INFORMATION HRSR 08-01-2011INFOR~VIATION
MEMORANDUM
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TO: Housing Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Annie Deckert, Director of Economic .Development
DATE: I August 30 I I
SUBJECT: Downtown River's Edge Business Association- Update
ATTACHMENTS
• Meeting minutes from July 13, 2011
• Project Conserve & River's Edge Partnership Plan
Staff continues to attend the monthly downtown River's Edge Business Association
meetings and provides City updates to the group. Last month, Green Corp. member Ross
Pomeroy and ERMU's Vance Zehringer attended the meeting seeking authorization for a
partnership between the association and the City to promote Project Conserve 3. Staff will
be providing the HRA with an update at their August meeting.
Early 2010, the association became an affiliate member of the MN Main Street Program.
Through this program, association representative Nicole Fox (Nicole's Salon) attended a
training which resulted in the creation of a River's Edge Facebook page, River's Edge
website and several ideas regarding membership encouragement and marketing ideas.
At this time, the association elected not to be an affiliate member in 2012, but will consider
membership in 2013.
N:\Departments\Community Development\Economic Development\Downtown Revitalization\Rivers Edge\2011\8-1-11 HRA
Update.doc
Rivers Edge Meeting Minutes July 13, 2011
Meeting was called to order at 2:30PM at Edward Jones Conference Room. Members present: Sandi Yeado
(Edward Jones), Tammy Andrews (The Bank of Elk River), Nicole (Nicole's Salon), (Fred McCoy
(McCoy's Pub), (Bank of Elk River), Wendy Simenson (Kemper Drug) Stephanie Albin (City of ER Park
and Rec), Annie Deckert (City of ER Marketing and Business Development Administrator), Vance
Zehringer (Energy Consultant Elk River Municipal Utilities), Ross Pomeroy (Project Conserve, Elk River
Municipal Utilities)
Treasurer's Report: $2488.43
Secretary's Report:
City Update from Annie:
Can advertise Halloween, Xmas and ArtCrawl with painting on O'Reilly building window if we cover the
costs of painting and cleaning them off.
Citywide Branding: The City of Elk River is currently undertaking a branding process for the City.
Chandler Thinks is the company which was chosen by the EDA to help them with this project. The brand and
marketing research part has been completed. Steve Chandler will be presenting the results to the branding
subcommittee on July 18th Once the City Council approves the branding, there will be a train the trainer
session on September 13th to train people and get them involved in spreading the brand throughout the
community.
City of Elk River is doing a Satisfaction Survey for Elk River Residents. They will be asking residents to
rate city services, indicate how they receive information about things happening in the city and help identify
City Council Goals. Link to the survey: httn://www.ci.elk-river.mn.us/index.asp?SEC={CI 103599-CB67-
4011-8034-DF45F7B5417E}&Tvpe=B BASIC or www.ci.elk-river.mn.us
The Government Shutdown has .affected Elk River. One of the ways has been that the City can't issue
plumbing or electric permits. The City Council will be voting on a stop gap measure that will allow the City
to issue permits in times that the State isn't doing so.
The City is implementing a Volunteer Program. The purpose is to get more people involved in seeing how
the city works and to get residents more involved.
The Frame Shop that was located in Jackson Square Closed. The Bluffs now has 22 units rented. As the
units become rented, MinnWest Bank is finishing another 5 to 6 units to rent.
The City is working on recruiting more restaurants to our area. They have set up a SAC/WAC funding
program to spread the payments over 5 years at low interest. rather than making the business pay that money
out upfront before they open.
Project Conserve: Vance Zehringer and Ross Pomeroy came to our meeting to invite RiversEdge downtown
businesses to participate and support the Project Conserve program from Elk River Municipal Utilities and
the City of Elk River. The first phase of the program started in 2007 where 31 residents were given the
opportunity to work with the help of the Utilities department to reduce their use o£ electricity, gas, water,
garbage and transportation fuel. The project was a great success with many of the residents decreasing their
use by more than 26% in the first year.
Phase 3 of this program is being expanded to Commercial Businesses. The Utilities will offer a free walk
through energy audit opportunity -they will look at lighting hvac, building envelope, garbage use etc.
Education will be available on line, on DVDs and through live training to help businesses save money
doing more with less and protecting the environment.
The Rivers Edge Group Voted to become a partner with Elk River Municipal Utilities and the City of Elk
River in Project Conserve (Wendy moved, Sandi Seconded, vote carried). Downtown Businesses will have
the opportunity to participate in the program themselves, help promote Project Conserve in their businesses
and offer incentives to residents through coupon books and discounts with Project Conserve membership.
Sign up deadline for Downtown Businesses to participate in Project Conserve is August 3. Training and
meetings will start in October. http://www.ci.elk-river.mn.uslprojectconserve is the link to sign up.
