HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-14-Work Session MinutesWAUKEE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Land-Use Planning Workshop
APRIL 14,2003 I
The April 14,2003 meeting of the Waukee City Council was called to order at 7:00PM
by Mayor Oberman.Mayor Pro Tern Bill Peard and City Council members Mike Watts
and Nick Gruber were present.Also present were members ofthe Planning &Zoning
Commission,Community Development Committee,City staff,area commercial
developers,property owners in the area of the proposed Alice's Road interchange and
interested citizens.Mayor Oberman stated that the purpose for this meeting was to
continue discussion regarding the potential land uses in the area of the proposed Alice's
Road interchange and along the Alice's Road corridor between 1-80 and University
Avenue.
Planning consultant Bill Ludwig described the potential land uses in the study area and
showed examples of the types of developments and buildings which could be
constructed.Dierck Oosten suggested considering buildings taller than one or two
stories.He pointed out that the interchange area could be unique in the Des Moines
metro area.Mike Watts stated that it was important to incorporate bikeways and
pedestrian facilities into the design.The group spent several minutes discussing potential
uses for the $2.5 million federal appropriation designated for this proj ect.City staff
indicated that the MPO's Transportation Improvement Plan and the State Transportation
Improvement Plan would need to be amended to include this project before funds could
be expended.The MPO's work should be concluded in April.The State's Plan should
be amended in the next month or two.Community Development Director Jody
Gnnderson stated that the City has requested an additional $5.5 million federal
appropriation for this proj ect.Mark Arentsen stated that the City will likely be
contracting for design of the Alice's Road/University Avenue intersection in the near
future.
Jerry Nugent of Knapp Properties stated that Waukee is generating development
momentum and needs to maintain quality development standards.Bill Peard stated that
development in this area will set the tone for future development throughout Waukee.
Deb Calvert of Mid-American Energy stated many of the commercial or light industrial
type businesses locating here would be expansions of existing area businesses.She
indicated that workforce availability will be an important factor for bnsinesses
considering this area.She also stated that the Greater Dallas County Development
Alliance is currently performing a laborshed analysis.This report should be released
soon.Those present agreed that the State and other local governments in the area need to
be updated periodically on the status of the proj ect.
The group then discussed the types of land uses that would be desirable in the corridor.
Bill Ludwig stated that there will likely be mixed uses throughout the corridor,In
response to questions about retail uses,Ludwig stated that,in his opinion,high end retail
uses would not adversely affect the ability to attract other high value projects.Nick I
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Gruber stated that the right of way needs to be wide enough to prevent the need to
relocate utilities in the future if the road is widened.
Dierck Oosten asked that those present fill out a survey he developed regarding the types
of buildings they would like to see along the Alice's Road corridor.The group agreed
that areas need to be designated for high end office space.
Following further discussion,a motion to adjourn was offered by Mayor Pro Tern Peard
and seconded by Councihnan Gruber.Motion approved unanimously.The meeting
adjourned at ,,'OPM.1~O~
Tony ~an,Mayor
Attest:
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