City Council Meeting Date: October 19, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Resolution to Approve Final Concept Plan for the West Riverwalk Entrance Improvements.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council considers Resolution approving the Final Concept Plan for the West Riverwalk Entrance Improvements.
Summary Report:
On August 2, 2021 a draft concept plan for the West Riverwalk entrance improvements was shared with Council. The draft concept was created in alignment with the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan, downtown streetscaping, and input received through public engagement.
In addition, the draft concept was refined after input received from Council. The following primary alterations to the final plan in response to City Council input include the following:
• A broader view (in the presentation) of the area and how it connects to the downtown/river/Third Street including illustration of the overlook views;
• A design that allows for Basil’s outdoor seating area, including added spacing requirements for outdoor dining, but doesn’t require them to have outdoor dining if they choose not to complete those improvements;
• Basil’s expressed an interest to separate their private space in the rear of there property, the design includes an iron fence to provide the public/private space separation that in the future could have a gate added should Basil’s choose to enhance the property for an outdoor patio for dining;
• A key gateway feature to draw attention to the Riverwalk (Final gateway feature will be designed in a future phase of plans and specification);
• Improved landscaping/benches;
• Screening of Electrical Boxes;
• Basalt Gravel & Concrete Streetscape that compliments Highway 3 and Third Street.
The only other input from Basil’s that wasn’t able to be incorporated into the final concept plan was for parking in the entrance area. Staff did indicate to Basil’s that staff would be willing to bring an additional 20 minute stall adjacent to their business to Council for consideration. Basil’s will consider this, and let staff know if it is something to pursue.
Moving forward, staff would like Council to approve the Final Concept Plan, which will allow for staff to program these improvements in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
See attached cost estimate summary.
Tentative Timelines:
o October 19th - Final Concept Plan for the West Riverwalk Entrance Improvements.
o To Be Determined - Initiation of construction documents and construction schedule. We are anticipating that the current flood study (underway) and Capital Parks Planning (2022) will be opportunities to determine prioritization and potential funding for the improvement.