12-03-2007 HRA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
MOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2007
Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Kuester, Toth and Motin
Members Absent: Commissioner Lieser
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Director of Economic Development
Catherine Mehelich
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 December 3, 2007 HRA Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER TOTH TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 3, 2007, HRA
AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS:
7.1. -UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
7.2. -UPDATE ON ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
POSITION
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
Commissioner Toth had a question regarding the 2007 property taxes for the 716 Main
Street property. Ms. Mehelich stated that she would research the issue and report back to
the HRA.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
MOTIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. NOVEMBER 5, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTERS DATED 11/2/07,11/16/07, AND 11/30/07
3.3. BALANCE SHEET -OCTOBER 2007
3.4. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT -OCTOBER 2007
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Oaen Mike
There was no one present for Open Mike.
Elk River Housing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes
December 3, 2007
Page 2
. 5. Consider Lease Agreement with Elk River Area Arts Alliance for 716 Main Street
Ms. Mehelich explained that the lease agreement for the use of the 716 Main Street building
has been reviewed and generally accepted by Patrick Grace, Executive Director of the Elk
River Area Arts Alliance (ERAAA), subject to approval by its board of directors. She noted
that the Arts Alliance has requested that the lease term start December 15, 2007, so that they
may begin making some improvements in the building. She requested that the HRA accept
and approve the lease agreement as proposed.
Commissioner Motin stated that the lease term was incorrectly stated in the memo to the
HRA as ending in 2010 and should be 2009.
Chair Wilson asked how much the taxes were on the 716 Main Street property. Ms.
Mehelich stated the taxes were $8,000 in 2007, and that there will be no tax in 2008, since
the property is now tax exempt.
Commissioner Toth stated that there is a discrepancy in the rent and asked if it was $1.00 a
year or $1.00 for the term of the lease. Ms. Mehelich stated that it is $1.00 for the term of
the lease to keep it simple.
Commissioner Kuester asked if the IIRA was responsible for the taxes for the entire 2007
year. Ms. Mehelich stated she would check to see how the agreement was negotiated with
the Houltons.
Commissioner Motin stated that he continues to have concerns with the city leasing property
for $1.00, but that in this situation, they have no other use for the property at this time.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO MOVE APPROVAL OF THE LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH THE ELK RIVER AREA ARTS ALLIANCE AS
DISCUSSED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6. Discuss HRA Goals and Projects for 2008
Ms. Mehelich reviewed the proposed list of goals and projects for 2007 for the HRA as listed
in the staff report dated December 3, 2007.
Commissioner Kuester asked when the geometric study is expected to be completed.
Commissioner Moon stated that it will be completed by June or July of 2008.
Discussion followed regarding the housing study, and housing redevelopment and
rehabilitation programs. Ms. Mehelich provided an explanation of how the Small Cites
Grant program works and the fact that it is very competitive. She noted that a portion of
funding was provided for the Jackson Place project, and that there are income eligibility
standards which need to be met. She explained that 70 - 100 applications are received by
the State and the program funds approximately 40 of them. Applications are made annually
in October with funding received in March of the following year. Ms. Mehelich stated that
she felt this program is a good tool for the HRA to pursue. Chair Wilson felt that this
topic warranted a workshop session.
It was the consensus of the HRA to preliminarily accept the list of goals and projects as
proposed for further discussion at a future workshop session.
I;lk River Housing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 3
December 3, 2007
7.1. Update on Downtown Redevelopment Project
Chair Wilson stated that it is his understanding that the principal mortgage holder, MnWest
Bank is having some difficulty with the Bluff project. He explained that the City has a
development agreement for the project but that the agreement is not jeopardized by what is
going on. City Administrator Lori Johnson stated that the city has no financial exposure and
that the developer is not in default of their agreement with the city. Chair Wilson stated that
the issue is a result of what is happening with the real estate market.
Commissioner Motin stated that the Jackson Square building is filled. He noted that that the
real estate market is being impacted by delinquencies and foreclosures.
Commissioner Toth asked if there is any concern with MetroPlains. Ms. Johnson stated that
she is not aware of any problem. She stated that the city will do everything it can to help the
project be successful, but that most of what is going on is out of their control. She noted
that these transactions are private business deals.
7.2. Assistant Director of Economic Development
Ms. Mehelich stated that she will be requesting that the City Council authorize staff to fill
this position within the next three months. She noted that this position deals with business
retention, micro loan programs, and provide administrative support to the I-IRA.
Chair Wilson asked when the Community Development Director position will be filled. Ms.
Johnson stated that she anticipated it would be filled in the next few months. Commissioner
Motin stated that they want to take the time to hire the right person for the job, and
therefore, are not in a hurry to fill the position.
8. Adjournment
There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
Tina Allard
City Clerk