3.1 EDA MINUTES 06-04-2012 DRAFT
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY,JUNE 4, 2012
Members Present: Chair Wilson,Commissioners Kuester,Lieser,Motin and Toth
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Annie Deckert,Assistant Director of
Economic Development Clay Wilfahrt,and Recording Secretary Debbie
Huebner
Also Present:
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 Chair Wilson.
2. Consider June 4,2012 HRA Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER TOTH TO APPROVE THE JUNE 4, 2012 HRA AGENDA
AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1 MAY 7,2012 HRA MINUTES
3.2 CHECK REGISTER
3.3 BALANCE SHEET
3.4 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Forum-No one appeared for Open Forum.
5. Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program,Central Minnesota Housing Partnership Presentation
Mr.Wilfahrt introduced Deanna Hemmesch of Central Minnesota Housing Partnership
(CMHP)provided information on CMHP's Rental Rehab Deferred Loan Program. The
program has $2,000,000 available in funding for rehab projects for rental property owners of
6 or more units. She reviewed some of the program criteria from the brochure in the packet
to the Commission dated June 4,2012. She explained that the loan is 0%interest,and up to
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June 4,2012
1/4 of the loan can be forgivable in the last 7 years of compliance. Ms.Hemmesch noted that
applications are due July 11th and loans will be awarded August 27th.
Chair Wilson asked how CM P protects itself. Ms.Hemmesch stated that the loans are 2
or 3td place mortgages.
Commissioner Lieser asked how the program is being advertised. Ms.Hemmesch stated
that the information was sent out to all property managers on mailing list CMHP keeps.
Also,the information was sent to prior applicants who did not receive an award and a press
release was placed in the County newspapers. Ms.Hemmesch stated that more
presentations such as this one will be made in other communities.
Commissioner Kuester asked where the money goes that is paid back Ms.Hemmesch
stated that it goes back into the state-allocated fund and then can be re-allocated in future
programs.
Chair Wilson asked how the HRA can help. Ms.Hemmesch stated they can help by getting
the word out to rental property owners.
Ms.Hemmesch stated that similar programs have been used in Elk River and Sherburne
County,byDominium Group,Brutger Companies,etc.
Commissioner Toth asked if this information could be incorporated into the housing study.
Ms.Deckert stated that Maxfield is doing the housing study and staff could ask them to
convey this information to property owners when contacting them.
Chair Wilson stated that he felt it was a good program and he hoped that Elk River rental
property owners will take advantage of it.
6. Main Street Parking Plaza Update
Ms.Deckert provided an update on the Main Street Parking Plaza project. She stated that
there are over 50 emails being sent via Constant Contact to update downtown businesses
and property owners on construction progress. Ms.Deckert stated that they are on track for
opening the Farmer's Market on June 28th,and that construction is to be completed by June
22nd. She stated the Farmer's Market will be held on Thursdays from 2—6 p.m.
Commissioner Toth questioned what sort of confusion it was that Ms.Deckert referred to in
the email updates. Ms.Deckert explained that CenturyLink was doing some upgrades and
some of the downtown businesses may have been getting some incorrect information in
speaking with Century Link workers. Ms.Deckert referred the Commission to the
attachment in the packet which shows 369 public parking spots in the downtown. She noted
that concern has been expressed regarding the need to sign all public parking areas.
Chair Wilson asked if it appears the parking behind the businesses,such as Daddy O's is
being utilized. Ms.Deckert stated that it appears to be full at lunch time. She noted that a
sign will be placed to designate this lot as "public parking".
Commissioner Toth stated that he is aware the downtown task force has discussed public
parking signage and Chris Leeseberg is working on this.
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June 4,2012
Chair Wilson stated that the BRA is anxious to see the parking lot improvements completed
and feels it will be very positive for the downtown.
7. Other Business
Ms.Deckert stated that the MN Home Ownership Center is doing well in their foreclosure
prevention education outreach. She noted that staff is doing quarterly mailings to businesses
and non-profits regarding current foreclosure prevention information.
Commissioner Toth asked how the housing study was coming along. Mr.Wilfahrt stated
that Maxfield has all the information they requested and the study should be completed in
July.
Ms.Deckert indicated that the consultant would be coming to the HRA meeting in July to
give the final presentation.
8. Adjournment
There being no other business,Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
Stewart Wilson
Chair,Housing and Redevelopment Authority