5.6. SR 11-16-1998ity of
River
FROM:
Item # 5.6.
MEMORANDUM
The Mayor and City Council
Stephen Wensman, Planner ~:~%//
DATE:
November 16, 1998
SUBJECT: City Monument Sign Update
Overview
The "Welcome to Elk River" sign by Lake Orono was badly damaged in a
spring storm and is in need of replacement. Members of the Chamber of
Commerce approached City Staff and asked if the City was going to repair or
replace the sign. Staff saw this as an opportunity for cooperation between the
Chamber and the City to replace the old sign with one that better serves the
community.
The Chamber established a Sign Task Force including representatives from
the city, businesses, and service organizations to research potential sign
options for the Lake Orono location and other entrances to the City.
The Process
City Staff developed some initial sketches of possible signs for discussion
purposes. The discussion topics included process, materials, maintenance,
funding and design. The Sign Task Force then narrowed the scope of the
project and arrived at an initial sign budget. Next the city hired HKGi to
develop some design concepts. Three concepts were developed and presented
to the Task Force. Paul Steinman will be discussing funding with the EDA
in near future. A presentation and recommendation will be made to the City
Council in the new year.
Staff has been soliciting comments and has submitted an article in "The
Current." The Chamber has asked for comments in its newsletter. So far, the
response to the proposed sign has been very positive and in favor of Option B.
Budget
An initial overall budget was set at $12,000; $2,000 for sign design, and
$10,000 (estimate) for construction. Preliminary estimates for the concepts
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 * Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Elk River Entry Sign
Preliminary Cost Estimates
Option A
Common Excavation
Foundation - piers with a grade beam
Cast in place concrete backdrop
Painted metal lettering and logo
Stone clad pier with precast cap
(3) uplights
Planting
Subtotal
10% Contingency
Total Preliminary Cost Estimate - Qption A
Option B
Common Excavation
Foundation - piers with a grade beam
Cast in place concrete backdrop
Painted metal lettering and logo
Stone clad pier with precast cap
(3) uplights
Dry laid boulder wall
Planting
Subtotal
10% Contingency
$900.00
$2,4O0.00
$4,100.00
$3,80O.00
$2,850.0O
$1,400.00
$1,800.00
$900.00
$2,400.OO
$4,65O.OO
$3,800.0O
$3,050.00
$1,400.00
$1,35O.OO
$1,625.O0
10/5/98
$17,250.00
$1,725.OO
$18,975.00
$19,175.00
$1,917.50
Total Preliminary Cost Estimate - Option B $21,092.50
./
WELCOME TO
Elk River
WELCOME
-/
0~.~$
Property Tax Rankings -
MN verses other states
$100,000 Value
1995 1998
Commercial 9th 9th
Industrial 18th 19th
$1,000,000 Value
1995 1998
Commercial 1st 3rd
Industrial 1st 7th
Home
Home
$70,000 Value
1995 1998
27th 29th
$150,000 Value
1995 1998
14th 19th
Apartments
$600,000 Value
1995 1998
2nd 4th
This comparison by the Minnesota
Taxpayers Association shows
rankings for business property in
the largest city of every state. They
demonstrate some progress for
business property while at the same
time, home and apartment rankings
also dropped.
We can not let policy makers lose
sight of property tax reform during
the 1999 Legislative Session. We
must continue to work to drop
Minnesota's business property tax
ranking, at least out of the top ten.
For the financial health of your business,
come to Norwest for a free second opinion
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To The Ntt~ Degree'
Anoka O~ce
20 t 5?,rd Avenue North
Chair Message
October went by like a flash and the
boat is out of the water. The month
had many interesting meetings
including George Zimmer, CEO of
The Men's Warehouse. His manage-
ment style and approach to his
employees was very refreshing. The
joint meeting with the Anoka Area,
MetroNorth and North HennePin
Chamber led to many networking
experiences. The candidate forum
was great. I hope we can expand the
event in the future with more time.
The Great River Round Table held a
multi-county planning session of
Sherbume, Benton and Steams
Counties. It is an important process
that could impact our lives and
business' dramatically. I was
alarmed that only two Elk River
residents took part in the process.
becomes reality it could be a real
boon for our community.
The Sign Task Force reviewed sign
designs and is seeking opinions on
the sign design listed in the article
below. I attended the economic
development and marketing
committee meetings. We have very
enthusiastic and dedicated people
involved in our committees!
Leadership grads will be receiving a
letter to plan the next leadership
class and a list of groups that need
your leadership skills.
Central Business District Planning
continues· I haven't used crayons for
many decades, I just can't stay
within the lines even though I am a
surveyor. This is area planning is
important for business and property
owners.
The Northstar Corridor is gaining
momentum and there may be
funding available. If the transit
The Breakfast With the Board series
is starting next month· Please attend,
we need your feedback to serve
membership better.
- Lynn Caswell, Chairman
New Elk River Sign
The Sign Task Force has discussed replacement options for the sign that blew
down at Lake Orono. The following design is being considered.
The proposed sign will be approximately 25 feet x 5 feet with ground lighting
and raised metal logo and lettering. The Task Force is seeking input on the
~roposed design. Fax your comments to the Chamber office at 441-3409.
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441-7789 or 263-3201
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15945 227th Ave. NW Elk River, MN
Chad Vitzthum
COMPLETE BUSINESS BANKING SERVICES
Marquette Bank
Otsego
15570 NE gOth Street · Otsego, MN 55330
Phone/Fax 612-241-1085
Native field stone to sicily the importance of
both mining and the Rivers to Elk River.
Annuals or Perennials are used to add seasonal
color to the foreground of the sign.
EleVation of Sign Option B
Sign backdrop could be colored concrete to
mimic the color of sand or gravel.
Text and logo are proposed to be painted metal
plate attached to the fi~ont of the sign.
The profile of the sign is intended to recall the
lines of stockpiled sand and gravel, as well as
the icebreakers in the Mississippi River up-
stream of the bridge columns.
The left side of the sign is anchored by a dry laid
boulder wall that acts as a planter for a bed of ev-
ergreen shrubs.
Elevation of Sign Option B
The sign should be located in a manner t,"
that accentuates the view to Lake Orono
beyond, j ~, ,
should be extended to
The Prairie planting
a point very near the sign, and again after
the sign to integrate thesign into a slice of
"native" Elk River. ~_
~~,y. ' The sign should also be located next to the
--~-~. stand of pine to allow them to act as a vi-
~ ~ sual anchor to the entry sign.
Perspective View of Sign B Looking East from Hwy. 10
Elk. River Entry Sign Studies
Sign Option B
Oct. 1998
Ell -River
The orientation of the sign needs to
relate to the point on Hwy. 10 at
which the sign becomes visible.
;t
Perspective View of Sign A Looking East from Hwy. 10
Elk River Entry Sign Studies oct. 1998
Sign Option A