Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.20.91 Special Council Packetmmmim, mmmmmommmommml, AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING COUNCIL, HRA, PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 20, 1991 8:00 A.M. FARMINGTON SENIOR CENTER 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. INTRODUCTION - Mayor Kuchera 3. PRESENTATION - Organizational Dynamics - Larry Thompson 4. PRESENTATION OF GOALS a. HRA b. Planning Commission c. Council 5. GENERAL DISCUSSION - MUTUAL CONCERNS 6. DEVELOP WORK PLAN 7. ADJOURN { MEMO TO: CITY COUNCIL, HRA, PLANNING COMMISSION SUBJECT: JOINT MEETING - APRIL 20, 1991 DATE: APRIL 16, 1991 Enclosed please find an agenda for the April 20th meeting, which was set by the City Council. The following is a brief background summary of the agenda and supporting materials. Background The City Council met with facilitator John Vinton on March 8th to discuss long range goals for the City. The Council, HRA and Planning Commission Chairs continued the discussion on March 9th. Attached is a report from the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was not to discuss specific tasks, programs or work plans, but to develop a vision of where the City should be in 20+years. A secondary purpose was to identify the roles of the Council, Planning Commission and HRA. The intent of the Council was not to have a "one shot" strategy meeting, but to initiate an ongoing process which will develop mutually agreed upon long range plans, provide direction for staff in development and implementation of programs, and fostering communication between the Council and the various Boards and Commissions. It is anticipated that the joint meeting will continue on a semi-annual basis. Organizational Dynamics I will be presenting an overview of community and organizational dynamics. The presentation will be based on information I learned at the Blandin Leadership retreat and at the March 8th and 9th meetings. Presentation of Goals I have attached a copy of the HRA and Planning Commission goals and objectives. The Council and Commission should select a representative to present an overview of the report. It is recommended that you carefully review these materials as they will be the basis for the discussion under Item 5. Mutual Concerns It is anticipated that this will be a relatively informal discussion. Members should note areas of concern and agreement, or issues that are not addressed. John Cairns has indicated that he will attend the meeting to discuss annexation issues. Some areas of discussion which have been noted are: a. The role of the Council, HRA, Planning Commission and staff in developing and implementing the goals and objectives of the community. b. The implementation of the Milo Thompson study. c. The initiation of plans, programs, projects, etc. d. Annexation. e. Developing and sharing a vision of the Highway #3 and #50 corridors. f. Downtown housing. g. The draft Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives and how they will direct the development of the City. E Work Plan A work plan should be developed based on the discussions at the meeting. It should be understood that developing a vision with related goals and objectives in which each body has a sense of ownership will be an ongoing process and, it is hoped, this meeting will provide a basis for understanding this endeavor. Some points which should be addressed are: a. identify priority goals, b. establish an annual planning calendar, c. set a future joint meeting, d. develop a vision statement and goals and objectives. /17 45147.A*r . . Larry Thompson City Administrator cc: Department Heads Charlie Tooker Jerry Henricks file LT/mh Government Training Service Suite 401 480 Cedar Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 612/222-7409 March 14, 1991 Larry Thompson City Administrator City of Farmington Farmington City Hall Farmington, MN 55024 Dear Larry: Please find enclosed a copy of my summary report. I believe a great deal was accomplished in helping the Council take leadership for the future. They seem to be more focused and motivated to make things happen. I would suggest that the meeting on the 20th be carefully planned and executed. Please let me know if I can be of further help. Good luck and congratulations on your efforts on behalf of Farmington! C.Si cerely, `nn� IU� Jo Vinton, Ph.D. Codi ultant JV/lj Enclosure Member Organizations Association of Minnesota Counties Minnesota Association Minnesota Community Colleges League of Minnesota Cities of Regional Commissions State of Minnesota Minnesota Association University of Minnesota of Townships SUMMARY REPORT CITY OF FARMINGTON GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP FARMINGTON AREA SENIOR CENTER March 8-9, 1991 Submitted by: John Vinton, Consultant Government Training Service March 10, 1991 Introduction The City of Farmington is facing the likelihood of consider- able change over the next several years as growth moves south from the Twin Cities, as the possibility of an airport sited near Farmington becomes more likely