Park and Rec Update
Stepanie Showed us a YouTube video about Elk River Parks, NorthStar Station and Wayfinder Signs that
will be put up to direct visitors. and residents from the NorthStar Station and throughout Elk River to the
parks and trails that are there for them to use.
There is a Big Bike Race in Elk River on Sunday July 31st at Hillside Park. Riders and their families will
be coming to Elk River for the weekend. We should provide Stephanie a sign for the park listing downtown
restaurants and businesses to let visitors know some of the places available to them. We can also offer
coupons and downtown brochures to the riders if we get them to Stephanie at the Park and Rec offices in
Lions Park by July 25th.
The Elk River Fall Program Guide will be going to press soon. The Downtown ArtCrawl will be held on
October 20th and needs to be added to the guide if still possible.
The City has not concluded their search for a Director for the Park and Rec Department.
Night to Unite Activities will be held on August 2"d from 6 to9PM in Lions Park. The Police and Fire
Department will be there. There will be games and food and a visit from a helicopter.
The Police and Fire Departments are teaming up to offer a special Public Safety Open House and Dance
on September 10. Stay tuned for more details.
Movies will again be shown in the park at Dusk on Saturday August 18 (School of Rock), Sept 10
(Despicable Me) and October 1 (Ringo).
ArtSoup Wrap up: Artsoup was held downtown on Saturday June 18, 2011. Wrap up meeting will be
July 18th. Fred will be attending. The weather wasn't very cooperative, but there was good traffic in the
morning. Mostly good reports from downtown businesses. Thank you to EDA for their one time help in
giving $2000 to help support ArtSoup and also to the City of Elk River for their help.
501C3 Tag Exempt Status for RiversEdge: Sandi is renewing our Tax Exempt Status. We are changing the
name to Rivers Edge Downtown Business Association and with the Government Shutdown that has been
delayed.
Chamber of Commerce: Sign up for Leadership Elk River. "Leadership Elk River is great for people
who are new to the community as well as people who have been a part of this community for a long
time. The relationships you build during the class provide connections to many different areas ofthe
community. The various presenters provide you with insight as to what .makes Elk River such a great
community to be a part of. Your classmates end up being a resource that you can carry throughout your
career. Sign up due before August 15. Contact Elk River Chamber of Commerce for more details.
ELK RIVER CHAMBER IS GOING TO THE BALL GAME! Minnesota Twins vs. New York
Yankees at Target Field. $40 price is for one game ticket with Home Plate View (better seats than last
year!) $50 package includes one game ticket and round-trip transportation on the NorthStar train.
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS IS JULY 21
New Business:
ArtCrawl: ArtCrawl will be held again this year. Scheduled for Thursday October 20th. We will again
coordinate with the Arts Alliance getting the Artists, and the Downtown Businesses offering them space to
show their art.
Halloween: We need volunteers who will decorate the Rivers Edge Commons Park and make abackdrop for
photos of the scary trick or treaters. Friday October 28St is the date for downtown trick or treating event.
Businesses will be given the opportunity to hang "welcome trick or treaters" signs in their windows and take
them down if they need to stop giving out candy before SPM.
Xmas Downtown: We had discussion on having a bigger tree for a backdrop for pictures with Santa. An
artificial tree would cut down on the cost of having to buy one every year. Also talked about having a contest
for downtown businesses the week preceding and the day of Santa coming downtown. Businesses would be
judged on how they decorated for the holidays or had activities outside of their location the day of the event.
Wendy will contact Hemker Farms to see if the reindeer will be able to come downtown again.
Pumpkin .Roll: We are looking at having a pumpkin roll down the hill by RiversEdge Park to raise money
for RiversEdge. We are thinking of doing it on October 1St before the Movie in the Park.
Sidewalk Sale: We are going to have a sidewalk sale downtown on July 29th and 30th. Restaurants will be
advertising and having specials to attract the bike racers and their families downtown. We will give flyers to
Stephanie to have at the park to pass
The meeting was adjourned at 3:40PM Respectfully submitted by Wendy Simenson Acting Secretary
Project Conserve & River's Edge Partnership Plan
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Basic Information: Project Conserve is a conservation program from Elk River Municipal Utilities and the
City of Elk River. Phase III of the program is set to debut this fall. For the first time, business owners,
apartment dwellers, and organizations can participate, joining homeowners. Those who sign up will be
able to take advantage of workshops, conservation tools, consultations, and energy audits. Using these
offers, participants will learn how to easily and effectively conserve energy, lower energy costs, reduce
waste, and conserve precious natural resources.
Summary: Project Conserve is intended as a community-wide effort. To accomplish this, we want to
partner with as many businesses, community groups, and citizens as possible. The River's Edge
Downtown Business Association represents a vital part of the Elk River Community, and we believe that
a partnership between Project Conserve and River's Edge would be mutually beneficial and would
greatly contribute to the program's success.
