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04-23-2001 HR MIN • MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2001 Members Present: Commissioners Thompson,Toth,Motin and Wilson Members Absent: Commissioner Huntington Staff Present: Cathy Mehelich, Executive Director; Marc Nevinski Assistant Director; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent;Terry Maurer, City Engineer; and Pat Klaers, City Administrator 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 5:00 p.m. by Chair Toth. 2. Consider April 23, 2001 HRA Agenda COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 23, 2001, HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consider Consent Agenda COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1. MARCH 26, 2001 HRA MINUTES—APPROVED 3.2. CHECK REGISTER—APPROVED 3.3. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT—APPROVED 3.4. BALANCE SHEET -APPROVED COMMISSIONER WILSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. - 4. Open Mike Cliff Lundberg requested the HRA to consider a donation for a mural project on the cinema building. Cliff Lundberg distributed copies of a proposal to paint the mural. Mr. Lundberg indicated that he has submitted several grants to help fund the project and has already received some of the grant money. He requested the HRA and the • City to consider contributing$5,000 toward the project. HRA Minutes Page 2 April 23,2001 • Commissioner Thompson suggested passing this request onto the Council. Commissioner Motin indicated that this is not the time to consider this request as the downtown marketing study is not complete, and it is uncertain as to whether this mural will fit into the downtown plan. It was the consensus to refer this item to the City Council. 5. Downtown Sidewalk Project Update Executive Director Catherine Mehelich informed the HRA that the Council approved a resolution to accept a bid for the downtown sidewalk project. Catherine also noted that the Downtown River's Edge Committee has reviewed a proposed beautification plan. Terry Maurer, City Engineer,gave an update on the bid results. He indicated that the bid came in 20% under the estimate. He noted that the need for curb and gutter replacement could over-run the bid amount causing the final cost to be slightly higher. Terry also updated the HRA on the construction schedule. Phil Hals discussed the beautification aspects of the project. The beautification aspects include elimination and replacement of some of the boulevard trees, the addition of flower planters, a change of tree grates, and new trash containers. Phil listed the following components and cost estimates: • • 18 Planters at$489 each • 13 Trash Receptacles at$489 each • 10 Boulevard Trees at$2000 • 21 Boulevard Electrical Connections at$2100 • Tree Grate Metal Modification $250 • Total: $19,509 Discussion was held about whose responsibility it would be to take care of the planters. Phil noted that the city would be responsible for the care of the planters. Catherine Mehelich noted that the River's Edge Group offered to contribute the flowers on an annual basis. City Administrator Pat Klaers explained that the downtown project,including beautification and curb replacement will cost the HRA approximately $211,000. Pat Klaers handed out and reviewed a payment plan for the HRA. The original estimate for the project was $290,000 and it is now estimated that the project total will be in the $280,000 range,including the beautification components. Commissioner Thompson indicated that as long as the project stays within the budget and the sidewalks and curbs are replaced, he is in favor of the beautification • aspect of the project. The HRA members concurred with Commissioner Thompson. HRA Minutes Page 3 April 23,2001 • The HRA noted that the trees should be addressed first and the other components of the beautification project be completed when it is determined that the project will fall within budget. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT TO INCLUDE ALL COMPONENTS AS LONG AS THE PROJECT STAYS WITHIN BUDGET. COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED PAYMENT PLAN BY CITY STAFF WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE HRA CAN AMEND THE PLAN IF NECESSARY. COMMISSIONER WILSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 6. Downtown Redevelopment Plan Catherine Mehelich indicated that the downtown redevelopment plan was divided into three phases. She indicated that staff is ready to begin the second phase of the process which is "Vision for Future Development." She noted that a proposed meeting will include the HRA, Planning Commission and River's Edges Downtown Association. COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HRA FOR MAY 8, 2001,AT 6:30 P.M. TO BE HELD AT CITY HALL FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 7. Discussion on ECM Publishers, Inc. Downtown Property Catherine Mehelich reported on the two Main Street properties that are for sale. Catherine reviewed options available to the HRA which include: 1. Initiating the redevelopment project by investing in the acquisition, site preparation, and marketing for new development or rehabilitation. 2. Assisting in financing or coordinating desired redevelopment proposals brought forth from the private sector. Catherine noted that staff is recommending that the HRA wait to make a decision on this issue until after the joint worksession with the Planning Commission and River's Edge Downtown Association. Commissioner Motin indicated he would be more interested in helping to finance • private redevelopment of the property rather than redeveloping the site. HRA Minutes Page 4 April 23,2001 • Commissioner Wilson indicated he felt that this was an opportunity and that the HRA or city should consider assisting in the project. 8. Other Business Catherine Mehelich informed the HRA that Ron's Foods was for sale. She noted that the listing agent has been informed that the City may be interested in selling its property at the same time. 9. Adjournment There being no other business, COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Sandra Peine • City Clerk •