Author: Brent Mareck

Starting this past July, a Task Force made of up residents, community group leaders, and small business owners met to discuss future options for “Community Spaces” in Carver.  “Community Spaces” represent places where we gather to celebrate family, organize events, support one another, provide services, and debate issues that impact our community.  “Community Spaces” can take many forms such as an event center, community center, city hall, and in the case of our community Village Hall.

Over the course of seven months the Community Spaces Task Force developed a vision statement and guiding principles for Village Hall.  In addition, the Task Force reviewed and debated the ability of thirteen separate locations, including the current Village Hall site, to meet the developed vision and guiding principles for community spaces in Carver.

Click Here to Get Informed…Share Your Voice!

Open House – Monday, March 13 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Church-By-The-River / 109 Main St. E.

In a traditional Open House setting, residents can view boards, ask questions, and fill out comment cards for the City Council.  No formal presentation will be given…just stop by between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

City Council Listening Session – Monday, March 27 – 7:00 pm

Church-By-The-River / 109 Main St. E.

Residents will have an opportunity to share their perspectives on the future of Village Hall with the City Council.  Staff will read comments submitted by residents in advance of the listening session.  The City Council will primarily “listen” and take notes, but will not debate specific aspects of the project.  Questions will be answered by staff at the listening session or shortly thereafter.  

City Council Listening Session Review – Monday, April 3 – 7:00 pm

Church-By-The-River / 109 Main St. E.

Based on feedback collected through the process and the listening session, the City Council will make additional information requests or provide staff direction as needed.

City Council “Preferred Choice” Selection – Monday, April 17 – 7:00 pm

Church-By-The-River / 109 Main St. E.

The City Council will consider making a “Preferred Choice” on Village Hall and direct staff to create a corresponding action plan for its implementation. 

The City has received applications from the Lenzen Group for a Planned Commercial Development, Preliminary Plat and Site Plan review of the property located west of CSAH 11 and south of Dahlgren Road.  The plans provide for a lot on which a proposed child care center would be constructed in 2017.  There would also be two additional commercial lots available for future construction. The property consists of approximately 2.75 acres.  Access to the site is proposed from Dahlgren Road. Carver Dental is currently under construction in this area.

The Planning Commission will be reviewing these land use applications at their meeting on Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 pm at 109 Main St. E. / Church By The River.

 

Two developers submitted proposals for the redevelopment and acquisition of the 920 6^th Street West property.  The site contains approximately 3.75 acres and a vacant approximately 16,700 square foot building located on the south side of 6^th Street. 

CCR Homes/Community Asset Development Group Proposal

CCR Homes proposes that the City would redevelop the site into lots for 6 twinhomes (12 dwellings units), and then sell the finished lots to the builder for their construction.  The City would be responsible for the costs associated with environmental remediation, demolition, engineering, grading and installation of streets and utilities.   

Shingobee Proposal

Shingobee proposes to acquire the site and redevelop it into a senior living facility consisting of between 40 to 60 units in a two-story building.  The type of units would be either independent living, assisted living, memory care, and/or skilled nursing care depending on the results of market feasibility study that would be completed.     

Process for Review of Proposals

February 16, 2017:      Planning Commission Review of CCR Homes Proposal

March 16, 2017:           Planning Commisison Review of Shingobee Proposal

March 20, 2017:           City Council Review

 

The City Council and Planning Commission will be reviewing a Concept Plan for another new neighborhood in Carver. A Concept Plan has been submitted by Trinity Development, partnering with M/I Homes (known by many as Hans Hagen), for the development of 147 homes, on approximately 50 acres, just east of the Spring Creek housing development on Spring Creek Drive.  The Planning Commission will be reviewing the Concept Plan at their meeting on Thursday, February 16 at 6:30 pm at the Church By The River.  For more information on this project please click here.

A task force of twenty-six residents and community stakeholders have been meeting over the last seven months to develop options for community spaces in Carver. The final Community Spaces Task Force Report will be presented to the City Council at their Tuesday, February 21 meeting at 7 pm.  The report will have options to consider for the basic repair of Village Hall, repair and renovation of City Hall/Village Hall, and the construction of a new combined City Hall/Village Hall.  The task force created and used a set of “guiding principles” (shown below) to assist them in evaluating options and discussing community needs.  

The presentation of the Community Spaces Task Force Report will serve as a “kick-off” for a community dialogue designed to provide the City Council with perspectives, priorities, and feedback from all residents and community stakeholders on this issue. 

The Task Force will meet in January, which is expected to be their last meeting on this issue. They will get cost and space options for several different scenarios. A local general contractor is also providing pricing for several repair options for Village Hall, which will also be presented to the Task Force in January. Finally, a financial analysis will be prepared to review the short and long-term fiscal impact of each choice. Staff will be getting direction from the City Council in late January or early February on how they want this information shared with the community, how the City Council would like to get feedback from residents, and what the decision-making process might look like.

A friendly reminder on Winter Parking  rules.

