HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.07.22 Work Session Minutes City of Farmington
City Council / Planning Commission Work Session Minutes
November 7, 2022
1. Call to Order
Mayor Hoyt and Chair Rotty called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Hoyt, Lien, Wilson
Present: Rotty,Tesky, Lehto, McAbee
Absent: Bernhjelm, Porter, Windschitl
Also Present: Leah Koch,City Attorney; Lynn Gorski, City Administrator;Julie Flaten,Assistant
City Administrator/HR Director; Chris Regis, Finance Director; Gary Rutherford,
Police Chief; Matt Price, Deputy Fire Chief; Kellee Omlid, Parks and Recreation
Director, Tony Wippler, Planning Manager; Cynthia Muller,Administrative
Assistant
Representatives from Ebert Construction
2. Approve Agenda
MOTION by Lien, second by Wilson to approve the agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
3. Discussion Items
a. Discuss Possible New Market Rate Apartment Complex in Downtown Farmington
Ebert Construction is looking at constructing a market rate apartment building in
downtown Farmington at 310 Third Street (former Dakota Motors building). This
would be a three-story building over structural parking and contain 74 units.
There are three parking lot options. All parking options close Second Street from the
center block walkway north to Elm Street. The difference in the options is the
design and setback of the parking lot facing Elm Street. There will be no access to
the parking lot from Elm Street.
The first level will be at grade containing a lobby, common drop-off area, FedEx, UPS
drop off and an exercise room along Third Street. There will also be a back entrance
from Second Street. Trash containers will be located in the back. There will be a
courtyard in the center facing Second Street. The fourth level will also have a
common area for gatherings, etc. on the south side. Ebert Construction wants to
keep the street front feel. The building will be a little taller than city hall.
Members discussed the opportunity for retail. Ebert Construction explained there
will be no retail as it is hard to lease. They have had success not including retail.
Members reinforced that parking could be an issue and to make sure there is no
parking on the street. The exact number of units is not firm yet. Staff noted a site
plan will be required. The downtown has no minimum setbacks or lot coverage
requirements. The building and parking do encroach into the right-of-way, which
will require CUP approval by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. Members
Council Work Session Minutes
November 7,2022
Page 2
noted this is redevelopment at that corner. Commercial would have been
welcomed, but they understand the issues. We have a strong downtown business
group, and it would be nice to have their input. Businesses need to be made aware
of this and have a neighborhood meeting. Some members were concerned about
not having retail at that corner. In the redevelopment plan, that location is the
gateway to the downtown. Ebert Construction explained tenants will walk the
downtown streets and create the need for more retail. Businesses survive on
customers with close proximity and expendable dollars. This will keep the area full
and active. An entrepreneur could buy the state bank building because there are
150 tenants living next door. Farmington hasn't felt that spring board. Ebert
Construction would break ground in the summer/fall of 2023 and construction
would take about 16 months. They have been able to lease apartments within 1.5
months. This same project was done in Delano. Some members noted for a long
time we have wanted something stable on that corner and were not concerned
about not having retail. If there were leases to retail and they did not survive, then
what would happen? This brings active downtown traffic. Entrepreneurs see an
opportunity in downtown. It was suggested to incorporate late 1900's brick and
stone. Along Elm Street, use landscaping to make the parking lot more attractive.
The City Council and Planning Commission reached a consensus that this project is
on the right track and encouraged the developer to get the project going for next
year. The fire department had no concerns with the proposal. A full plan review will
be done. Engineering noted the traffic looks manageable. Ebert Construction is
working on the title and will get a market study done. City staff is available if extra
meetings are needed.
4. City Administrator Update
For City Council meetings, there will be a change in the seating arrangement to
accommodate additional staff. The boards and commissions annual renewal process
will be started soon.
5. Adjourn
MOTION by Wilson, second by Lien to adjourn at 6:15 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Nuffer
Cynthia Muller
Administrative Assistant