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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-30-07 Special Joint Mtg.w/HRA Hastings,Minnesota City Council/HRA Joint Meeting Minutes July 30,2007 The City Council of the City of Hastings,Minnesota met in a special joint meeting with the City's HRA on Monday,July 30,2007 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room at Hastings City Hall, 101 East 40'Street,Hastings,Minnesota. Councilmembers Present: Mayor Hicks,City Councilmembers Alongi,Hazlet, Hollenbeck, Slavik,and Riveness HRA Members Present: Dennis Martodam,Ron Toppin,Pam Holzem,Bob Hollenbeck Staff Present: City Administrator Dave Osberg Assistant City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee Planning Director John Hinman Parks&Recreation Director Barry Bernstein Public Works Director Montgomery HRA Director Grossman Call to Order Mayor Hicks called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Agenda Mayor Hicks stated that the two primary topics of the meeting are intended to be downtown redevelopment and discussion of the creation of an Economic Development Authority(EDA). Hicks stated that it would be beneficial for the City Council and the HRA to form a working group to create recommendations about what direction the City ought to consider on these issues,but not necessarily decide what a specific process would be. Downtown Redevelopment Mayor Hicks asked what general impressions the group had with regards to downtown redevelopment. Councilmember Hollenbeck stated an overall favorable impression of downtown, would like to see infrastructure improvements and more residential. She is excited about the potential for Red Rock Corridor. Levee Park is a great asset and could be a destination in the community. Commissioner Toppin stated that the HRA has prepared for the Red Rock Corridor by purchasing land. Block One will be improved with Red Rock. Toppin stated that maybe redevelopment could be considered to start on the west end of downtown,as it is a more visible site. Councilmember Alongi stated support for redevelopment on the west end. He also stated support for development of a big vision,but felt that working on small pieces would be more successful; identification of what can be done in 5 years,what can be done in 10-15 years, and identify the phasing. Councilmember Riveness stated that public improvements could enhance long term development options.He stated uncertainty about residential development. Councilmember Slavik stated the importance of respecting the integrity of downtown's character. City of Hastings July 30,2007 Joint City CouncHAEU Minutes Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Martodam stated that the HRA has gotten pieces over the years and that one master plan does have disadvantages. He suggested consideration of a big picture idea, which can be accomplished in small pieces. Mayor Hicks stated that it may be time to start anew and will probably be one piece at a time and should focus on items under the City's control. He also stated that he would like to see improvements to the riverfront for it to become a destination. Hicks stated that he was confident that the Red Rock Park&Ride would be successful in 2008. There was general discussion over infrastructure improvements,which may include utility replacement,road reconstruction,public parking lot,and trail improvements,and the cost and phasing associated with those improvements. Councilmember Hazlet stated that Red Rock is a key component to downtown. He also expressed concern about maintaining accessibility to the downtown businesses during any public infrastructure improvements. Commissioner Holzem stated that the park is a key component to downtown. She also stated support for public restrooms. Karen Green Jung,member of the audience stated that she would like to see public involvement during the process as opposed to bringing a plan to the public for their comment. There was general discussion over establishing criteria for what to focus on; specifically, items under the City's control,which could include infrastructure improvements and riverfront improvements,as well as how to develop a process,involve the public and build consensus. Councihnember Alongi suggested development of a matrix which would include items that the City could do,items which may need cooperative efforts with other agencies/entities, and items which ought to be addressed by private developers. Those items could then be categorized by their timeline;what can be done immediately,what could be done in 5 years, and what could be addressed in the long term. Once developed,staff could review and help with prioritization and phasing issues. Discussion over identification of amount of land available and preferred uses,or goals,for the type of development the City would desire, without dictating specific uses. Economic Development Authority Mayor Hicks stated that the creation of an EDA could give the City expanded opportunities for development/redevelopment of sites outside the downtown area that the HRA has traditionally focused on. He stated this could help address sites which are not being improved by the private market. Commissioner Holzem stated that the HRA would like to have more involvement in development, including the Vermillion Street Corridor. Commissioner Martodam discussed some differences between an HRA&and EDA. Commissioner Toppin stated that either is a tool to aid in redevelopment,and the EDA concept is a good tool to have. Councilmember Alongi stated three questions he had with the concept of developing an EDA: • What is the mission goal,which the HRA may/may not be meeting and how to explain that to the voters if an EDA is recommended? • Creation of a new body;how would staffing change? • Uncomfortable with an appointed board with taxing authority;that should remain with the elected officials Mayor Hicks stated that an EDA will allow more flexibility to address land and re/development issues. City Administrator Osberg suggested that the group consider using the HRA on a project that is not focused downtown and see what,if any,tools the HRA model may not have City of Hastings July 30,2007 Joint City Couneil/HRA Minutes Page 3 of 3 (and which an EDA may halve)that the City would want, This could be done while the working group is evaluating the EDA concept. There was general support for that concept. Mayor Hicks stated that the working committee will be made up of Councilmembers Alongi, Schultz,and Slavik and two representatives of the HRA to be determined. Councilmember Alongi will be the chair of the working group and it will be staffed by John Hinman and John Grossman. Adjournment Mayor Hicks adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m. Paull Hicks Melanie Mesko Lee Mayor City Clerk