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I have to tell you that I dislike feasibility studies.  My natural inclination when confronted with a complex problem is to gather all the relevant facts and make an efficient and effective decision based on those facts.  The circumstances surrounding the closure of Village Hall, a need for City Hall office space, and a desire to provide a safe and welcoming gathering space for groups like the Girl Scouts, Lions Club, CCYBSA, and Second Alarm certainly created an environment where my typical decision-making process was likely to occur. (Read more…)  Some people would have agreed with the City Council’s choice on Village Hall, while others would have disagreed and likely been frustrated that all options were not thoroughly reviewed.   Click to read more…

The City is unfortunately and to the frustration of all those involved, still encountering audio issues related to the live streaming of City Council meetings.  We’ve made it a top priority to resolve this issue and apologize for the inconvenience and frustration this has caused those attempting to follow the proceedings of the City Council.

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Carver Crossing officially opened its doors to new families at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. Approved by the Carver City Council in March of 2015, Carver Crossing is a sixty-eight unit apartment building dedicated to providing workforce housing opportunities in the community.  The development is located next to Carver Station, a four-hundred stall open-air park and ride facility serviced by SouthWest Transit. (Read more…)  New residents of Carver Crossing will also be neighbors to Carver Elementary, a new kindergarten through 5^th grade elementary school to be completed in the fall of 2017 by Eastern Carver County Schools.

Attending speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Ron Clark, Owner and Founder, Ron Clark Construction and Design; Mike Webb, Mayor, City of Carver; Adam Duininck, Chair, Metropolitan Council; and Wes Butler, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.

Mayor Mike Webb, noted during the ceremony, “The investment and partnerships created as a result of this project will undoubtedly provide additional opportunities for our community for generations.”        

Afterwards, Mayor Webb, upon meeting with new residents of Carver Crossing exclaimed, “Let me be first to welcome you to the City of Carver…welcome home!”  

Carver Crossing was developed by Ron Clark Construction and Design at a cost of approximately $14.5 million. The project was financed in part through the Housing Tax Credit Program of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, which requires tenants to have household incomes of no more than 60% of area median income.

The Metropolitan Council also partnered in the project by awarding $1,190,000 in funding through the Livable Communities Demonstration Account, a program designed to connect housing, jobs, civic sites, retail centers and local/regional transportation systems.

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (“LMRWD”) is looking for a person to represent Carver County on its Board of Managers. The Watershed District is composed primarily of the area between the North and South bluffs of the Minnesota River, extending from the confluence of the Minnesota River with the Mississippi River at Pike Island, Fort Snelling upstream to and including the City of Carver. In Carver County, this includes portions of the cities of Chanhassen, Chaska and Carver. (Read more…) Managers must live within the boundaries of the District and are appointed by the County Board of Commissioners.

Managers preside over the business of the District, including setting budgets, conserving the unique natural resources of the District, preserving and protecting surface water and other duties identified in State Law. Additionally, the Board is charged with improving recreational and commercial navigation on the Minnesota River. Managers are responsible for promoting district activities and maintaining cooperative working relationships with local, state and federal agencies and organizations.

Managers receive compensation for meetings and for performance of other necessary duties of $75 a day. Managers are entitled to reimbursement for traveling and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

The appointment is to fill the remainder of a three year term, which commenced March 1, 2014 and will expire February 28, 2018. Because of the nature of the work of the Board, it is desirable that applicants have a background in water conservation, law, engineering, environment, administration, planning, or experience with issues related to surface water drainage.

Regular meetings are held monthly on the third Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers of the Chaska City Hall, One City Hall Plaza, Chaska, MN 55318. Special meetings may be held from time to time, as well as field trips to view project sites, etc. Managers are required to give approximately 6-8 hours each month.

Interested parties should contact Carver County to apply. Persons interested in being appointed to serve as Manager should contact Diane Wabbe by email at [email protected].

About the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District Established in March 1960, “to carry out conservation of Natural Resources through land utilization, flood control and other needs upon sound scientific principles for the protection of the public health and welfare and the provident use of natural resources”. The Watershed District is composed primarily of the area between the North and South bluffs of the Minnesota River, extending from the confluence of the Mississippi at Pike Island, Fort Snelling, upstream to and including the City of Carver.

The LMRWD is governed by a Board of Managers, which is composed of five Managers representing Carver, Dakota, Hennepin and Scott Counties. Carver County is entitled to two Managers. To learn more about the LMRWD, please visit lowermn.com.

The discussion of the annual budget is one of the most important decision-making processes of the year for the City Council. The allocation of resources for City services and projects in areas like streets, inspections, parks, law enforcement, fire protection, and planning are reviewed and analyzed based on need, priority, and the overall impact to local property taxes paid by businesses and residents.  Please visit this page often, as documents will be updated as the budget process moves forward. (Read more…)

2017 Resident’s Budget Guide – CLICK HERE

Unfortunately we’re experiencing technical difficulties with our live broadcast technology.  As a result, the live broadcast of the July 5 City Council meeting is unavailable.   We apologize for the inconvenience. (Read more…)

 

Due to lower than normal water levels in the water tower, you may experience low water pressure throughout the day.  The City’s Public Services staff is on scene and is working to address the issue.

