11-28-2011 DTF NOTES - Laserfiche WebLink

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On Nov ember 28`h, the Downtown Task force was reconvened At introductions, it was noted that there were three new members of the task force, with one missing. New members included Councilmembers Jerry Gumphrey and Nick Zerwas, Fred McCoy, representing the business community. Chad Wurm, newly appointed by the City Council, representing residents, was absent. After a review of the open meeting rules, Jean Lieser and Stewart Wilson left the meeting. Barnhart reviewed the agenda Voting for the chair was tabled until January Barnhart distributed a draft schedule Barnhart reviewed the assumptions that the planning process will use. Holme asked if MNDOT was involved in the highway 10 plan. Zerwas commented that the footprint of downtown will change D. Anderson noted the plan should be looked at in a larger scale, not what many think the downtown currently is. Consumer, wildlife/ natural, resident friendly. Nizelok noted, with regard to parks, we don't want to force park/ trail land, but the city should get it when it becomes available. Peterson asked where was the plan that was last voted on, the one where the trail was removed? He didn't think that the plan should include a river trail. Barnhart stated that the last printed plan was distributed. City Engineer Femrite summarized the Highway 10 plan. Barnhart noted the importance of a problem statement. Why are we doing this plan? Discussion followed, with answers including: we are reacting to changes to Highway 10 We want to be proactive. We want downtown to be a special place. Holme mentioned that the problem with downtown is the two buildings recently built that changed the feeling. Parking was an issue, but isn't anymore. Formulation of the problem statement was continued to the January meeting. Homework was assigned. Task force members were asked to review the plan document, and ID areas that needed changes or further discussion.