07-14-09 WorksessionJ
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
July 14, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Sue Sandahl (arrived 5:33 p.m.); Pat Elliott; Fred
Wroge; and Tom Fitzhenry.
Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; Kristin Asher, City Engineer; John Stark,
Community Development Director; Karen Barton, Assistant Community
Development Director; Christine Costello, Community Development
Coordinator; Jeffrey Pearson, Transportation Engineer; and Cheryl Krumholz,
Recording Secretary.
Item # 1 DISCUSSION REGARDING CEDAR CORRIDOR (MEMO NO. 122)
Community Development Director Stark discussed development issues primarily related to
projects for this area that were proposed over 18 months ago but have not been able to progress due
to market conditions.
Greg Bronk and Frank Lange, LaNel (developer), discussed the financial issues and options
related to the Cedar Point Phase II senior housing proposal by Lang Nelson for the area north of 66th
Street.
Community Development Director Stark stated the proposal has been changed to a phased
approach, beginning with a 75-unit assisted living facility and a future independent living unit facility.
Mr. Lange discussed a proposed timeline for the phases.
Council Member Wroge expressed concern that the original project has changed significantly
and suggested the area be returned to the market for other developers to consider.
Council Member Elliott stated the developer's continued retention of the area should be
negotiated.
Mr. Lange responded that Phase I of the project could begin this fall if it diligently moves
forward. He added there have been no acquisition negotiations with property owners in the area
because of continued uncertainties with the project.
Community Development Director Stark explained the Richfield Parkway project depends
upon the location of the project but staff's conclusion is the development of the southern portion of
the site is the simplest.
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City Manager Devich added this area would be the least costly for the City.
Marc Soderberg, 6445 -16th Avenue, expressed frustration with the City Council's lack of
decision and requested the project move forward quickly and efficiently.
City Manager Devich stated property acquisition can be difficult with the neighborhood itself,
not the City or developer.
The City Council requested additional information on Phases I and II, including a financial
proposal, timeline, and benchmarks on the phasing.
Community Development Director Stark reviewed the three options related to the design and
location of Richfield Parkway south of 66th Street, including the Special Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) District boundaries, regional trails, and property acquisition issues.
Trent Mayberry, TOLD Development, discussed the Cedar Corridor proposed development for
the area south of 66th Street, including a delay in the developer's agreement due to the impact of the
parkway location changes on the concept plan. Their interest is in only commercial development, not
residential, and more time is need for reevaluation.
Council Member Wroge suggested Cedar Avenue be another option for the Richfield Parkway.
location because homes would not need to be purchased and it would still provide visibility to the
TOLD Development.
Mr. Mayberry stated there would still be an impact to the development.
Council Member Elliott said there appears to be some duty to accommodate the developer
since the project is near the end of the developer's contract.
Community Development Director Stark responded that TOLD was aware from the beginning
there were some compatibility issues with the Richfield Parkway. There needs to be a determination
of the use of the parkway. Hennepin County funded and managed an alternative design study on the
parkway but that is ending due to budget constraints. To move forward, the City will need to provide
the funding.
Community Development Director Stark explained the unresolved issue on the parcel with
Ryan Companies right of first refusal agreement which impacts the TOLD development.
City Engineer Asher discussed the significantly increased traffic volumes and speeds on 64th
Street since Cedar Point opened and traffic calming options to address neighborhood concerns.
There was a petition received from the 17th Avenue neighborhood that did not support traffic barriers,
as well as a petition from 16th Avenue neighbors who do support barriers. There is no one method
that appeals to all the affected property owners.
City Engineer Asher stated staff's recommendation is to place barriers on 64th and 65th
Streets at 16th and 17th Avenues.
City Engineer Asher added there will be signage to inform the public and encourage use of the
frontage road and/or 66th Street.
Andy and Patricia Hartle, 6332 -17th Avenue, expressed concern with increased traffic on
17th Avenue and the need to repair the frontage road.
City Manager Devich stated the decision on traffic calming and placing barriers should be a
City Council decision and not decided administratively due to the sensitivity of the issue and it will be
on the July 28 City Council agenda.
Mayor Goettel requested that staff ask the stores to do more signage to direct truck traffic.
ADJOURNMENT
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The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:54 p.m.
Date Approved: July 28, 2009
Cheryl K mho z
Recording Secretary
July 14, 2009