PLAN COMMISSION

December 14, 2006

                                                                                               

Members present:  Breault, Koch, Yoerg, Mailloux, Gilbert, Caruso and Bieraugel

 

Others present:  Marc Putman, Roger Tomten, Scot O’Malley, Jay Griggs, Jon Anthinson, Dennis Kroll and Denny Darnold

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Breault at 7:00 p.m.

 

Motion by Gilbert, seconded by Mailloux to approve the December 7, 2006 plan commission minutes.

 

Darnold reviewed a proposed schedule for plan commission meetings in January 2007:

            Thursday, January 4, 7:00 p.m. – downtown development guidelines

            Thursday, January 11, 7:00 p.m. – regular business

            Thursday, January 18, 7:00 p.m. – downtown development guidelines, public workshop at the St. Croix Marina

            Thursday, January 25, 7:00 p.m. – regular business

           

Darnold suggested that there may be a need to meet after the public workshop regarding the downtown development guidelines on either Monday, January 22 or Tuesday, January 23 with the meeting to be determined after the public workshop.

 

The plan commission agreed to the recommended schedule.

 

Presentation by Marc Putman and Roger Tomten, Putman Planning and Design and discussion regarding progress of work on the downtown development guidelines, regulations and standards.  Marc Putman presented several slides demonstrating the variety of quality design and development and place making occurring within the United States and other areas of the world.  Emphasis was placed on the balance of design and several examples of how public parking is included in downtown developments. 

 

Putman presented an aerial photo of the downtown area and discussed how the downtown may be viewed by people entering the downtown by vehicle, on foot or via the river. 

 

Don Gilbert emphasized that a continued effort must be made to improve Lakefront Park and to create focal points at the end of Vine, Locust and Walnut Streets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 2, Plan Commission minutes

December 14, 2006

 

                                                                                               

Mailloux asked how a city may provide for creativity.  Putman responded that understanding the economic considerations by both the city and developer is required, but there are several programs available to cities.

 

Jon Anthinson asked about the availability of tax increment financing (TIF) to provide an incentive to developers.  Putman noted that TIF is one available program.

 

Roger Tomten distributed four handouts – Vision Process (summary of the process of work being conducted by Putman Planning and Design), Summary of Goals and Policies, Overview of Design Manual and Design Guideline Criteria for review.

 

No action was taken.  The next discussion and review downtown development guidelines, regulations and standards will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2007, City Hall council chambers.

 

Darnold noted that a rough draft of the downtown development guidelines has been prepared and is being reviewed.  Upon completion, the draft guidelines will be forwarded to the plan commission members in late December.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis Darnold, Secretary