Consider Work Plan for Rum River Retail Node Master Planning Effort

The attached document provides a general outline of tasks to be completed.  The process is proposed to utilize existing Staff with the assistance from Stantec (formerly Bonestroo), the City's planning consultant.  The Master Plan Process is split into three (3) broad tasks:

1. Background Report
2. Public Design Process
3. Master Plan Concepts/Comprehensive Plan Amendment

Background Report
The Background Report is proposed to be completed utilizing City Staff.  Materials included in the background report shall include a summary of existing land uses, previous studies and land use scenarios, and market analysis. Staff will also host one on one stakeholder analysis meetings with property owners and tenants of the immediate area.

Public Process
The Public Process is split into three (3) sub-categories.

The first step is proposed as a public visioning session to set goals, identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to guide the remainder of the process.  The process is proposed to use a similar Open Space Technology (OST) process used for the Comprehensive Plan.  This process allows the attendees to set the agenda and 'host' topics of their desire in relation to the desired final product.  This process is proposed to be completed by City Staff, with Stantec observing in preparation for future stages.

The next step is proposed to be a map exercise where attendees will develop a future land use map to identify desired future land uses for the area (e.g. What is the appropriate mix of residential, commercial, employment?).  This stage includes break-out, small-group sessions with check-ins with the entire group to develop a Future Land Use Map.  This stage is proposed to be facilitated by City Staff, with preparation assistance from Stantec.  Stantec estimates this portion at approximately $3,000, which will also include design work mentioned later as Master Plan Concepts.

Following the map exercise, the final step in the proposed public input process will include a visual preference survey to identify final design details to build into master plan concepts.  This would include streetscape, architectural desires, landscaping, etc.  This stage is proposed to be facilitated by Stantec.  Stantec estimates this portion at approximately $1,000.

Master Plan Concepts
From the public design process, Stantec, is proposed to develop a Master Plan to illustrate a potential site plan for the area.  This could include a series of options to consider.  This step will be utilized to check back to the proposed Future Land Use Map to identify any potential adjustments that may be necessary.

The final stage of the process is to officially implement the future land use goals through a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) through the Metropolitan Council.  Staff recommends a mixed-use designation that specifies a range of household, population, and employment forecasts rather than individual land uses within to provide the City with the greatest flexibility to respond to individual site planning needs.  This would allow the City to adjust individual land uses within the mixed-use area without the need for another CPA.  This stage is proposed to be completed by City Staff.

The EDA reviewed the proposed work plan at their October 13, 2011 meeting.  Also at that meeting, a refresh of the 2008 Buxton Retail Analysis was reviewed.  The Buxton study was identified as a tool to identify retailers that best matched Ramsey's demographics and spending habits, but not as a tool to identify the amount of retail that could be supported in the area.  The EDA expressed that the 12-minute trade area may be aggressive, supported by initial analysis of the study completed by Stantec (formerly Bonestroo), the City's consulting planner.  A study was completed in 2003 by the McComb Group that did include detail to identify the amount of retail that could be supported and the amount of traffic volumes that would need to be reached to achieve certain goals.  Staff believes the McComb study is outdated at this time, and is in need of updating.  Stantec does provide market analysis services and has provided an estimate to complete a refreshed market analysis under the existing contract with the City. 

It is anticipated that the Master Plan process will be funded through a combination of the General Fund and the EDA Fund.  Staff recommends that the updated Market Study be funded partially through the EDA Fund and that the public forums and master plan concepts be funded through the City's General Fund.

The City is continuing to explore other funding sources for planning and implementation, especially funding available through the Metropolitan Council's Livable Communities Act (LCA).

The request was reviewed by the EDA at their October 13, 2011 meeting and recommended approval of the Work Plan for the Master Planning process.  Staff will be forwarding the work plan for the Planning Commission at their November 3rd meeting for feedback.

Provide feedback on proposed Work Plan and direct staff to complete the Background Report and Stakeholder Analysis.  Direct Staff to authorize the revised Market Analysis with Stantec.

Staff will be forwarding the work plan for the Planning Commission at their November 3rd meeting for feedback.  Following that meeting, Staff will bring forward a case to official adopt the remaining portions of the proposed work plan.