Meeting began at 5:40PM

Present: Dennis Cowley, Sean Allen, Chris Flood, Amy Blenker, Chris Batchelder, Brad Lahr, Geoff Martin, Dave Edmonson, Doug Knott, Tammy Greenwood, Charlie Quigg, Dave Rossman, John Slack, Phil Wheeler, Karel Weigel, Marcia Marcoux

Absent: Joe Powers, Jose Rivas, Jeff Ellerbusch, Richard Freese

Martin presented meeting objectives.

Quigg questioned the purpose of the upcoming community meeting and whether or not a date had been set.

Martin stated the purpose of Community meeting. A date has not yet been set. He presented the approved goals and objectives. He presented urban design principles drawing on results from the visual preference survey taken by the December community event attendees.

Discussion ensued regarding heights allowed by current zoning.

Slack and Martin presented Concept Alternative A.

Batchelder stressed the importance of having Shoppes on Second and Gift of Life projects aware of this group's efforts so that these buildings fit in with the future plans for Second. It was stated that Jose Rivas is the architect working on both those projects and that he is serving on the Second Street Steering Committee.

Batchelder questioned the need to bring buildings closer to the sidewalk.

Greenwood suggested use of a buffer for parking lot and lights (at the rear) of the new Gift of Life development.

Marcoux entered the meeting.

Martin presented street cross-section alternatives. Discussion ensued regarding off-peak parking and enforcement. Wheeler asked if a bus-only lane would be possible. Martin stated that it had not been considered. Marcoux suggested an HOV lane might be possible. Martin stated that it would be good to get the group's feedback on their preferences for the transportation alternatives. Marcoux questioned whether an HOV lane would be possible to try to encourage HOV-use even if only during off-peak hours.

Slack presented Concept Alternative B.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential 16th Ave or 15th Ave connection south of 2nd Street. Batchelder expressed preference for green space over office space near MNDOT gateway parcel.

Discussion ensued regarding 9th Ave connection between 2nd Street and 1st Street. Edmonson shared information regarding the condition of parcels that exist where a potential 9th Ave connection would line up. Quigg shared his hope for a pedestrian and bike connection--vehicular connection only incidental. Edmonson mentioned 9th Ave connection meets up with Kutzky Park entrance and Civic Center Drive.

Greenwood questioned use of access to St. Mary's Park. Martin suggested the connection would provide a useful open space connection in addition to making the St. Mary's Park noticeable and accessible. Greenwood suggested that the view from the park to development down below should be attractive.

Weigel left the meeting. Wheeler also left the meeting.

Slack presented Concept Alternative C.

Knott suggested that Bonestroo review building massing as it relates to the city zoning ordinance. Bonestroo stated they would review this as a part of the implementation planning process.

Marcoux suggested that Bonestroo consider the potential traffic impacts on 16th Ave going south to 6th Street. Bonestroo stated that they would review other potential building and site design possibilities for this area.

Knott suggested use of a monument at the southwest corner of the gateway. Marcoux concurred that would be important for keeping symmetry in the 4 corners of 2nd at HWY 52.

Knott questioned the economic feasibility of the drawn parking structures. Knott stated that 110' x 260' would be the size of a typical city structure. Martin stated that the drawn concepts would accommodate parking structures of that size.

Greenwood questioned whether KP Neighborhood would support the type of development suggested in the concepts. Edmonson stated that it varies much depending on which individuals one speaks with. Edmonson stated that the neighborhood is generally supportive of maintaining the urban character. Edmonson feels that people would really adapt to having commercial nearby to where they live. Edmonson stated that the quality and historical value of the properties on 1st are such that he would personally like to see them preserved to the extent possible.

Allen suggested that Bonestroo consider the Kutzky Park Property Inventory Evaluation (PIE) for the suggested elimination of current SF homes as well as the proposed 9th and/or 8th Ave connections. Bonestroo representatives agreed.

Quigg stated that there were several themes stated at the community event that don't seem to be reflected in the concept alternatives. A grade-separated pedestrian crossing over 2nd is one of those alternatives. Another is the interest in alternative transit along the corridor: a streetcar, PRT, or others. Martin stated that due to the lack of a metro-wide plan, they did not consider it.

Knott suggested that Martin talk with Anthony Knauer, the City's transit planner. Marcoux suggested that the concepts need to keep our options open for us during this visionary process. Martin questioned Rossman. Rossman suggested the wide boulevard allows for the PRT in the future. HOV lanes could be accommodated with the current design. Martin stated that Bonestroo would take a look at that.

Marcoux brought up the "complete streets" bill recently brought forward by Senator Murphy. Marcoux stated that at the federal level considerations are being made to tie land use and transportation together.

Knott stated the concepts increase the potential for 2nd Street traffic based on the land uses proposed.

Lahr asked why the drawings all show the Mayo drop-off at 11th Ave. Rossman stated that the extra wide streets allow this more easily than at other places. Lahr stated that this 11th Ave drop-off is the opposite of Mayo's goal which is to bring the shuttle drop-off CLOSER to St. Marys.

Greenwood questioned whether the parking structure will take place near second. Lahr stated that the process is not very far along but it is a definite possibility.