8.1. SR 07-15-2013 �i
EOty lk Request for Action
River
TO ITEM NUMBER
Mayor and City Council 8.1
AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY
General Business July 15, 2013 Jeremy Barnhart,Deputy Director,
CODD
ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By
Comprehensive Plan Update Cal Portner, City Administrator
REVIEWED BY
Action Requested
Item presented for information only. No action is required.
Background/Discussion
The 2014 Comprehensive Plan update is well underway. To date, there have been two Citizen Advisory
Committee (CAC) meetings held. Members currently represent the City Council, Planning Commission,
Parks and Recreation Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Energy City Commission,
Chamber of Commerce, and Sherburne County. Seats for the School District or the Rivers Edge group
have not been filled.
Thus far, the CAC has reviewed the vision, and have started to understand plans and projects completed
since the 2004 update.
Moving forward, the CAC intends to use the following vision statements,which are a marriage of the
2004 vision and the 2010 vision:
Elk River 2014 Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement
Abounding in natural beauty, Elk River is a vibrant,historic rivertown that promotes an active
lifestyle in an innovative and involved community offering unlimited opportunities.
Building off of this Vision Statement, the future of Elk River consists of several themes,including:
1. Maintain a distinct identity for Elk River
• Elk River will keep an identity and character "all its own."
• Natural, cultural, and historical resources of the community are essential ingredients of Elk
River's identity.
• Elk River seeks to grow in a manner that preserves the qualities of its "small town" heritage.
2. Create and maintain strong neighborhoods
• Neighborhoods are the basic building blocks of Elk River and are the reason people stay in
Elk River.
• Residential development is judged on both aesthetics and function.
P o w E H E U e r
ATURE
■ Commercial corridors are the most visible aspect of our community and shape our views
and attitudes about the community.
3. Keep Elk River a "safe" place
• Elk River is a place where people feel comfortable and secure.
• Traffic safety is an important factor in all aspects of community development.
• A system of streets, sidewalks, and trails encourages safe and convenient movement
throughout the city.
• Municipal services (police, fire,water treatment) create both the perception and reality of
safety.
4. Preserve and maintain the environment
• Elk River seeks to promote clean air and water in the management of development and
delivery of municipal services.
• Development must be served by well maintained and reliable infrastructure.
• Development seeks to incorporate and blend the built and natural environments.
• Rural,undeveloped areas are part of the Elk River environment.
• As Energy City,Elk River seeks to promote sustainable and energy efficient forms of
development.
5. Make Elk River a complete place
• Community and economic development policies will seek to attract employment
opportunities and goods and services needed by the community.
• The expansion of local employment creates more opportunities for people to live and work
in Elk River.
• Planning and decision-making must recognize that the population of Elk River is not a single
commodity. Difference in age, economic status, and ethnicity must be considered in
planning for future development, facilities, and services.
• Recreational and cultural opportunities are vital elements of a complete place and the
strength of the Elk River Brand.
• A quality education system attracts and keeps people in Elk River.
6. Work to achieve the vision
• Everyone shares responsibility for achieving the vision. It is not the sole responsibility of city
government.
• The city will seek collaborative efforts with other partners who have shared interests in
achieving this vision.
Moving forward,the first of two open houses are planned for Wednesday,July 24, from 4-7 p.m. The
last open house is scheduled for December 18.
Additionally, Councilmembers and other residents are encouraged to complete the survey found on the
website. The results from this survey help the CAC make decisions on the evolution of the community.
Attachments
None