12-03-2012 HRA MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
• HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2012
Members Present: Chair Wilson,Commissioners Kuester,Lieser,Motin and Toth
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Annie Deckert,Assistant Economic
Development Director Clay Wilfahrt,Finance Director Tim Simon,and
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 Chair Wilson.
2. Consider December 1 2012 HRA Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KUESTER TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 3,2012 HRA AGENDA WITH THE
• FOLLOWING CHANGES:
ITEM 7. —OTHER BUSINESS: COMMISSIONER LIESER ITEM
ITEM 8. —RESOLUTION NO. 12-03
ITEM 9. -ADJOURNMENT
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LIESER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1. NOVEMBER 5,2012 HRA MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. BALANCE SHEET
3.4. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
3.5 BUDGET AMENDMENT—CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
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December 3,2012
5. Decertification of TIF District 16
Tim Simon reviewed the staff report. He explained that the maximum duration of TIF •
District 16 is 25 years after the receipt of the first tax increment in 1999. Since the
obligations of the TIF District will be fulfilled with the receipt of the second half of the 2012
tax increment in December,it is necessary to decertify the TIF District. The HRA is asked
to approve a resolution approving the decertification.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12-02,A
RESOLUTION DECERTIFYING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
DISTRICT NO. 16. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6. 2013—2016 Economic Development Strategic Plan
Ms.Deckert presented the staff report. She stated that staff has updated the goals and
objectives from the 2009-2012 Strategic Plan utilizing the recommendations,conclusions
and goals identified in a number of plans that have been completed over recent years. These
plans include: 1) 171st Focused Area Study;2) Citizen Satisfaction Survey;3) Branding
Implementation Plan;4) Energy City Commission SWOT Analysis; 5) Comprehensive
Housing Market Study;and 6) Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework.
Ms.Deckert reviewed the 2013-2016 priority objectives and strategies identified by staff and
provided details:
• Industrial Development •
• Redevelopment and Rehabilitation
• Community Brand
• Transportation
Commissioner Toth asked how the Natures Edge Business Center is coming along. Ms.
Deckert stated that she has been working with a few prospects interested in the lot.
Additionally,the EDA is working on creating a loan program utilizing approximately
$700,000 in federal funding to help promote city owned property which is anticipated to be
complete early 2013. She stated that staff has numerous inquiries about the property and
program. Ms. Deckert stated that the staff has also been working with CDI regarding the Z-
shaped lot north of their property in the North Star Business Park. She noted that there is a
potential buyer for the north end of this lot. Commissioner Toth asked what information
has the city received regarding extension of the Northstar Corridor to St. Cloud.
Commissioner Motin stated that he serves as the city's representative on the Northstar
Committee,and there is no funding to extend the commuter rail to St. Cloud at this time.
He explained that their discussions are more of a planning nature and does include adding a
second rail,but the cost is extremely high. Chair Wilson asked if the issue is more on
increasing ridership. Commissioner Motin stated that ridership is not what it was expected
to be,and extending the Northstar Corridor to St. Cloud would add to the ridership. He
noted there is a strong push from St. Cloud and the areas in between,with the exception of
Clearwater,to extend services.
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December 3,2012
Commissioner Kuester asked what the cost is for using Burlington Northern's railroad lines.
• Commissioner Motin stated that the cost is per minute using the rails and it is very high. He
added that Burling Northern is in favor of allowing the second rail,but cost is the issue.
Commissioner Kuester asked if the Transportation objective identified in the plan is only for
vehicular traffic,or if it includes pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Ms.Deckert state that the
focus was more toward vehicles,but pedestrian/bicycle improvements could be included if
the HRA wanted to add them. Commissioner Motin noted that the Planning Division is in
charge of street planning.
Commissioner Kuester asked if the issue of adding bike trails is brought up when the
County is planning road improvement projects,especially near schools. Commissioner
Motin stated it was his understanding that several are being looked at at this time. Ms.
Deckert stated that staff could look at what plans are in place and where the gaps are in
pedestrian/bicycle trails.
Commissioner Motin asked if the Strategic Plan was both the HRA's and EDA's plan. Ms.
Deckert stated yes. Commissioner Motin asked if strategies to attract Class I restaurants
could be included in the plan. Ms.Deckert stated staff could look at this issue. She
explained that there was a push for this type of marketing by the EDA back in the early to
mid-2000s and were put in place,utilizing the website and marketing brochures. She
reviewed the existing restaurant recruitment activities and indicated this could be reflected in
the plan if the Commission desired. Commissioner Motin stated that he did not feel there is
a need to change what is in place and he just wanted to be sure this item was included in the
plan somehow. Ms.Deckert stated that the#1 Strategy—Industrial Development, could be
changed to Economic Development with Commercial and Industrial included under this
• topic. Chair Wilson suggested adding Business Development,adding both Commercial and
Industrial under this heading. Commissioner Motin suggested under II.Rehabilitation and
Redevelopment,the same strategy"enhance downtown commercial district through business
recruitment and people generating activities"could also be utilized for the commercial
development.
Commissioner Motin asked if the EDA would be made aware of the HRA's comments on
the plan. Ms.Deckert stated that she will note the HRA's comments in her staff report to
the EDA. She noted that the plan will be presented to the HRA again after the EDA
review.
7. Great River Family Promise
Commissioner Lieser explained that Great River Family Promise is an organization which
provides emergency shelter for families with children in Sherburne and Wright Counties.
She stated that approximately 12 area churches will open their doors to provide meals and
shelter beginning in February 2013. Elk River United Methodist Church has donated the
use of a home for a day center. Commissioner Lieser stated that many items are needed as
well as volunteers to assist at the Day Center with light office work and van drivers. Those
interested in donating or volunteering may contact Maggie Parrish at 612-810-5607 or email
GR.FamilyPromis e @gmail.co m.
8. Resolution 12-03 Recognizing Contributions of HRA Commissioner Jean Lieser
Chair Wilson stated that Jean Lieser's HRA appointment will expire and she is not seeking
reappointment. He stated that she will be greatly missed and that she was a tremendous
• asset on the Commission. He stated that Resolution 12-03 recognizes the contributions of
Housing&Redevelopment Authority Page 4
December 3,2012
Commissioner Lieser while serving on the HRA. Chair Wilson read the resolution at this
time. •
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER TOTH TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12-03,RECOGNIZING
CONTRIBUTIONS OF JEAN LIESER SERVING ON THE ELK RIVER HRA.
Commissioner Toth concurred with Chair Wilson's comments, stating that he has known
Commissioner Lieser even before she served on the HRA. He stated that she provided keen
insights on many issues.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
9. Adjournment
There being no other business,Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
/� �
Stewart Wilson
Chair,Housing and Redevelopment Authority
•