Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/20/2018

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Community Development Director Gladhill noted that there will be an open house meeting next week with these posters, and additional ideas and concepts in poster format. He stated that the PDF format should be available at that time as well. He explained that this is simply a mid -way check -in and additional work will continue through the spring semester. Chris Desroches stated that there are unique opportunities with community engagement, using signage. He explained that you can build a swell of momentum through community engagement, using the examples of asking the public for input or creating a contest. Community Development Director Gladhill recognized that this would be a partnership, explaining that the City would improve the public realm while the private sector makes improvements along the corridor as well. He noted that he liked that this concept has set metrics identified as well, which are helpful for staff. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he is a little concerned that this would create a conflict between the proposal and what exists in The COR. He stated that he does not see the existing design standards tied into the new concepts and noted that the City has spent a lot of money working on the design standards, while this seems to start fresh. Jonathan Reisetter stated that they spent more time on the ideas for the highway, specifically leading people from the highway to The COR. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that there has been some rebranding that took place and staff gave direction to look at something new rather than attempting to brand the corridor as The COR or under the current sign design regulations. He noted the difficulty that the parks department had in getting their signs approved. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he does not disagree. He recognized that people outside of Ramsey are not aware of what The COR is or what it even stands for. Community Development Director Gladhill explained that this will improve the marketing aspect of The COR while also focusing on Ramsey as a whole. Chris Desroches stated that they are not branding or design experts, but planning students. He stated that they are coming up with the ideas and concepts and staff and the Council will need to provide additional details, and make additional decisions, as the process moves forward. Jonathan Reisetter stated that they are excited to hear the feedback from the open house and from the PDF versions that will be distributed to the City. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that this is a mid -year check in and PDFs are a required deliverable. He noted that the process will continue, and input will be obtained from the open house meetings. He stated that the poster format translates into the open house setting while the more detailed PDFs will be helpful for the City, Council, and other Boards/Commissions. Public Works Committee / January 16, 2018 Page 8 of 14