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Commissioner Garcia -Perez discussed how the community has changed over the past five to ten years. <br />She believed public safety was another concern for the community and its residents. She commented on <br />the importance of sidewalks and sidewalk connections throughout the City. <br />Gundlach explained that staff was making incremental improvements on the City's sidewalk <br />infrastructure with all new developments. She indicated most New Brighton neighborhoods were <br />originally developed without sidewalks. She understood that new neighborhoods were demanding <br />sidewalks. The implications this had on the neighborhoods was further discussed. <br />Councilmember Bauman did not believe residents always utilized trails and sidewalks. She saw <br />numerous people in her neighborhood walking in the street instead of using the trail. <br />Commissioner Benke discussed how trends have changed and believed that more people were out <br />walking in the community. <br />Chair Zisla believed sidewalks made a community desirable and attractive. <br />Commissioner Garcia -Perez commented on the importance of protecting pedestrian traffic in the city. <br />Commissioner Potter questioned who made the determination of where sidewalks would be placed in the <br />City. Schlichting explained the City had a trails map. He noted that sidewalks were incrementally <br />added through new developments and were reviewed by PREC. He stated cost share projects could be <br />completed with the County for sidewalks along County Roads. <br />Gundlach discussed the importance of having amenities within the community to attract new businesses <br />and large employers and this is something the City has heard from our land broker working in New <br />Brighton Exchange. She commented at least one prospective development for New Brighton Exchange <br />went elsewhere due to lack of amenities. She explained that CSI had added a sand volleyball court to <br />their site to offer a recreational amenity to their employees. <br />Chair Zisla asked how the City was using its park dedication fees. Gundlach explained the City used its <br />park dedication fees to maintain and grow its park system. She reported the funds the City has are not <br />enough to implement desired plans. <br />Commissioner Peck discussed how well Hanson Park was maintained. <br />Commissioner Benke explained how Lund's used to be a community gathering place for seniors given <br />the fact they gave out free coffee. <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the redevelopment of Apache Plaza. <br />Chair Zisla questioned where the Council was with rebranding the City. Gundlach stated there has been <br />a movement to rebrand the City. This would include a new website and a possible new logo and tagline, <br />which would include new street signs and repainting the City's water tower. <br />Council Member Bauman reported the City Council was moving forward with updating the City's <br />website at this time. However, the logo and other rebranding efforts were currently on hold. <br />Chair Zisla asked if the City Council had considered installing gateway signs. <br />Council Member Bauman stated this had been discussed; however, there were numerous entrances into <br />the City. Schlichting indicated the new E2 and 96 bridges would be ideal locations for Gateway signs. <br />