Minutes - Public Works Committee - 12/16/2003

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Tinklenberg Group is going to be working to try and receive additional funding for the project so that they are able to construct the parking structure rather than only a parking lot initially. Councilmember Cook inquired if they were to construct the first level of the parking area with the footings necessary to build additional levels can they build the footings to allow for a five to six level parking structure or is the plan to only have a three or four level structure. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson explained that staff has met with the Jim Lasher, a designer of parking structures, and he explained that to design the first level you have to design the entire ramp. They are expecting to get a response back from him as far as proposed design for the structure as well as the amount of parking capacity. Councilmember Elvig stated that one thing that concerns him when they talk about height is that the parking structure will be the front facade of the Town Center. One of the issues they will want to consider is beautification screening and height restriction. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the City had to purchase the land for the parking ramp. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson replied no. He explained that the land for the parking structure was transferred to the City as part of the Development Agreement with Ramsey Town Center, LLC. Councilmember Elvig stated that they are planning on using the lot for a lot things, such as an on ground parking access, a park and ride facility with busses coming in and out, providing a completely different access for a possible train stop, an exit in and out of City Hall, and providing parking for evening activities. He inquired if it was possible to put together a design map and try to identify what the key elements are so they are not missing some of those key aspects. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson replied that he will be working with Jim Lasher on design, but suggested that Mr. Lasher attend a future Public Works Committee meeting once some of the concepts are put together. Councilmember Zimmerman noted that they need to make sure that they will have room for extra storage in the future. Councilmember Cook stated that he wants to make sure that they will have adequate parking spaces because the parking structure will be so centrally located within the Town Center. Councilmember Elvig stated that the residents that live in the northern metro drive large vehicles so they have to make sure that the parking structure is designed to accommodate trucks. Case #2: Consider Trail Completion of the T.H. #47 Trail City Engineer Jankowski stated that residential areas along T.H. #47 have been greatly expanded in the last several years with the additions of the Apple Ridge, River Pines, Evergreen Point, Public Works Committee/December 16, 2003 Page 2 of 6