City Council Minutes 2013 01 22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2013 Page 9 of 15 Council member Loo inquired about the funding for the staging plan. Planning Director Russ explained the funding for this project is not available until 2018. Staff is requesting the staging plan for the project when the funds become available in 2018. He explained the Highway 42 saturation point is forecasted to be in 20 years. Council member Loo asked for clarification that the City staff is recommending the City Council approve a plan for the future. Council member Yarnell asked when the Lee Avenue connection would be built. Planning Director Russ recommended the Lee Avenue connection be built in coordination with the closure of Spruce Street because of their proximity, when the Boulder County funds become available in 2018. Deputy City Manager Balser noted this project is incremental and depending what other matching funds might be available, staff will request the funding from Boulder County be provided as it becomes available. Council member Jasiak inquired about the pedestrian gateway and the required fencing. Planning Director Russ stated the BNSF Railroad requires fencing along Griffith Street. If the fencing requirement is removed, a different bridge structure will be required at a much higher cost. Council member Jasiak inquired about the timing of the gateway pedestrian project. Planning Director Russ explained the package has been delivered to BNSF. They hope to get the 30% design from BNSF. In the next four months, the Public Works Department will issue an RFP for a design team. Council member Jasiak asked if there is any harm in revisiting the Lee Avenue connection later. Planning Director Russ explained CDOT endorsed the plan because of its connectivity. Staff would have to discuss delaying the connection with CDOT. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton stated the Council could approve the plan and the Lee Avenue connection could be revisited in 10 or more years. Planning Director Russ explained one strategy could include placing the Lee Avenue connection in the plan as a requirement, as the properties redevelop. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton and Mayor Muckle concurred. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton suggested putting it in the plan as a thought piece when Pine Street redevelops. Planning Director Russ explained if a private developer came forward with a proposal and the requirements are not adopted within the municipal code, the City would have limited tools to make the developer comply. City Attorney concurred the legal guidelines are adopted in the municipal code. Mayor Pro Tern Dalton suggested the Lee Avenue connection be included in the plan and when redevelopment proposals come forward if it was not needed it could be abandoned. He noted the redevelopment area is between the Highway 42 and the tracks. Planning Director Russ explained it would depend on how the parcels are assembled and how and when they come forward.