Loading...
3.1.A HRA MIN 02-06-2012MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2012 Members Present: Chair Wilson, Cornrnissioners Koester, Lieser, Motin and Toth Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Assistant Director of Economic Development Clay Wilfahrt, Building Official Bob Ruprecht, and Recording SecretaryDebbie Huebner Also Present: Wendy Simonson, Kemper Drug Fred McCoy, McCoys Pub (River's Edge downtown businesses group) 1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authoritywas called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Wilson. 2. Consider February 6, 2012 HRA Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 2012 HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Consent Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1 DECEMBER 12, 2011 HRA MINUTES 3.2 CHECK REGISTER- CONSIDER AFTER ITEM 5. 3.3 BALANCE SHEET 3.4 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT 3.5 DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER 3.6 DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES 3.7 APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Open Mike -Wendy Simonson Wendy Simonson, Kemper Drug representative, requested that the HRA consider reserve severa130- minute parking spaces (including a handicap space) behind the Jackson Avenue businesses. She stated that the businesses have a concern that customers will not have a parking space close to these businesses during events such as the concert series and potential farmer's market. Chair Wilson Housing & Redevelopment Authority February 6, 2012 Page 2 stated that the HRA will keep this request in mind when they discuss improvements for the new parking area. 5.1 Election of Chair 5.2 Election of Vice Chair 5.3 Election of Secretary MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO ELECT HRA OFFICERS AS FOLLOWS: STEWART WILSON -CHAIR LARRY TOTH -VICE CHAIR JEAN LIESER -SECRETARY MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.2 Consider Check Register Commissioner Toth questioned the two payments for utilities at 720 Main Street. Staff will follow up and report back to the HRA. 6. 724 Main Street (Elk River Meats) Wall Improvements Commissioner Toth asked if the city entered into an agreement to refurbish the wall if the 720 Main Street building was torn down. Building Official Ruprecht stated yes, there is an agreement between the city and Elk River Meats that if either building were removed, the party removing the building would be responsible for restoring the exterior. City Administrator Cal Portner concurred. Commissioner Toth asked what constitutes a shared wall. Mr. Ruprecht explained how the 720 Main Street building was constructed. Commissioner Toth asked why the corner on 724 Main Street was left as it was. Mr. Ruprecht explained this, as well as how the additions to the building were different from the original building construction. Commissioner Kuester asked if there were any building code requirements in finishing the wall. Mr. Ruprecht stated that code does not require them to insulate the building, but that is a bonus of the material, if it is chosen. Also, EFIS would even out the changes in texture somewhat. He explained that the traditional stucco bid was higher than EFIS, due to the existing surface of the building. Commissioner Motin stated he was not concerned with the "definition" of a shared wall and that if the city signed an agreement, they are responsible to restore the wall. Chair Wilson suggested that staff could look into the agreement and act on the improvements and the next HRA meeting. Commissioner Lieser asked if the contractor was able to take care of the footing issues. Mr. Ruprecht stated yes, that the engineer designed to demolition to take care of the issue. Mr. Portner stated that staff would have the agreement information available for the next meeting so that the HRA could move forward in providing direction for the wall improvement. Commissioner Toth asked if it was unusual to have a stipulation in the bid that any unforeseen event should be considered as part of the bid. Mr. Ruprect stated that bids would be substantially higher if Housing & Redevelopment Authority February 6, 2012 Page 3 an "unknown" clause is included Mr. Fortner explained that if an unknown was discovered, the bid would be corrected by change orders, if needed, and would be brought back for approval. Chair Wilson asked if any change orders were required. Mr. Ruprecht stated no. Commissioner Toth stated that he felt the bid was rather high. He stated he was surprised that the city did not have a clause to protect itself from unknown costs. Mr. Ruprecht stated that there was a range in bids and he was surprised theywere not higher. He noted that some asbestos as found in layers of the floor in 720 Main Street. Commissioner Toth asked if samples were taken before bidding. Mr. Ruprecht stated yes. Commissioner Toth asked if testing was done inaccurately. Mr. Fortner stated that the testing is dependent on access to the materials, using the best information they have at the time, using a consultant who has experience in this field, and is done to the best of his knowledge. Mr. Ruprecht explained that there was no way to have found the asbestos, other than by doing the demolition, since the asbestos was buried in concrete. Chair Wilson stated that in the future, a contingency could be built into demolition projects for unknowns. Commissioner Motin stated that it is not possible for the cityto entirelyprotect itself from unknowns. He stated that contractors cannot be expected to bid with cost built in for unknowns; the bids would be too high. It was the consensus of the HRA to have staff review the shared wall agreement to determine the cites responsibility for the wall improvements. 7. 