2025-08-07_PR_Comm_Min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff asked what materials they could provide at the next meeting to assist the Commission in making a recommendation. The Commission requested the following additional information: Existing and planned sidewalks in the area Information on trees and vegetation within the right-of-way Potential drainage concerns Guidelines to help ensure the recommendation remains objective A City Attorney letter regarding the legality of using the Aldine right-of-way as a park The Commission also discussed whether the City of Falcon Heights should be consulted. Staff relayed that Falcon Heights has not yet been included in the discussion but noted that this could be part of the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner Harris inquired about the possibility of a site visit. Staff responded that Open Meeting Law requirements would need to be followed but agreed to look into arranging a tour of the site. b) MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS CENTER UPDATE (STANDING ITEM) Staff reported that on June 16, 2025, the City Council reviewed options for the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC) and License and Passport Center/City Dance Studio (LPCDS). The Council indicated support for Concept C, which would relocate daily maintenance operations to a renovated facility south of Woodhill Drive and place yard and storage functions north of Woodhill Drive. Concept C also calls for construction of a two-story LPCDS on the southwest corner of the Veterans Park parcel, with expanded shared parking alongside the VFW. This approach reduces yard space and operational efficiency compared to the full Campus Master Plan but preserves much of Veterans Park and allows the VFW to remain in place. At its July 7 meeting, the City Council considered whether LPCDS operations should be moved off-campus but voted 3–2 to construct the facility on the City Campus. On July 21, the Council approved release of a Request for Proposals for architectural services and a Request for Qualifications for construction management at-risk services to move the project forward. Chair Matts-Benson stated that she feels Concept C represents a potentially great outcome to a complex problem. The Commission discussed how the new concept would affect Veteran’s Park. Staff noted that little work has been done in the park in recent years due to uncertainty about the property’s future and indicated that the park would likely be approached as a blank concept plan when planning begins. 7