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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/10/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session STCITY LOUISOF OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION October 9,2000 The meeting convened at 8.00 p m Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Chris Nelson, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, and Robert Young. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Meyer), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), Engineering Superintendent (Mr Moore), Director of Community Development (Mr. Harmening), Planning and Zoning Supervisor(Ms. Jeremiah), Planning Coordinator(Ms. Erickson), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Kleve), Civic Cable Television Coordinator(Mr. McHugh), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert). 1. MnDot Project on Highway Trunk No 7 Scheduled for 2001 Paul Kachelmyer, Minnesota Department of Transportation, gave a review of the proposed improvements to Trunk Highway(TH) 7 scheduled for 2001 construction. He indicated that they would like to widen shoulders, lengthen turn lanes, construct concrete barriers in certain medians, and work on curbs and gutters Councilmember Sanger asked if the intersection of Ottawa and TH 7 would be included. Mr. Kachelmyer responded that it would not, the ownership changes at Hwy 100 from state to county. Councilmember Bnmeyer asked how this project would fit in with the trail plan. Mr. Moore explained that staff from MnDot and the City had gone over the pedestrian and trail crossings for each intersection. Councilmember Sanger stated that the medians are not wide enough for bikes and inquired how long the project will take Mr Kachelmyer replied they expected it to be a three month project. 2. Park Commons East Update Ms. Jeremiah reported that the City had entered into a Preliminary Development Agreement with TOLD which included several deadlines for work to be completed. One of those deadlines was to turn in a feasibility analysis. That deadline was delayed but TOLD has submitted cost estimates, phasing, financing gap analysis, number and type of housing/retail units, and suggested modifications to the site plan. Staff would like to receive feedback regarding the feasibility analysis and potential changes to the Park Commons East concept plan. Mr. Cunningham of TOLD presented slides depicting similar developments around the country as well as the concept drawings of the Park Commons development. Councilmember Sanger inquired about housing opportunities in the development. Mr. Cunningham stated that there are twenty different housing styles ranging from studios to large units. He added that homestead laws do not generate enough tax increment financing to do the project with more owned housing. Councilmember Sanger was not sure if the project could be supported with that amount of rental housing. Mr. Cunningham said rental units can be converted into condominiums in the future and are set up that way. He added that rental is absorbed faster in the market. Study Session Minutes -2- October 9, 2000 Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that the project income and revenue are based on square footage income and inquired if the numbers are dependable Mr. Harmening replied that the numbers are aggressive Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that the project was onginally design-onentated but has now become economically dnven. He understood the economic need for rental housing but preferred not to have so much of it in the project Ms Jeremiah offered to show a companson between the onginal charrette figures and the current figures in terms of rental and owner occupied housing. The phasing of the project has changed but the overall totals are consistent with the onginal charrette plan Mr. Cunningham stated that they are still trying to close the financing gap but indicated they will be able to do so as they go along. Councilmember Bnmeyer inquired if the acquisition of Bally's would help to close the gap. Mr. Cunningham replied that it would not and thought shared parking may help Councilmember Young stated his understanding that apartments are very marketable and in line with the charrette figures He added that the loss of development on the south side of Excelsior Blvd. also dictated change. Councilmember Young felt that the City has already invested a lot of money into this project and he felt they were on the nght track. Councilmember Sanger asked if increased building heights would help to close the financing gap Mr Cunningham replied that it would be helpful if the six story buildings were eight stones. Councilmember Sanger hoped that TOLD would consider that option and increase the owner occupied buildings Mr. Cunningham replied that they would do some research on it. Councilmember Sanger asked about the success rate in other similar developments in regards to for-sale live/work units and Mr. Cunningham replied that the response has been good. Councilmember Nelson was not sure if he agreed with the six story buildings and said he needed to be convinced before eight story buildings are considered. He would like to see a shade analysis showing the impact of the shadows cast from the buildings. Councilmember Nelson also stated his concern for the trails and character of the park as a result of the project. Other concerns of his are the number of rental and owner occupied units and the town green. Mr. Cunningham replied that the trail is planned to link retail business to the park. Councilmember Young inquired about the next steps and hoped TOLD would do more numbers analysis of rental and for-sale housing, shading, the park edge, and building height. Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that a sense of community could be achieved at the town green not just by making it wide, but the same result could be achieved through creative design. Councilmember Sanger was interested in the amount of space needed to accommodate a farmer's market or art fair. Ms. Jeremiah stated that staff will meet at the site pnor to the next study session and will also organize a neighborhood meeting. She indicated that they would hold off on scheduling a public hearing for now Study Session Minutes -3- October 9, 2000 Mr. Harmening indicated that he wanted more clarification on housing and building height. Council discussed various concepts for changing the mix of rental and for-sale housing. Mr. Cunningham stated that they have created a solution that would allow the development process to commence. However, changes will have monetary effects that may not be acceptable He added that owned housing would come at the expense of the financing gap. Council directed the developers and staff to work together to achieve a better mix of rental and owned housing They would also like to see Parks and Recreation provide their input on trails and the town green programming. Mr Harmening said that a phenomenal amount of work has been done in ten weeks and the developer is to be commended. Council agreed and thanked them for their hard work. 3. Texa Tonka Study Tim McComb who had worked on the market study for Texa Tonka was present at the meeting. Ms. Erickson passed out the summary of findings to the Council. Mr. McComb stated that the future success in Texa Tonka is in service. He indicated that some retail would be acceptable but the main attraction should not solely be retail. Texa Tonka needs a strategy to increase the tenant quality, therefore enabling the center to improve attractiveness and the health of the buildings. Councilmember Santa stated that the perception of the neighbors is that there is too much parking for the property. Mr McComb replied that some of the parking would need to be retained but not all of it is neccessary. Councilmember Sanger asked about strategies to Jump-start renovations so new tenants will be attracted to the area Mr McComb replied that they needed to attract higher paying tenants. Mr. Harmening discussed removing some of the areas that are not needed. He felt that a workable renovation process would have the City as a partner. Mr McComb reported that he is currently working with Mr. Fine, owner and manager of Texa Tonka Shopping Center, to develop a strategy for renewal. Councilmember Sanger asked if there would be a potential conflict of interest. Mr. McComb replied they would need to convince the owner of the center how the value can be improved with the influx of money from him along with possible public assistance such as low interest commercial rehabilitation loans. Councilmember Young asked if Mr. McComb could move forward with the contract while Council waits to see what will develop. Mr. McComb replied that he can and conflict would not arise if Council asked for public input for improvements in the area. Ms Erickson stated that Mr. McComb's work with the City has been completed and therefore no conflict would result. Councilmember Santa would like to go forward with public improvements. Study Session Minutes -4- October 9, 2000 Councilmember Sanger did not want to move forward with any improvements until a commitment has been made from the owner of the shopping center. Councilmember Nelson agreed. Councilmember Young felt they should move forward Councilmembers Brimeyer and Santa agreed. Ms. Jeremiah offered to include more property owners. Mr. Harmening suggested that the task force for this project could work similarly to the Blackstone neighborhood project. 4. Competitive Cable TV System Applications Status Mr. Pires gave a presentation on the cable TV franchise applications that have been received for Everest Connections Corporations and Wide Open West LLC (WOW) Everest submitted its application on September 25 and seeks many modifications to the current franchise ordinance. Wide Open West submitted their application on October 2 and appears general with respect to the franchise ordinance. Mr. Pires informed Council of staffs' concern over the proximity to the deadline that the applications were filed. He also discussed Time Warner's concern in regards to Minnesota State Statute 238.08 which limits granting of a cable franchise in areas with an existing franchise. Staff proposes to complete the analysis of the two companies. Further recommendation will be given after analysis by legal counsel is provided. Council will receive a full report at a later date. 5. Communications Council reviewed criteria used to naming and renaming of parks. 6. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. ly Clerk Mayo