehensive Parks & Trails Plan approved in 1989. He has received comments from property owners recently about proposed trails being included on the map and will replace the map to indicate only existing trails. Member Dana Anderson stated that the Draft Plan is not "reinventing the wheel" by including a proposed trail along the Mississippi and Elk Rivers because this trail has been included in the Master Park Plan for years. He asked the Task Force why they were discussing options for refining the Draft Plan regarding the trail before answering the question "Do we want the process to proceed in order to allow the rest of the community an opportunity to provide comments prior to modifying the Draft Plan?"