20/20 Cold Spring Vision Team

Minutes of the Meeting
Design Standards Committee
November 18, 2004

Minutes of the Meeting
Design Standards Committee
November 18, 2004


Members Present: Larry Lahr, Ann Harren, Stephanie Johnson, Steven Penick, Nicole Matuska, John Frischmann, Brigetta Klemek

Guest: Lynn Schurman

Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM

I. New Business
1. Introductions: Members provided brief introductions for the invited guest
2. Review: John stated the purpose of the design standards committee and shared some immediate goals that include developing a framework for new building construction in the downtown area and a rezoning plan that divides commercial areas into three distinct zones: downtown, fringe, highway. Industrial zones would also be divided into light and heavy usage. An additional zone may include the riverfront area currently occupied by Cold Spring Granite and this area would be zoned for its potential commercial development. John also stressed some reasons why the rezoning is beneficial to the community such as increased or stable property values, traffic patterns for business use, and commercial uniformity. Additionally, a standard for new building construction would meet community concerns for retaining a small town atmosphere as suggested during the Minnesota Design Team community weekend.
3. Review proposed rezoning plan. Committee members discussed roles in the rezoning project and divided into the following tasks: Downtown Commercial (John, Steve), Highway Fringe (Brigetta, Melissa), Industrial Light and Heavy (Stephanie), Commercial Highway (Nicole, Hedi), Riverfront (Ann, Joe Harren). Work groups will follow the established zone handout to provide a standard format and easy modification.
4.
5. Committee discussion focused on the next step to organize this gathered data and what the City requires to formulate a building design standard. City officials suggested an invitation be extend to Mike Kathman of the planning commission to join the design standard committee, as his knowledge would assist in the process.
The committee also worked on Larry’s draft that included the accessory building and exterior finishes sections for the downtown commercial area. It’s important to note that the design standards will focus on just new construction at this time. As this is a work in progress and is likely to go under further discussion, a lengthy and detailed description will follow at a more appropriate time. In general, the committee basically has adopted a maximum building standard for the central business district. Larry further explained the three planned zones for commercial areas that include: downtown commercial, fringe commercial (Hwy. 23 corridor west of the Sauk River) and Highway commercial (east of the Sauk). Standards for all these areas will be discussed at future meetings. Also during this time the group analyzed and attempted to form a consensus on a shared vision, specifically for the downtown commercial area. Traditional concepts, new building construction, and some historical aspects to what the downtown may look like in the future became topics discussed. The granite company site flowed into the conversation as its potential for new commercial growth, possible design opportunities, green space, and building preservation for some future use.
6. Role of the design standards committee has been summarized to at least four criteria with the possibility to add more. They include: to challenge existing building plans and make them the best they can be, negotiate and encourage optional plans for design, it’s a benefit for the community and its economic stability, and to raise building standards and architectural designs. Additional tasks may include acting as an architectural review board for new projects. Consensus among committee members is to encourage support and dialogue from the business community, the city, and the public. All efforts have been based on community input from the Minnesota Design Team weekend held in June 2004. The process to accomplish tasks and formulate policy would be the design standard committee, through the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
7. The gateway east consultant interviews are scheduled for October 20th at City Hall. Larry reported the City has received word that 3 of the six firms have declined on submitting a proposal. They are: BWK, DSU, and Hoisington Koegler. It’s hoped that at least 2 of the 3 remaining firms will submit a proposal by Friday October 15th.
8. Steve reported on a project to survey downtown buildings, to determine their approximate age, and to find any photos matching their original design. Historical data is also being complied to establish at least a general understanding of the building’s function during its lifetime. The project’s conclusions will determine what has changed and what has remained the same in the downtown commercial district since 1896 when a plat map was completed of the city.
III. Next Meeting: October 20, 2004 1 PM at City Hall for consultant interviews. If time permits, a short meeting may follow to discuss the role of the planning commission and the design standards committee with Mike Kathman.

