05-07-2007 HRA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, MAY 7, 2007
Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Toth, Lieser, and Moon. Commissioner
Kuester arrived at 5:44 p.m.
Staff Present: Community Development Director Scott Clark, Director of Economic
Development Catherine Mehelich and Assistant Director of Economic
Development Heidi Steinmetz
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 Chair Wilson.
2. Consider May 7.2007 I-1RA Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE MAY 7, 2007, HRA AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER TOTH TO MOVE ITEM THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO
THE REGULAR AGENDA FOR CONSIDERATION:
3.1. -JANUARY 2, 2007 HRA MINUTES
3.4. FEBRUARY BALANCE SHEET
3.5. MARCH BALANCE SHEET
AND APPROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH AS
FOLLOWS:
3.2 MARCH 5, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3.3. CHECK REGISTERS
3.5. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT -FEBRUARY 2007
3.6. BALANCE SHEET -MARCH 2007
3.7. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT -MARCH 2007
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one present fox Open Mike.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 2
May 7, 2007
3.1. Tanuary 2.2007 HRA Minutes
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LIESER TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 2, 2007 HRA
MINUTES WITH THE FOLLOWING CORRECTION:
PAGE 3 - CHANGE TO REFLECT CHAIR WILSON, NOT MAYOR KLINZING,
ADJOURNED THE HRA MEETING.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3.4. Balance Sheet - Februarv 2007
Commissioner Motin questioned the $400,000 receivable on the February 2007 balance
sheet. Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that the $400,000 is
the Small Cities Development Program grant the City and HRA received from the State
Department of Employment and Economic Development and provided as a loan to the
Jackson Place project. She explained that the note payable for the purchase of the Houlton
buildings has not yet appeared on the balance sheet. Ms. Mehelich stated she will check with
the Finance Department on this item.
5. Downtown Parking_Focus Group Update
Ms. Mehelich reviewed the tasks assigned to the Downtown Parking Focus Group by the
City Council. The Group's recommendations for changes to the current parking regulations
and permitting were presented the City Council at their Apri19~ meeting. Most of the
recommendations were approved, with the exception of the purchase of emergency posts
for the north parking lots and in the King Avenue lot, due to the high cost. Ms. Mehelich
explained the actions staff is taking in follow-up to the Council's direction including
implementation of the new parking permits, parking time limits, and parking needs and
alternatives analysis.
Commissioner Kuester arrived at this time 5:44 p.m.
Ms. Mehelich noted that staff hopes to have the new system for parking permits and hours
in place by July 1, 2007.
Commissioner Toth asked for clarification on the future of the Downtown Parking Focus
Group. Ms. Mehelich stated that due to the new direction from the City Council, the Focus
Group will continue longer than originally anticipated. She stated that the members have
been invited back to meet on a quarterly basis. Commissioner Toth stated that it was his
understanding that the group would only be called to meet if there was a problem, not
quarterly. Commissioner Motin stated that they may meet quarterly, but that eventually they
will come to a point when it will no longer be necessary to meet. Ms. Mehelich stated that
the group has agreed that if a member can no longer participate, a replacement will be
found.
Chair Wilson asked what staff would anticipate the cost to be for the professional services
for the parking needs and alternatives analysis. Ms. Mehelich stated that the cost will likely
• be $15,000 - $20,000. She concluded by saying that the proposals will be discussed by the
Parking Focus Group at their next meeting and that feedback will be provided to the City
Council on May 14~ .
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
May 7, 2007
6. Consider Downtown Redevelopment Plan
Page 3
Ms. Mehelich provided background information the work of the Downtown Redevelopment
Plan Taskforce over the past six months. She stressed the need for clear and consistent
communications with the public and stakeholders, in order for the plan/project to be
successful. Staff recommends that the HRA consider authorizing staff to proceed in
utilizing several communications tools including a Q&A Newsletter and open houses. Ms.
Mehelich reviewed the costs of the proposed expenditures, noting that these costs were
included in the 2007 HRA budget ($12,500). The HRA had no concerns with the proposed
costs presented by staff.
Commissioner Toth expressed concern that the study area is much larger than the
downtown and the title should be revised to more accurately reflect this. Ms. Mehelich
stated that staff has considered calling it the "Greater Downtown Area", and that a
discussion on this topic will be held at the Task Force's next meeting.
Other Business -None
8. Adjournment
There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
~1112~i~1 i~~+~~e.~c.-
Debbie Huebner
Recording Secretary