and as state funding is threatened. The City faces several challenges. Leadership by the City Council will be critical if the City is to position itself for the future. Accordingly, the Council decided it was time to develop a clear and highly focused direction for the future. With the assistance of the Government Training Service, the City undertook a planning program which included the following three steps: I. Assessment: Interviews conducted with each Council person, with the Chair of the Planning Commission, with the Chair of HRA and with the City Administrator. II. Planning Workshop: A workshop to identify and prioritize key issues and to develop strate- gies in cooperation with the Planning Commis- sion and HRA. (See Appendix I for Agenda. ) III. Follow-Up: To define a series of follow-up steps and a summary report of the workshop. Through this program the Council intends to begin an ongoing planning process to create a future which is preferable for the citizens of Farmington. Appendix II includes a model for that process. Key Issues The interviews revealed a high level of agreement about what issues faced the City. They also revealed a readiness to deal with the issues in a direct and forthright way. All agreed that the time has come for the Council to provide direction. A key issue is one that, if not addressed, will lead to a serious problem for the City in the future. The following issues were identified as critical: 1. What should the City do to manage growth? 2. What should be the nature and location of business development in the City? 3. What should the City do to prepare for the possible siting of the airport? 4. How should the City proceed with annexation? 5. How can the City maintain a high level of service in the face of reductions in state aid to local government? Dealing agressively with these issues now will prevent them from becoming problematic in the future. The Council also concluded that enlisting the support of the Planning Commission and HRA in dealing with these issues was also important. Goals The central question facing the Council was what do they want Farmington to be? What vision do they have for the City? What future, out of all futures, is preferable? In dealing with these questions, it was clear that Farmington was going to grow and that it would include both old and new elements. The Council is commit- ted to retaining and enhancing the downtown which they feel gives Farmington its identity. But, they also believe that other areas of the City will develop to accommodate growth. Decisions they make now will determine the extent and character of these new areas and will determine whether the City retains its identity. A principle concern is that the North and South areas of the City become more integrated. Development should focus on integrating these two areas within the City. As a result, the Council identified four goals and several steps to move the City forward: I. Proceed with plans for annexation Complete feasibility study by mid-April - Review Comprehensive Plan Through consultations with HRA, Planning Commission, Staff and others, establish what appropriate boundaries should be II. Support development within the City - Retain Farmington Ford Develop 31 and 50 Develop a means to protect 50 and Essex for long-term commercial development - Enhance downtown Develop Highway 3 as appropriate - Develop 195th and Essex as neighborhood commercial Hold meeting with HRA and Planning Commission III. Educate public on airport Maintain current information on airport Inform public while ensuring they understand the City's limited influence on the outcome IV. Formulate plan to maintain service and keep property tax increases to the minimum during the transition to financial independence from state funding Hold budget education meeting to review alternatives To achieve these goals, it is important for the Council to develop an annual planning process which translates their vision into action plans. This process must include others in the City, most notable the Planning Commission and HRA. Accordingly, the Council envisions the following annual process: February - March Council, Planning Commission, HRA set goals March - April Council hosts a meeting to integrate the goals of the Council, Planning Commission and HRA April - May Staff develops a workplan to accomplish goals June - September Budget developed to implement workplan October Budget adopted by Council November - January Evaluate progress on goals This first year the Council will host a meeting on Saturday, April 20, 1991 with the HRA and Planning Commission. The agenda for the meeting is as follows: I. Council Presents Its Goals II. HRA Presents Goals and Reviews Mission III. Planning Commission Presents Preliminary Report on Comprehensive Plan and Mission IV. Discuss Possible Annexation (contingent upon feasibility study) After this meeting the Economic Development Commission will meet to clarify its role and mission. Conclusion The Council is to be complimented on its willingness to step forward and assume leadership. The goals it has defined and the process it has created to achieve these goals will ensure that Farmington becomes the City all its citizens prefer. APPENDIX I AGENDA a O I c/A ix. cc O ›, V �j 4...; _ oZ •o Zc c °) ° o0 O z U c cu ZL E c Oas I cn Elm .0 C ..c- > > C CA f� co N d y asO fr.