The Plan: Your businesses would join Project Conserve as "PC partners." Each business would
haveprogram-supplied signage in their establishment with information about Project Conserve and how
to sign up. They could also offer their choice of discount or deal to all citizens who sign up for Project
Conserve. Citizen participants would be able to claim their discounts with a Project Conserve "member
card" (supplied by the program).
In return, your businesses would be recognized as "PC partners" in all advertising, on the Project
Conserve website, in all presentations, and in newsletters. In addition, as members of Project Conserve,
you will also be able to take advantage of program benefits, including free energy efficiency
walkthroughs by certified auditors.
How it would work:The Project Conserve "member card" will be issued to all past (phase I), present
(phase II), and future (phase III) participants. Phase I & II participants will receive their cards at the final
workshop of phase II in late August. Phase III participants will receive their card at the first phase
Illworkshop in October. This card will be used by citizen participants to receive your business'
benefit/discount/deal and will expire after one year. The type of benefit that you would like to offer is
up to you.
Costs to vou:
- the price of offering a discount ordeal
Benefits to vou:
- Potential energy savings from participating in program (knowledge gained)
- Increased public presence
- Free energy efficiency walkthroughs
- May increase patronage
- Boostspositive community perceptions
What we ask•
- That you encourage your patrons to sign up or offer them information/fliers if they have
questions about Project Conserve
- That you post signage in your business for Project Conserve
- That you join Project Conserve as both a participant and a "PC Partner"
- That you offer some form of deal or discount for the Project Conserve member card
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Annie Deckert, Director of Economic Development
DATE: 1 August 2011
SUBJECT:. Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (FRCP)
The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program is afirst-of--its kind program that offers up to
$50,000 in interest-free, forgivable loans to Minnesota homeowners in danger of foreclosure
due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment or medical issues. This loan will pay
back some back payments, fees .and provides monthly assistance with mortgage payments.
Eligible homeowners are selected through a lottery. In speaking with the MN
Homeownership Center, approximately 18 households from Elk River have applied for the
program. Of the 18 applicants, 16 are eligible for the program.
N:\Departments\Community Development\Economic Development\Housing\Foreclosure\Pxevention\8-1-I1 HRA Update.doc
Unemployed? Has Your Income Dropped?
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The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (FRCP) offers a zero interest, #orgivable loan to
eligible homeowners. You must meet strict eligibility requirements, for example, you must be
unemployed, underemployed, or have experienced a medical emergency.
Eligible homeowners are selected through a lottery
An EHLP loan will pay some back payments and fees and provide monthly assistance for your
mortgage payments. Assistance is available far up to 24 months or a maximum of $50,000.
An EHLP loan is secured by a lien against your house and is forgivable over S years if you
continue to meet the requirements of the program.
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For eligibility criteria and information
h to enter the lottery, visit
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EHLP is a program of the US Department of Noosing and Urban Development
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The Emergency Homeowner's Loan Program (FRCP) is afirst-of-its-kind federal program focused on keeping
families in their homes during difficult economic times. The program, developed by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD), will offer unprecedented mortgage assistance too Minnesota homeowners in danger
of foreclosure because of involuntary unemployment, underemployment, or medical issues.
HUD has set aside more than $70 million for this. program in Minnesota, which will provide up to $50,000 in
interest-free forgivable loans over the next two years to more than 1,400 selected qualifying homeowners statewide.
AD®RESSING THE Gf~EATEST NEED
More than two thirds of Minnesota homeowners
who seek foreclosure counseling report falling
behind on their mortgage because of
unemployment, underemployment or medical
bills.
This program has been designed specifically to
offer these homeowners -who are often
ineligible for loan modifications or other
foreclosure avoidance programs - an avenue to
keep their home.
In Minnesota, the program is being promoted and
supported by the Minnesota Home Ownership
Center and Minnesota Housing, two of the state's
leading agencies for helping homeowners avoid
foreclosure.
EHLP Targets the Primary Cause
of Foreclosure in Minnesota
Unemployment, Underemployment, Medical Hardship
All Other Causes
Source: Minnesota Home Ownership Center 2010 counseling data
1NHAT DO' HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW?
Minnesota Home Ownership Center is accepting applications from July 5 to July 22 from.-qualifying
homeowners>statewide who meet basic program criteria. At the close of the application period, 1,405 Minnesota
homeowners vrill be selected through a random lottery to participate in the EHLP.
To quality, homeowners must:
/ Have faced an income decline of at least 15 percent due to unintentional unemployment or
.underemployment, or medical issues
/ Be at least 90 days delinquent on mortgage payments
/ Reside in the mortgaged property
For more information, a program application. and submission instructions, visit www.EHLPMinneso#a.com
www. E H L P M i n nesota. co m
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