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.