< C 0 0 _ Lim 0 U 0) a O 0 C • • .1 O C O Q Q S. 3 cL a a a: a a a: a 0 M O O 0 O 0 0 O IC) id N 00 C^ r O M 0 0 0 0 It) It) CO f' 00 a; J a 0 IM. CC O 43 `+ U Z L. Zc asct L. 0 co 0 c U Cl. z as c Z E LI- C O ° a) C a) U co 0 co o C y II O O ca Q •C C ,21 c0 4�'+ 112 cc (6 5 c Q .E m I n. a. 3 2 2 2 d a 4 4 4 0M M O 0 0 OC ') M T N •M• O T T T O O O O M MCC) Mo O M6 4,..: N It: 00 C) C) T -. APPENDIX II STRATEGIC PLANNING MODEL M M- M0 OkW IC I0 • = ,,,Lo WI 1 a. 1� 0 < CO 0ZW s O W = 05 ` '< oai ma (9 1 t 4' Z ! Z • Z � E Q W S s J _ A LC i f o w d Q. u e us e ! oJc IS V a w s CD 1 12 IQ1 tnil dCC ♦A `E` CC UT . o.0g cos or WLA ft S Of IC co to \HyI .\\ I... Zca*uk co ZZ Z or • CO 4 )... / 1 —: . , lip iLl �t O co . or � Z Zcg Z r 2 �o� �), 11 0 p. 7 1u 0 Z" t° g E. 4 ��a K > A' g > Wfe d ,C'-o C..›C.,G.. Z c: Z CI.col / • W it YF r 0 0- ,•r • Ilko ua. 4 o G d A " o Y o N Y o v • v = g .gL 3 = � � o € '7 V§ r •r r r N a • • • • 3m COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES GOAL 1: PLAN FOR QUALITY, MANAGED GROWTH Objectives: a. Adopt policies encouraging compatible in-fill development which will improve existing neighborhoods. b. Allow development to occur only when facilities and services are available to the area where the development is proposed. c. Improve coordination between the City and surrounding townships regarding development adjoining the City limits to protect the goals and objectives of the general plan. GOAL 2: IMPROVE CIRCULATION AND SAFETY FOR VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIANS Objectives: a. Establish feasible levels of service for intersections and street segments which will be incorporated into facilities plans. b. Enhance carrying capacity of existing streets and intersections in the urban area through transportation management systems and coordination of improvements through the overall capital improvement program. c. Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety through the installation or improvement of sidewalks, a trail system in coordination with existing and proposed open space and intersection controls. GOAL 3: PRESERVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS Objectives: a. Limit the conversion of uses along predominantly residential streets to non- residential uses, and require effective buffers and mitigation measures through Conditional Use Permits when appropriate non-residential uses are proposed. b. Establish land use designations which reflect the character of existing neighborhoods. c. Encourage property maintenance programs through public information, code enforcement and public assistance. -4- GOAL 4: PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL INCOME GROUPS Objectives: a. Establish and maintain a current housing needs assessment. b. Adopt land use designations which will allow housing opportunities for all income levels. c. Establish strategies for low and moderate income housing opportunities. d. Initiate support for housing rehabilitation. e. Promote well planned and well designed affordable housing. f. Continue to encourage the development of upscale housing in areas with abundant natural amenities. GOAL 5: ENCOURAGE A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMIC BASE TO PROVIDE JOBS AND SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS Objectives: a. Support rehabilitation or recycling of declining commercial and industrial areas. b. Continue to evaluate development strategies, including commercial, industrial and office land use. c. Evaluate industrial zoning classifications and development standards to restrict encroachment of commercial uses in industrial areas. GOAL 6: CREATE A VITAL DOWNTOWN Objectives: a. Encourage activities that traditionally locate in a pedestrian oriented downtown area, including offices, restaurants and specialty retail shops. b. Implement Downtown Revitalization by the adoption of a specific plan. c. Promote residential development within the downtown to enhance revitalization effort. d. Investigate the potential for public off street parking in areas adjoining the downtown. -5- GOAL 7: CREATE AN AESTHETICALLY PLEASING COMMUNITY Objectives: a. Establish landscaping guidelines for all areas of the City. b. Preserve natural resources such as water bodies, steep slopes and ridge lines as visual amenities. c. Develop a system of open space corridors and trails throughout the City. GOAL 8: PRESERVE NATURAL AND SCENIC RESOURCES Objectives: a. Establish policies to preserve visually prominent vegetation. b. Establish environmental protection policies to reserve sensitive habitat areas such as wetlands, including coordination with State and Federal agencies having jurisdiction. c. Establish density and development standards designed to protect existing terrain, steep slopes, floodways, habitat areas