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MS4 Annual Storm Water Presentation:

A presentation on storm water, primarily designed to decrease pollutants within the system will be provided by the City Engineer.  The presentation is a requirement of the MPCA’s MS4 program. (Read more…)  For more information regarding the MS4 program click here.

2015 Audited Financial Statements:

A presentation of the City’s 2015 audited financial statements by Matt Vos of Abdo, Eick, and Meyers.

Pedestrian Underpass:

The City Council will consider approving plans and specifications for the construction of a pedestrian underpass.  The underpass would be located along Jonathan Carver Parkway, just north of Ironwood Drive.  Construction is anticipated to begin in 2016.

Carver County Road 40 Turn-back:

The City Engineer will provide a status report on a possible turn-back of Carver County Road 40 to the City of Carver.  A “turn-back” would make Carver County Road 40 into a City street.  This would mean the City would be responsible for maintaining the street by plowing, crack-filling, and so on.  Carver County Road 40 runs along sections of Old Carver Road, Broadway, and Main Street West.  Carver County and the City of Carver are anticipating a negotiated turn-back once the City hits a population of 5,000.

Certified Levee Study:

The City has received preliminary notification from the US Army Corps of Engineers of potential funding for a certified levee study.  The City Engineer will be updating the City Council on what to expect over coming months.

GMH Construction will be doing mill and overlay work on Saturday, June 4 along Carver Bluffs Parkway and 6th St. W. Please use alternate routes. (Read more…) Thank you for your patience!

Last year, through May of 2015, the Building Inspections Department had processed permits for six new housing starts in Carver.  Fast forward to May of 2016, the Building Inspections Department has added a part-time Inspector, is reviewing plans for a new dental office, has daily inspections for a new a sixty-eight unit apartment complex, and has processed permits for twenty-seven new housing starts.

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Permit applications continue to roll in for new homes in Copper Hills, Lylewood Glen, Christy’s Bluff, and River Bluff Estates. The increase in demand, coupled with the new elementary school scheduled to start construction this summer, has local developers reconsidering their phasing plans for future lot development in the city. Mayor Mike Webb commented, “It’s great to see all of this new investment by families, businesses, and the School District in Carver!  Over many years the people of this community have worked hard to make Carver a wonderful place to call home…it’s energizing for me to see others appreciate those efforts so much so that they have chosen to make Carver their home as well.”

Gazebo Park has come to be recognized as one of the community’s favorite landmarks in Historic Downtown Carver. Unfortunately, over many years the park has become overgrown with vegetation and is very much hidden from the downtown streetscape.  In an effort to create a better connection with the park and the community a number of improvements are being made. (Read more…)  Work has begun to upgrade the electrical system in the park to facilitate more events in and around the park. In addition, overgrown shrubbery and planting beds will be removed and replaced with new grass areas.  Another project component includes a number of trees being removed or relocated in order to aid in establishing grass in areas that annually remain uncovered.  Finally, the gazebo itself will be reconditioned and repainted in the months to come!  These improvements will hopefully revitalize Gazebo Park, and again uncover its ability to provide a place for residents and visitors alike to gather, relax, and enjoy.

A Process to Help Shape Carver’s Future

In January the City Council hired an independent facilitator to solicit resident input on the upcoming comprehensive plan process and on the development of resident engagement strategies.  The purpose of using the independent facilitator was to create a more comfortable environment for residents and other community stakeholders to openly share their thoughts on the future of the community. (Read more…) Phil Barnes, of WSB & Associates, was hired to lead this effort.  The complete focus group report can be found by clicking here.

Thank You Focus Group Participants! 

Randy Sefkar, Mary Nelson, Monica Hron, Tim Dahlby, Bill Buckingham, Annette Hentz, Jim Hammers, Molly Hanson, Greg Osterdyk, Jacob Lemmon, Tim Heelan, Mark Lano, Nancy Chrismer, Jane Thon, Gretchen Holmgren, Steve Squires, Rich Buetow, Doug Weber, Denise Anderson, Julie Kanthak, Monica Hinze, Riley Thiesfeld, Laurie Sayer, and Chris Reuvers.

A Balanced Vision for the Future

Participants would like Carver to keep a small town & neighborly feel, while allowing for balanced development. This can be accomplished through community & public engagement opportunities. Participants want balanced development, job creation, & an active historical downtown. Participants want commercial, industrial & affordable residential development, while not losing focus on attracting youth, enhancing community spirit, and managing natural & recreational resources. The comprehensive plan should balance projects for older and new areas to create a vibrant, walkable, safe place to live, work, and shop.

Focus Groups: Guiding Principles Developed 

Guiding Principle #1:
Develop Community Cohesiveness  Through Collaboration

Guiding Principle #2:
Compete for Commercial & Industrial Development

Guiding Principle #3:
Support Historic Downtown

Guiding Principle #4:
Encourage Affordable Housing for Aging & New Residents

Guiding Principle #5:
Communication, Education, and Transparency

Guiding Principle #6:
Leverage Park & School Partnerships

Complete Focus Group Report

CLICK HERE

 

The City Council has hired the architectural firm of Leo A. Daly to lead the community in a planning and visioning exercise. The process will explore options and create concepts for a remodeled or new community space in Carver. (Read more…)