716 & 720 Main Street Site Improvements Mr. Wilfahrt reviewed previous strategic planning and goals that can be applied to the downtown HRA site, as detailed in the staff report for this issue dated March 5, 2012. He explained that staff is looking for direction on howto proceed with design of the space. Commissioner Toth stated that he would like ideas from the downtown business owners, as well as ideas to beautifythe site. City Administrator Cal Fortner stated that staff suggests utilizing professional design services, and bringing the downtown businesses to develop a plan for the site. Mr. Wilfahrt stated that staff did meet with the businesses owners for their input. Commissioner Toth asked if staff could provide design services. Mr. Fortner stated that staff could design the space, but would not be able to provide costs. Chair Wilson stated that there maybe infrastructure that needs to be dealt with. Commissioner Toth stated it was his recollection that staff designed the riverside park space. Commissioner Motin stated that staff assisted the professional in the design. Commissioner Motin stated he did not want to lose parking due to the design of the space. Commissioner Koester questioned manyspaces could be created. Commissioner Motin stated he did not want to have only 15 spaces if there could be 27 or more. C1~air Wilson stated that he would like to see the site be designed as aestheticallypleasing as possible. Fred McCoy, representing the River's Edge downtown business owners, stated that he spoke with quite a few business owners and theyexpressed a desire to have some green space in the area closest Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 4 February 6, 2012 ----------------------------- to the sidewalk, and possibly benches. For example, someone could get an ice cream and go across the street to sit and eat it. Interest was also expressed in having the Farmer's Market and Art Soup activities. He stated theywere interested in being able to provide a place for people to sit and mingle. Commissioner Kuester stated that the concept was to maximi~P the parking while providing some space for public use. Commissioner Toth stated that parking should be their main concern, and still provide some space that can be utilized bythe businesses to get people downtown. Chair Wilson stated he felt the space could provide a combination of both uses. It was the consensus of the HRA to authorize staff to begin working with a landscape architect to obtain design concepts and cost estimates. 8. Farmers Market Request -Parks and Recreation Steve Benoit, Parks & Recreation, stated that they would like to relocate the Fanners Market from Westbound Liquor Store parking lot to the newly developed parking area, formerly 716 and 720 Main Street. He noted that the Bank of Elk River has provided financial support for the Farmers Market and Riverfront Concert series. Reasons for relocation include: 1) adequate parking; 2) visibilityto Main Street; and, 3) safety aspects for parking access and patron shopping. Commissioner Koester questioned whether there was adequate parking, and asked where vendors would park She suggested requiring the vendors to unload and park somewhere else. Mr. Benoit stated that theywould look at this option. Commissioner Motin stated that he felt the Farmer's Market would complement the Riverfront Concert series. He did not feel there would be a conflict, since the two events would not be running at the same time. Or theycould be on different days of the week to prevent conflict or overlapping. Mr. Benoit stated that if the dates and times were changed, it could confuse the public. He felt they needed to be consistent throughout the season. Chair Wilson asked if there could be a potential problem for vendors if they made scheduling charrges. Mr. Benoit stated that it could impact some vendors, but that they do end up turning away vendors. He explained that they don't want too many of the same type of vendors. Discussion followed regarding timelines for advertising the Farmer's Market and notifying vendors, as well as the possibility of expanding the Farmer's Market further into the cityparking lot. Commissioner Toth asked if the parking area was not ready, could the Farmer's Market start at Westbound and move to the downtown when it was ready? Mr. Benoit stated that could look at that option. Commissioner Lieser stated that she felt the Farmer's Market would complement the downtown. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER TO AUTHORIZE THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMEN TO RELOCATE THE FARMER'S MARKET TO THE DOWNTOWN PARKING SPACE AT THE FORMER 716 AND 720 MAIN STREET HRA SITE, UPON COMPLETION OF THE IMPROVEMENTS. Housing & Redevelopment Authority February 6, 2012 Page 5 Commissioner Kuester asked who would act on expanding the Farmer's Market further into the parking lot. Commissioner Motin stated the City Council would need to take action on that request. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9. 2012 Housing Study Mr. Wilfahrt reviewed his memo to the HRA regarding a housing study. He explained that the need to recalibrate the cites understanding of its housing stock He stated that $15,000 has been budgeted for this study in 2012. Staff is researching possible grants to help cover the cost of the study. Commissioner Toth asked if rental and low income housing would be included in the study. Mr. Wilfahrt stated yes. Commissioner Motin stated that he recalled the cost for the 2003 CMH partnership study to be less than $1,000. Mr. Wilfahrt stated that he was not sure if that option was available anymore, but he would check MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO OBTAIN QUOTES FOR A HOUSING STUDY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 10. Discuss 2009-2012 Economic Development Strategic Plan The HRA discussed the proposed Strategic Plan. Commissioner Motin stated that the vision and goals statement addresses beautification along the gateway corridors such as Hrghway 10. He explained that East Highway 10 is a short to mid-term plan, which will become more detailed as development starts to occur in this area. Commissioner Kuester stated she would support some type of program for students, modeled after the Leadership Elk River program. She stated she is often taken aback by how little students know about local government functions, development and infrastructure. She stated the Chamber maybe aware if such a program is available. Chair Wilson stated he would be interested in studying possible gaps in the housing stock Commissioner Lieser stated she would support developing tools for businesses to promote the city's brand Mr. Wilfahrt noted that the EDA will be considering the strategic plannuig process again in the 3~ quarter of 2012. 11. Other Business Mr. Wilfahrt stated that the Jackson Street water tower has been nominated for placement on the National (??) Historical Register. Staff hopes that the nomination will open opportunities for grants to restore the tower. ---------------- Faribault Foods will receive the Energy City Business of the Year Award. He noted that the business has received a triple High Five award in 2011. Housing & Redevelopment Authority February 6, 2012 12. Adjournment There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting. The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 7:52 p.m Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner. Tina Allard City Clerk Page 6 Stewart Wilson Chair, Housing and Redevelopment Authority