01-17-2017 EDC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Commission Minutes January 17, 2017 Page 2 of 6 Commissioner Rieck stated she has heard from business owners there is a need for more parking. Commissioner Lubke asked if the improvements would be assessed to the adjacent property owners. Nancy Malecha stated that had not been decided at this time. The City hasn't assessed for street projects in the past,but she is not sure what will happen in the future. Commissioner Lindholm stated there is a need for east/west pedestrian traffic. Students use a path through the TDS property to reach the school; the City could collaborate with TDS for the pathway. East and West Woodman Street could be improved to be pedestrian friendly. As Trailside Park is improved the City will want to use the school parking lots for events. Street improvement discussions need to be included with the park improvements discussions. Chair Jurchen stated Bob Perkins from TDS will attend the February meeting and discussion regarding the students walking through the TDS property could be an Agenda item. Commissioner Lindholm further stated Government Drive north of County Road 11 and North Washington Avenue were done well. The improvements south of County Road 11 need to tie together with those north of 11. He asked if Washington Avenue should stay one way traveling south. Chair Jurchen stated he is concerned with getting something done for expediency sake. For the Trailside Park improvements,he agrees Highway 371 should be blocked off through the park area and see what the effect is on this quadrant. The City needs to make sure money being spent is meaningful. We shouldn't waste money in a hurry to get things done. Take it a step at a time; don't rush. Commissioner Lindholm stated parking along Government Drive should at least be on one side of the street. If parking is continued from the north, south from Butler,that end of the park could be captured for events. Government Drive should be top notch all the way. Chair Jurchen stated he doesn't see the south end of Washington Avenue as commercial in the near future. Government Drive should be the showcase with as much parking as possible. Old Highway 371 should be pedestrian friendly. Commissioner Lindholm reiterated that Government Drive should be the showcase with East Woodman Street improved for pedestrian traffic. Chair Jurchen stated a walkway on East Woodman is important. Commissioner Lubke asked if there is still pedestrian traffic from the Paul Bunyan Trail to West Lake Street. Commissioner Lindholm stated that there is. Commissioner Lindholm then realized that the residences on the east side of the Trail would become a walkable area because the barrier of Highway 371 is removed (after turnback). That area is now bus traffic.