04-06-2015 HRA MINMeeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April 6, 2015
Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Burandt, Chuba, Kuester, and Toth
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Community Operations and Development Deputy Director Jeremy Barnhart;
Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic
Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, Planner Zack Carlton and Sr.
Administrative Assistant 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. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 4/6/2015 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Kuester and seconded by Commissioner Chuba to approve
the April 6, 2015, agenda. Motion carried 5 -0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Toth and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve
the following consent agenda:
4.1 March 2, 2015, Regular Meeting Minutes
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Balance Sheet
4.4 Revenue/ Expenditure Report
4.5 Housing Rehab Report
Motion carried 5 -0.
5. Open Forum - No one appeared for Open Forum.
6.1 Public Hearings - None
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2
April 6, 2015
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7.1 Housing TIF
Jeremy Barnhart reviewed changes to the Housing TIF policy. He noted that the policy will
be brought back to the HRA at their next meeting for final review and approval.
Chair Wilson noted the following change to be made on the scoring sheet: The word "not"
needs to be inserted after "will" in the Pay -as- you -go TIF line. Also, the numbering needs
to be revised (1 — 9, not 1 — 11).
Mr. Barnhart noted that the housing TIF is for low to moderate income projects.
7.2 Rehabilitation Loan Program Update
Colleen Eddy provided an update on the HRA Rehabilitation Loan Program. She stated that
two projects are in process and three are ready for construction, pending HRA approval of
the repayment agreements.
Motion by Commissioner Chuba and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve
the repayment agreements for three projects, as recommended by staff. Motion
carried 5 -0.
7.3 Downtown Lighting
Amanda Othoudt presented the staff report. She provided details for the two proposals
which were submitted; one by Rainbow Holiday Design Company of Minnetonka, and one
by Emerald Companies of Waite Park.
Discussion followed regarding maintenance of the lighting, leaving the lights up year -round
and the quality of the lighting.
Wendy Simonson, Downtown Rivers Edge representative, stated that they do not have the
equipment to put up the lights, but they would be willing to take down the existing lights to
save costs. She stated that the business owners would like to see the lights up year -round
and new lights are needed.
Ms. Othoudt stated that the estimates she obtained include taking down the lights, but if the
lights are to be left up, the cost of removal and storage would be eliminated.
Commissioner Chuba asked who pays for the cost of the lighting. Chair Wilson stated that
he assumed the HRA did. Ms. Othoudt stated that the cost is budgeted in the HRA Other
Professional Services line item for 2015.
Mr. Barnhart suggested the HRA authorize approval up to $4,000 for the lights and staff
would work with the two bidders to negotiate an agreement for putting up the lights and
maintenance. Commissioner Chuba suggested that the HRA take up the offer by the Rivers
Edge group to remove the existing lights, thereby reducing the cost. Ms. Simonson stated
that she would present the idea to the group at their meeting on Wednesday.
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes
April 6, 2015
Page 3
Chair Wilson noted that if the cost was more than $4,000, staff would come back to the
HRA for approval.
The HRA concurred that staff should look at both lowest cost and quality.
Motion by Commissioner Toth and seconded by Commissioner Chuba to authorize
staff to negotiate an agreement for up to $4,000 in costs for commercial quality
lighting of the downtown trees. Motion carried 5 -0.
7.4 Downtown Beautification Update
Zack Carlton reviewed the current downtown beautification projects, including the tree
replacements along Main Street and plantings for the King Avenue parking lot. He asked if
the HRA had any specific goals or additional projects in mind. Commissioner Toth asked
how the trees will be watered. Mr. Carlton stated there is irrigation for the trees.
Commissioner Toth asked how the tree replacement project will affect the lighting project.
Mr. Carlton explained.
Commissioner Chuba asked when the paver project is expected to start. Mr. Barnhart stated
that the crosswalk and alley are expected to be completed first, beginning early spring, noting
that the barricades are already up. He stated that the rest of the project will be completed
later this summer.
8. Announcements
Colleen Eddy noted that the draft Demolition Loan Program has been sent to the City
Attorney for review. She stated that she hopes to present the document at the May meeting.
Commissioner Chuba noted that it was his understanding that the loan may not necessarily
be repaid and that the purpose is to clear lots on blighted properties, where it will be a good
investment for future development.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority at 6:12.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
C
Tina ATaid. Citx Clerk
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Stewart Wilson, Chair
Housing & Redevelopment Authority