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06-04-2007 HRA MIN• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007 Members Present: Commissioners Kuester, Lieser, and Motin Members Absent: Chair Wilson and Commissioner Toth Staff Present: Community Development Director Scott Clark, Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz, Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner 1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Acting Chair Kuester. 2. Consider June 4, 2007 HRA Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE JUNE 4, 2007, HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. • 3. Consider Consent Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1. CONSIDER MAY 7, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3.2. CHECK REGISTERS 3.3. BALANCE SHEET -FEBRUARY 2007 3.4 BALANCE SHEET -MARCH 2007 3.5 BALANCE SHEET -APRIL 2007 3.6. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT -APRIL 2007 MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 4. Open Mike There was no one present for Open Mike. 5. Request to Utilize Marketing Funds for August 18 2007 Downtown Street Dance Ms. Steinmetz explained that last August, the HRA authorized a $2,000 contribution toward the 2006 River's Edge Downtown Business Association block party. The group is planning another block party/street dance for August 18, 2007, and requests that the HRA allow them to use the $2,000 contribution for the 2007 street dance, which was previously set aside for a grand opening special event upon completion of the downtown construction projects. Housing & Redevelopment Authority Date Page 2 Fred McCoy of McCoy's Pub -Stated that the 2006 contribution was used to cover the cost of city employees setting up barriers, on-duty police officer, portable toilets, and related expenses. He stated that over 300 people attended the event and he is hopeful the event will continue to grow. Mr. McCoy stated that without the HRA contribution, there may not be enough money coming in as gate fees to cover their expenses. Acting Chair Kuester asked if the event would be held at the same time as last year. Mr. McCoy stated that the event is scheduled one week earlier than last year. Commissioner Motin asked Ms. Steinmetz if an event has been planned for the completion of the downtown construction. Ms. Steinmetz stated that nothing has been planned. Ms. Mehelich stated that the downtown projects have been phased very differently, noting that the Jackson Place project will not be completed until late fall. She stated that the Bank of Elk River, Bluffs and city park projects are nearing completion. Ms. Mehelich stated that HRA contribution was not specifically tied to any of the projects, but for an overall grand opening of downtown. Commissioner Motin stated that he attended the 2006 event, noting that the Sunshine Depot did not participate and in fact, hired bands which took away from the River's Edge group event. Mr. McCoy stated that 150 - 175 people attended for the first band, and that the numbers dwindled for the second one. Commissioner Motin expressed concern for spending money on event that was not supported by all the downtown business owners. He stated that he was not opposed to the contribution, but that he would like to see the group work together to make the event successful. Mr. McCoy stated that he hopes to add a 5 - 10K running event to the block party schedule. He stated that when the new business space begins filling up in the downtown, he will try to work with the owners to participate in the event. Commissioner Lieser stated that since the HRA has already given informal approval to the expenditure, she felt they should go ahead and honor the contribution. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LIESER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO AUTHORIZE THE $2,000 CONTRIBUTION FOR THE DOWNTOWN RIVER'S EDGE GROUP BLOCK PARTY SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 18, 2007. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. Ms. Mehelich noted that the contribution will be made in the same form as last year, by providing a police officer, staff time for setting up barriers, and services such as garbage, utilities, and will not be an actual cash contribution. Mr. McCoy stated that he was willing to incorporate the grand opening of the Bluffs of Elk River with the event. Commissioner Motin stated that the group should not expect a contribution from the HRA next year. Mr. McCoy stated that he understood and hoped that they would be able to support the event themselves next year. 6. Discuss HRA Intentions for 716 & 720 Main Street Buildings Ms. Mehelich provided background information regarding the subject properties. She stated that due to cost/benefit and the pending downtown parking study, that it maybe premature Housing & Redevelopment Authority Date Page 3 • to remove the buildings to provide 21 parking spaces. Staff recommends that short term public/private use of the buildings continue to be explored. Mr. Clark stated that they are not looking at uses for the OReilly Building at this point, since there are code and structural issues that would need to be addressed first. He explained that use of the building by the Arts Alliance for gallery and classroom space has been discussed with Patrick Grace. Mr. Grace has informed him that the Arts Alliance would not be able to pay rent for the space, but would be willing to discuss paying overhead costs. Mr. Clark stated that further discussion of the option will be discussed with the Arts Alliance representatives after the Art Soup event is completed. He stated that producing revenue may not be as important as bringing vitality to the downtown by not allowing the space to sit empty. Commissioner Motin stated it sounded like a good temporary use and he could understand that the Arts Alliance would not want to invest money into the building, since it would be temporary. He noted that parking maybe addressed in two phase; surface parking spaces, and a possible structure later. Mr. Clark stated that he was hopeful the parking study would help them in the decision-making process. Commissioner Motin asked if the parking study will not be completed until the end of August, would they be able to do anything with the property before spring? Mr. Clark stated that he was not sure if the Arts Alliance would be interested in only a 3 - 5 month lease. Commissioner Kuester suggested that the Arts Alliance could use the building to hold an art sale or display. Mr. Clark stated that would be a potential option. • Commissioner Lieser suggested the Arts Alliance maybe interested in the former OReilly building for storage. Mr. Scott stated that would be a possibility, but he would like to explore the issue further. Commissioner Lieser asked if the former Houlton building was being used for storage now. Ms. Mehelich stated yes, on a month-to-month lease, in order to maintain flexibility. She stated the storage area and the rest of the building had separate entrances and locks. Commissioner Lieser suggested that a sign be place indicating the building was available for lease for storage space. Commissioner Motin stated he did not feel that would be a good idea, since that would identify that the building was unoccupied. Ms. Mehelich stated that the Arts Alliance proposal was the best option they have heard so far and staff will continue discussions with them. 7. Downtown Parking Update Ms. Mehelich stated that the HRA received a copy of the notification which was sent to the downtown business and property owners regarding the new parking regulations. She stated that applications for a limited number of parking permits must be submitted by June 5. She noted that the mailing also provided information regarding the status of the 716 and 720 Main Street buildings. The information stated that relocation of the O~eilly Auto Parts store was not a reflection of the downtown business climate, but was a result of meeting the corporate model, and that the city is not tearing down the buildings for a parking lot at this time. Ms. Mehelich noted that questions have been coming in regarding the new parking regulations, and that new signage will be posted regarding parking time limits. Commissioner Kuester asked if employees parking across Highway 10 would need a parking permit. Ms. Mehelich stated no, that those parking spaces are free, as well as parking along • Main Street down to Handle School. Ms. Mehelich stated that the parking permits will be Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 4 Date issued on a quarterly basis. She noted that the City Council authorized the Downtown Parking Study and that the process is beginning now with a report expected in August. Commissioner Lieser asked if overnight parking along Main Street from Lowell Avenue to Handke School would be allowed? Ms. Mehelich stated no. C+ther Business -None Adjournment There being no other business, Acting Chair Kuester adjourned the meeting. The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:05 p.m. ~e.~Y/u i~~e~r~c-- Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary • •