HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.16.96 Work Session Minutes
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL WORKSHOP/ANNUAL RETREAT
FEBRUARY 16, 1996
1. Mayor Kuchera convened the meeting at 5:45 P.M. at the Farmington Area Senior Center.
Members Present: Kuchera, Galler, Ristow, Fitch, Gamer.
Members Absent: None.
Also Present: Interim Administrator Finstuen, Economic Development Director Henricks,
Police Chief Siebenaler, City Planner Tooker, Liquor Store Manager Asher
various Members of the City's Boards and Commissions, members of the business community.
2. The purpose of this session was to conduct roundtable discussion and receive input and
feedback from the different groups who were in attendance. The following is a synopsis of
the subject matter discussed.
Downtown Retail
The downtown area was physically described as the area centered at 3rd and Oak Streets and
extending approximately 2 blocks in all directions. It was noted that the most important
element in downtown revitalization was to develop a vision of what the downtown should be
and to plan accordingly. The following items were discussed at some length:
. The proposed construction of the Eagles Club at "Farmington Green"
. The renovation of the Exchange Bank Building. Financing options for remaining funds
necessary are in the process of being completed. Sienna Corporation, via Rod Hardy,
have committed funding to the project and a Small Business Administration loan
application has been given preliminary approval.
. Additional parking is a necessity to drawing shoppers/visitors to the downtown.
. Maintaining a "unique" central downtown retail center. The creation of strip malls and
splitting of retail centers could destroy the idea of a "downtown". The proposed
extension of Spruce Street for large retail businesses was discussed as a possibility
along with the thought that a la~ge retailer should be kept as close to the downtown as
possible. The possibility of setting building/design standards for downtown
redevelopment to create unique store fronts was discussed in conjunction with the
belief that unique businesses were the real "draw".
. The need to draw shoppers to the downtown. Current lifestyles do not allow time for
leisurely shopping. One stop shopping for a variety of merchandise is a fact of
today's working society. New residents are not aware of the downtown. More promotion
needs to be done, however, convenience and variety will be the main factor in
attracting customers. The downtown cannot compete with the large commercial centers,
such as Cub, Walmart, Target, etc., but it can be a vital retail center in its own
right.
The following items were noted as steps necessary to achieve the downtown retail goals:
1. Develop a "theme" for the downtown; unite and provide a concept of the downtown
"vision";
2. Traffic and lack of parking need to be addressed;
3. Clean up the core area of downtown before expanding into other areas;
Minutes - 2/16/96 - Special - Page 2
4. Develop a plan to deal with possible large commercial development (i.e., Walmart, K-
Mart, etc.). Don't promote or attract, but be prepared in the event they show
interest.
5. Exchange Bank Building - key building downtown. Support its renovation - setsa.tone
for area.
6. Use zoning to control development which is not conducive to core downtown retail~
7. Convenience centers are necessary and generally not detrimental to downtown, however,
large retail strip malls would be detrimental.
8. Establish a downtown business owner association to promote just the downtown. The
Chamber needs to represent all of its members, who come from throughout the community,
not just downtown.
Industrial/Commercial Development
Economic Development Director Henricks gave an overview of the current and proposed.
expansion in the Industrial Park. There are already 4 new buildings proposed for 1~96.
Phase II and IV of the Industrial Park were described. Phase II is already full and there
are numerous proposals for Phase IV.
Other topics discussed were the use of TIF in green acres areas, the completion of 208th
Street and the new alignment of County Road 31, and Dakota Electric and the east Denmark
Avenue development/expansion.
3. MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to adjourn at 7:50 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Submitted by,
Karen Finstuen
Interim City Administrator