02-17-2011 JOINT HRA-HPC MINMINUTES OF THE JOINT ELK RIVER
• HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
Thursday, February 17, 201 I
HPC Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Debra Mortensen, Stephen Rohlf, and
Mark Konietzko
HPC Members absent: Kristin Harris
HRA Members present: Larry Toth, Paul S. Motin, Jean Lieser, Chair Stewart Wilson,
Louise Kuester
Staff Present: Environmental Administrator, Rebecca Haug
Director of Economic. Development, Catherine Mehelich
Marketing & Business Development Administrator, Annie Deckert
Others Present: Bonnie McDonald, Preservation Alliance of MN
Frank Galli, Downtown Business Owner
Fred McCoy, McCoy's Pub & Chair of River's Edge Downtown
Business Assoc.
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1) Meeting called to Order:
Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Chair
Lindberg.
2) Consider February 17, 2011 HPC Agenda:
MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA BY COMMISSIONER KONIETZKO AND
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION
CARRIED.
3) Consider January 20, 2010 HPC Minutes:
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES BY COMMISSIONER KONIETZKO AND
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION
CARRIED.
HRA meeting called to order by Chair Wilson.
4) Presentation by Bonnie McDonald, MN Preservation Alliance of MN on "Money
and Jobs: A New Look at Historic Building Proiects.":
Ms. Haug introduced Bonnie McDonald, Preservation Alliance of MN. She gave a
presentation regarding the state historic tax credit along with other financing tools for
historic structures. Her presentation also focused on adapting properties, creating jobs by
restoring structures versus tearing them down, business creation and retention and heritage
tourism.
HRA Chair Wilson asked about the return on investment fox a small business to restore an
old building. Ms. McDonald did not have an example for a small business but indicated she
would research and follow up. Commissioner Konietzko asked about the Detroit Lakes
experience. Ms. McDonald explained that the project increased the foot traffic. Ms.
McDonald also mentioned that the city of Henderson is a good community to look at as
they focused on design and promotion with consistent hours of operation for the downtown
businesses. Commissioner Konietzko also asked about similar cities for Elk River to look at.
Ms. McDonald suggested Park Rapids, Faribault, Northfield, and Jordan.
Ms. Mehelich explained the city's microloan fund for downtown businesses. Mr. Galli,
Pompeii Pizza indicated that this fund helped him out a lot in the significant renovation of
the bank building. Ms. McDonald explained the benefits of being involved in Main Street
Program as it provides technical assistance to help promote the downtown. The River's
Edge Downtown Business group is part of the program. Ms. McDonald emphasized the
importance of curb appeal and being authentic.
5) Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lindberg at 7:10 p.m.
Minu prepar b ecca Haug
Tina Willard
City Clerk
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Stewart Wilson
ffitA Chair
Lance Lindberg
Heritage Preservation Commission Chair
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