CCMIN12192017 - Laserfiche WebLink

In reply to Councilmember Narum's question, Community Development Director Beaudin reported people see these kinds of uses as important to Downtown and commented on positive partnerships that could develop as the plan is developed, over time. Mayor Thorne opened public comment. Douglas Herz addressed First Street and suggested traffic improvements including eliminating an existing bottleneck on First Street by opening the central lane for southbound traffic, weekday mornings, for several hours. Julie Testa listed aspects of the Downtown Specific Plan that she likes but disagreed with public investment in the proposed hotel, the residential component of the plan and any increases in building heights. Mayor Thorne closed public comment. Mayor Thorne stated he would not support a stand-along residential component in the plan and asked for specific data regarding what percentage of he public answered what questions. Additionally, he stated he would like to see phased options and opined the project will be longer than 20 years in the making. Councilmember Pentin stated he would like to hear more about the transportation, traffic and parking elements of the plan, including accessing the ACE Train Station. Councilmember Olson reported residential components in many downtown areas and did not agree with totaling ruling out additional residential elements. He would prefer some element of residential in the downtown area. Councilmember Brown reported she supports a residential element on a third-floor, not on a first- or second-floor of a mixed-use development. Councilmember Brown also noted that she would like to see more retail and restaurant components in an extended downtown area and stated she is against the use of public funds for a hotel and urged staff not to "touch the library". Additionally, she expressed concerns about bicycles on First Street and Main Street. Councilmember Narum reported she does not support stand-alone residential development or residential development on the first-floor of a mixed-use development. She commented on things changing over time and shared her vision for the library building. 18. Approve calendar year 2018 City Council Assignments and appointment of the Councilmember City Manager Fiahlo presented a brief staff report, noting that it was recommended that Councilmember Olson be appointed as Councilmember in 2018. MOTION: It was m/s by Narum/Brown to approve the City Council assignments to various committee and boards and the appointment of Councilmember Arne Olson as Councilmember for calendar year 2018. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Brown, Narum, Olson, Pentin, Mayor Thorne Noes: None Absent: None Mayor Thorne thanked outgoing Councilmember Pentin for his leadership and service. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 10 December 19, 2017