11-16-2006 Planning Commission Minutes

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Downtown Plan: Mr. Adams stated that he had done an unofficial survey of the businesses in the core City. There are approximately 85 to 90 businesses. Of those businesses,40 have existed for over 10 years and 18 have existed for 6 to 9 years. Buy-in from participants was discussed, as well as funding options. Assessment to adjacent property owners may not be appropriate. Enhancement of the downtown area benefits the entire community. The sale of land in the Business Park to MnDOT for the around-town route could generate monies to be used for infrastructure. Money needs to be spent on downtown renovation regardless of where the highway goes. This Downtown Plan will be hard to sell to the Council. This version is a disappointing result with monies not well spent. It is too generic and sterile. It needs buy-in. The Planning Commission would like Mr. Marohn, Community Growth Institute,to look at including the following in a revised Plan: 1. Get input from the participants. 2. Include local statistical data. 3. Who produced the costs—where did they come from? 4. Needs a harder analysis and recommendations. 5. Other funding options—it benefits the entire City. Of the businesses that have been here a long time, say 20 years, what made them work? Mr. Marohn will need to give an estimated date on revision. Staff directed to get a copy of the above list to Councilman Nagel. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Scott Pederson, seconded by Roger Varilek,to approve the October Minutes as read. All members voted"aye". Motion carried. ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Bittner pointed out the 10 permits that were issued in October and the 21 letters that were sent. Mr. Williams asked Staff to verify that the sheds have been removed from the Buschmann Addition. The Dan Couture, Stellar Prop. of MN, LLC, rezone was discussed. The City Council approved the rezone to Commercial with no Findings of Fact. Planning Commission Minutes 9 November 16, 2006