Minutes of the Meeting
Land Use/Design Standards
November 10, 2004

Minutes of the Meeting
Land Use/Design Standards
November 10, 2004


The meeting’s agenda highlighted the possibility of a collaborative effort between the Land Use and the Design Standards committees in determining a strategy for rezoning Cold Spring’s commercial districts. Committee outcomes included a division of duties to avoid any possible overlap and to best use each group’s time and expertise. It’s also important to note that a potential planning consultant was present at the meeting to provide insight and answer questions regarding this process.


2020 Land Use agenda (revised) Nov. 10, 7-8:30 PM

Review: what brought us to this point

Through the 2020 survey and Design Team discussions Cold Spring residents told us they want sustainable, managed growth to retain a small town atmosphere

Residential growth: Larry Lahr provided some background information on upcoming residential housing developments. His report focused on several developments slated for the near future that include: Granite Ledge, Maple Ridge, North Point 4, River Links, and Blue Heron Heights. These developments totaled about 150 units, one being a PUD with townhouse style construction, wide tree lined boulevards, and an association governing body. Some discussion also involved lower income housing and the necessity to have starter homes available for this market. Land use committee members concluded new housing construction at this point reflects an affordable balance for varied income levels.

Business growth: industrial, retail Mike Kathman and Dan Steil led discussion about the business needs of the community. The presenters concluded some general direction about new business ventures and the need for balance between residential requirements, commercial opportunities, and industrial compatibility to existing uses. Residential needs should include a grocery store, drug store, hardware, etc. Existing local business expansion should be encouraged so these operations remain in Cold Spring. In addition, industrial expansion should include new businesses that conform to existing uses already in place. Some discussion followed regarding transportation usage and the need for a master plan to provide guidance for any future business development.

After this discussion, John Frischmann, chair for the Design Standards, brought the Land Use committee up to date regarding their participation in rezoning Cold Spring’s commercial areas. John shared a preliminary drawing of three commercial districts and their potential boundaries. Past Design Standards meetings concluded the need for these districts and their possible locations throughout the city. They include: downtown commercial, fringe commercial that incorporates the Hwy 23-corridor west of the Sauk River, and a Highway commercial (east of the Sauk). Suggestions to avoid possible over lap of each group’s efforts were specific: the design committee would work on the three zones, businesses appropriate for these zones, and their building standards that includes appropriate signage. Land use committee members would decide where the boundary lines should be drawn for these uses and the larger scope of these specific zones to the community. Dan Steil also suggested committee members study Cold Spring’s land use plan that was developed in 1999 and may provide insight to this process.

Additional conversations focused on whether to apply the group efforts on specific target areas where development would occur more rapidly. Larry suggested it would be more beneficial for the city to provide the three updated zones to avoid any confusion or unnecessary complications. Dave Olson recommended that a collaborative effort by both committees could achieve a possible completion by April 2005. Reasons for this urgency revolves around the expected commercial opportunities along Hwy 23 and a rezoning would improve this process not only for the city but the businesses involved. Rezoning would also assist in planning traffic patterns, parking, and other landscape/streetscape issues.

The process to rezone the commercial areas involves numerous steps that include both volunteer hours and paid professional services. Land Use and the Design committees would provide the background data needed for beginning phases. However, at some point in the near future, the city would need to hire a consultant to compile and complete these ordinance revisions. This step is considered a high priority for the successful completion of the rezoning process. Discussions during this time also focused on the need for an updated comprehensive plan that would provide a blueprint for any future community development. This larger document would also utilize the services of a consultant.

The process of rezoning Cold Spring’s commercial districts involves several layers of community government. Through the collaboration of the design standards and the land use committees, recommendations would be given to the planning commission. Publishing these notices in the newspaper would then include public hearing(s) to discuss these modifications. Upon approval, the planning commission would then forward these recommendations to the City Council for adoption.

Do we want to request grant money for a Comprehensive Land Use Plan? Committee members answered yes for the full amount of $40,000 of which the city would have to pay half.


Meeting adjourned by 8:35 PM