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1985 01 17MINUTES CHANHASSEN HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY January 17, 1985 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Whitehill called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Commissioners Swenson, Horn, Robbins, Bohn and Whitehill. Also present were City Manager Ashworth, City Planner Dacy, and John Worrall, Brauer and Associates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Horn moved, seconded by Swenson, to approve the minutes of the December 20, 1984 meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried. PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS OF PUBLIC FORUM - BRAUER AND ASSOCIATESr LTD. John Worrall presented the findings of the first public forum held on January 15, 1985. The findings revealed that 72 persons were in attendance, 23 of which were business people or chamber members and 16 were residents or non-affiliated persons. The remaining number were either city officials, members of service groups or reporters. Worrall then reviewed the results of the individual questionnaires. It was found that most felt that the previous redevelopment efforts were unsuccessful because it was too costly of a project, too ambitious and drastic, and the eco- nomy was poor at that time. It was also felt by the individuals that if redevelopment were to occur, it was hoped that it would meet the needs of local shoppers and merchants and become a "complete city". Worrall then discussed the findings of the small group discussions. All twelve tables felt that downtown Chanhassen should be redeveloped. Ten tables felt that the existing down- town redevelopment plan should be revised or all together changed. Several tables noted that the main street image should be retained and any new plan should be incremental and phased. Many of the small groups cited that the dinner theater, the arboretum, Chanhassen's location and the availability of low cost land as major strengths. Weaknesses were listed as conflicts with the railroad, highways, overall appearance and the lack of a grocery store. Several suggestions were made by the small groups as to the types of development that should be successful in Chanhassen. A grocery store was mentioned several times as well as a community center, office, specialty retail and a hotel/motel. The final item discussed was the small groups response to whether it is more important for downtown to serve local people or is it more important to serve people throughout the Twin Cities. Six tables responded that the local people should have first priority and five groups stated that both could be served, but that local people should be first priority. Chanhassen HRA Minutes January 17, 1985 Page 2 Brauer and Associates then recommended to proceed with the redevelopment planning process in order to capitalize on the positive sentiment and to explore alternatives for gaining further consensus. Brauer also recommended that the study area be enlarged to include West 79th Street. They would also begin to develop alternative plans based on the ideas that were brought up at the public forum which will be presented for rough draft review before the HRA on February 21st. Worrall then explained that because he was leaving Brauer and Associates, he brought George Watson, Mitch Wonson and Fred Hoisington of Brauer and Associates, should the HRA feel it necessary to interview each of them for the new project manager position. Chairman Whitehill stated that Brauer and Associates should be responsible to choose the new project manager. Whitehill moved, seconded by Horn, to have Brauer and Associates choose the new project manager. All voted in favor and the motion carried. DISCUSSION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION Ashworth explained that a new Executive Director should be appointed. It was recommended that the City Manager be appointed as the Executive Director and the City Planner the primary resource person. Horn moved, seconded by Bohn, to name the City Manager as Executive Director and the City Planner as the Staff Resource Person. All voted in favor and the motion carried. DISCUSSION OF HRA BUILDING Ashworth briefed the HRA on the status of the occupancy by Duane Harter in the HRA building. Ashworth stated that Harter was complying with the recommendations of the Public Safety Director to satisfactorily correcting some of the code violations found in this portion of the building. DISCUSSION OF DOREK/BADEN PROPOSAL Ashworth explained that a report from Gary Stout of Public/Private Ventures, Inc. will be forth coming shortly on the progress of negotiations with Dorek/Bade and other developers. Ashworth explained that Dorek/Baden made a short presentation at the City Council meeting on January 7, 1985 and several items were discussed with the Council such as parking, size of the building, and value of the property. Ashworth explained that the Council was interested in their proposal and was willing to work with them to have them locate in Chanhassen. Chanhassen HRA Minutes January 17, 1985 Page 3 Whitehill noted that any inducements should be offered so that the building could be reused. Swenson stated that negotiations should proceed as quickly as possible and if it was necessary a special meeting could be called. APPROVAL OF BILLS Horn moved, seconded by Robbins, to approve the bills except for check %24502. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Bohn moved, seconded by Horn, to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. All voted in favor and the motion carried.