Chambana Sun

The Champaign City Council met Nov. 4 to discuss public infrastructure improvement.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the council:

The Champaign City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in council chambers at the city building, 102 N. Neil St.

M I N U T E S

Champaign City Council Post-Council Study Session

DATE: October 4, 2016

PLACE: Champaign City Building

City Council Chambers 102 North Neil Street Champaign, Illinois 61820

COUNCIL MEMBERS Tom Bruno Paul Faraci PRESENT: Clarissa Fourman Matthew Gladney

William Kyles Michael La Due Greg Stock Angie Brix Mayor Feinen

COUNCIL MEMBERS None ABSENT:

STAFF PRESENT: Dorothy Ann David, City Manager

Fred Stavins, City Attorney Lacey Rains Lowe, Senior Planner Jeff Marino, Senior Planner

OTHERS PRESENT: None

TIME STARTED: 7:29 p.m.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

NEIL STREET CORRIDOR PLAN RFP & PLAZA PLACEMAKING PLAN AND DESIGN RFP [SS 2016-047 and SS 2016-048]

City Manager David noted both topics relate to one another and will be addressed together. During the Council goal setting for the 2015/2017 term, one of the goals was for staff to prepare a beautification plan for the Neil Street corridor from I-74 to downtown. It was envisioned that a comprehensive vision of the corridor would stretch from I-74, to the plaza, then into downtown. Separating the planning and placemaking process from the plaza and corridor makes sense. Staff will present thoughts to begin the process for the Neil Street Corridor Plan as well as a Plaza Placemaking Plan for downtown.

Staff Presentation: Planner Lowe noted the timing of these projects; initial focus being the Gateway properties; and based on a market analysis, the importance of improving the marketing of the Gateway area by improving the public infrastructure and conditions of the corridor.

Interest in a plaza was to create a gathering space that is currently lacking in Downtown. Planner Marino and Planner Lowe’s presentations included the following topics: Neil Street Corridor Plan RFP:

• Council Goal – Our City Promotes Quality of Life for All Citizens

• Neil Street Corridor 2011 Comprehensive Plan – Community Identity; 2016 Council Goals “Prepare a Beautification Plan for the Neil Street Corridor from I-74 to Downtown”

• Study Area – I-74 to Downtown

• Themes (Corridor Identity, Trails, Beautification, Multi-modal Function and Safety, Wayfinding, Entry Node/Gateway, Sustainability) Plaza Placemaking Plan and Design RFP (“A public plaza is the living room of the Community – Rick Steves”)

• Case for a Downtown Plaza (plaza versus a park)

? Designated gathering space

? Logistical challenges

? Expanded appeal for all ages and lifestyles

? Improved image

• What is a Placemaking Plan?

? What Not To Do

• Plaza Placemaking Plan & Design Themes

? Vibrant community destinations for all seasons

? Inclusive, welcoming and safe

? Economic catalyst

? Beautiful and sustainable

? Appealing to all ages and lifestyles

• Expected Outcomes

• Distribution of the RFP’s

• Criteria for Selection

• Process

(Note: Information on how to obtain staff’s written report on this subject is provided below.)

Action Recommended: The Administration recommends directing staff to proceed with issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the preparation of the Neil Street Corridor Improvement Plan; and releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a qualified consulting firm to assist with completing a Placemaking Plan and Design for a civic plaza downtown.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: Council Members’ technical questions included the following topics: how concrete are the goals, and what specific things are being sought to be done; seeking input in relation to Council goals and for the area; what would the gathering space be for; need for a community gathering space (plug and play); and whether there is a need to address parking concerns, right-of-way or easement issues for existing businesses, and other issues that might impact existing businesses.

(Note: Information on how to view video and audio recordings of the full Council Meeting is provided below.)

Public Input: None

Council General Discussion: Council Members’ addressed the following topics: plaza being a great concept for the community; not letting parking drive decision; concern with plaza impact on existing businesses; new business possibilities (pop-up, tactical and lien), “Developing a creative economy, Pamela Shellhorn”, and involving people; making the corridor and north end of town more walkable/pedestrian friendly, and more appealing entryway to the community; need for a more permanent space for events and people gathering; need to hear and see more regarding the plaza; parking concerns; need for a great entryway for Neil Street and Prospect also; concern with inclusiveness of people to Downtown and how a plaza might help; need to preserve small businesses and consider diverse companies; thanks for the presentations; importance of public engagement; considering local and minority businesses with the proposal process; considering private support; plaza naming rights; difference with plaza versus a park; ensure plaza has changeable space; consider alternatives for parking during business hours; consider the possibility of partnering with the University to utilize planning students in the development of these projects; and the need for plug-ins at the plaza.

(Note: Information on how to view video and audio recordings of the full Council Meeting is provided below.)

Poll: Neil Street Corridor: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative One directing staff to proceed with releasing the Request for Proposal for the Neil Street Corridor Improvement Plan after incorporating Council input. The result of the poll was 9 ayes and 0 nays.

Future Plaza Placemaking Plan and Design: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative One to provide direction to proceed with releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a consultant to complete a Placemaking Plan and Design for a civic plaza at Neil and Washington Streets. The result of the poll was 8 ayes and 1 nay (CM Fourman).

Adjournment:

Mayor Feinen noted the meeting was adjourned, as voted on at the end of the Regular Council meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

Marilyn L. Banks City Clerk

Additional information on this meeting is available as follows:

Staff prepares a Report to the City Council containing detailed information on each subject discussed at Council meetings. The subjects and Study Session (SS) numbers for this Council meeting are:

• Neil Street Corridor Improvement Plan [SS 2016-047]

• Future Plaza Placemaking Plan and Design [SS 2016-048]

The reports are available from the City’s web site at (Council Study Session Reports), by email to CityClerk@champaignil.gov, or by calling 217-403-8940. Video streaming of this Council meeting is available on the City’s web site for two years at http://champaignil.gov/departments/information/cgtv-schedule-and-videos/.

Almost all Council Meetings, except Community Civic Events and sessions not held in the Council Chambers are broadcast and recorded.

City Council Meetings are broadcast on the City’s television station, CGTV (Cable channel 5), and are rebroadcast several times following each meeting. The schedule can be found on the City’s web site at CGTV - Champaign Government Television.

Audio and video recordings of Council Meetings are available by email to CityClerk@champaignil.gov or by calling 217-403-8940. Video recordings are maintained permanently; audio recordings are maintained for five years.