and ridge lines to minimize visual impacts. d. Develop and implement community wide resource conservation programs. GOAL 9: SUPPORT AGRICULTURE WHILE PLANNING FOR POSSIBLE LAND TRANSITION TO URBAN USES Objectives: a. Maintain low density residential land use with appropriate zoning designations that are compatible with preserving agricultural productivity. b. Foster the Agricultural Preserve option within agricultural areas. GOAL 10: PROVIDE CONTINUED COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE Objectives: a. Adopt basic quality of life standards to guide the development of community wide and neighborhood facilities plans. b. Continue to support public and privately operated community service programs to serve the entire community. c. Provide incentives for development to provide facilities which exceed minimum standards and correct existing deficiencies. -6- GOAL 11: PROVIDE A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL RESIDENTS Objectives: a. Establish service levels for police and fire protection and other City services which will be maintained within new development without adversely affecting service levels for existing developments. b. Establish grading standards which control surface runoff associated with new development while preserving natural resources. c. Participate in local and regional programs to meet State and Federal air and water quality standards. d. Cooperate with local health care agencies to assure continued general access to care facilities. GOAL 12: PROVIDE CERTAINTY IN IMPLEMENTING THE GENERAL PLAN Objectives: a. Establish stringent and consistent objective criteria which must be met before the General Plan can be amended. b. Revise zoning, grading and subdivision ordinances and adopt other ordinances including the requirement of facilities plans which will implement the goals and objectives of the General Plan. c. Adopt performance criteria within appropriate ordinances to ensure land use compatibility, environmental protection and neighborhood improvement. -7- HRA MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the HRA is to provide a sufficient supply of adequate, safe, and sanitary dwellings in order to protect the health, safety, morals and welfare of Farmington residents. Using the City of Farmington' s Comprehensive Plan as a guide, the HRA performs those duties necessary to remedy the shortage of housing for low and moderate income residents of all ages, and to redevelop blighted areas. In situations which private enterprise would not act without government participation or subsidies. The HRA proactively promotes new business development and the expansion and retention of businesses within the Farmington community. GOALS 1 . Enhance the livability and preserve the inherent values of the City of Farmington through the elimination of seriously blighted areas in the community by removing substandard, blighted and obsolete structures. 2. Foster economically sound development in the project area. 3. Provide modern public improvements as may be needed such as high quality street facilities, utility systems, pedestrian spaces, environmental improvements and public parking areas. 4. Accomplish redevelopment in the central area of Farmington. OBJECTIVES Short Range 1 . Attract a developer for "Farmington Green" on the site of the former Fischer Building located at Third and Spruce Streets. 2. Find a developer to rehabilitate the Exchange Bank Building located at the corner of Third and Oak Streets. 3. Create revolving loan programs and/or credit pool to guarantee or "write down" interest on loans for building improvements in the downtown area. 4. Initiate a program requiring all overhead utility wiring in the downtown area be installed underground as new development occurs. 5. Develop off street parking for the downtown area. 6. Continue efforts to attract developers for market rate senior housing. 7. Develop design criteria for rehabilitation of existing downtown buildings based upon design concept developed for "The New Downtown" . 8. Assist in the retention and expansion of local businesses. 9. Encourage new businesses to locate in the Farmington area. 10. Support the creation of a building designed in the image of and at the site of the former railroad station, preferably used as a library. OBJECTIVES Long Range 1. Create Third and One Half Street parking boulevard between Elm and Spruce Streets. 2. Support the construction of a pedestrian arcade between the Parking Boulevard, Third Street and Second Street. 3. Support the creation of an open market loggia in or adjacent to the downtown area. 4. Support the rehabilitation of the Feely Elevator as a symbol of the historical roots of Farmington which identifies the downtown area. 5. Explore the relocation of Feely' s Elevator business . 6. Eliminate soil contamination of the Redevelopment project area. 7. Provide assistance to developers of the flood fringe area. 8. Support the development of subsidized and market rate housing for individuals and families. 9. Pursue the expansion of the Industrial Park when appropriate.