12-03-2001 HR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
• HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2001
Members Present: Commissioners Thompson,Lieser,Motin and Wilson—Chair Toth (arrived
at 5:35 pm)
Staff Present: Executive Director Catherine Mehelich, City Administrator Pat Klaers,
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker,Planner/Park Planner Chris Leeseberg, and
Building and Zoning Administrator Stephen Rohlf
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 Vice Chair Wilson.
2. Consider 12/3/01 I-IRA Agenda
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 3,
2001, HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
• 3. Consider Consent Agenda
COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. 10/22/01 HRA MINUTES—APPROVED
3.2. CHECK REGISTER—APPROVED
3.3. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT—ACCEPTED
3.4. BALANCE SHEET—ACCEPTED
COMMISSIONER LIESER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one present for Open Mike.
5. Business Items
5.1. Update on Historic context Study
Stephen Rohlf indicated that the City has received four proposals for completion of the
historic context study of Elk River,which includes a Phase 1 survey in the Downtown
Redevelopment Study Area. He explained that the context study would identify the historical
• themes significant to the heritage and development of Elk River. He further explained that
the Phase 1 survey would be used to determine which buildings in the Downtown
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2
December 3, 2001
Redevelopment Study area are potentially historically significant. Steve indicated that the
Heritage Preservation Commission has reviewed the proposals and is recommending that
the HRA hire Carole Zellie to complete the study within the$12,000 budget.
Steve explained that the State Historic Preservation Office requires a Phase II,which
evaluates the buildings identified as potentially significant during Phase 1 before they can be
razed. He indicated Phase II was not included in any of the proposals.
COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO HIRE CAROL ZELLIE TO
COMPLETE THE CONTEXT STUDY FOR ELK RIVER INCLUDING PHASE I
AND AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE OF PHASE II. COMMISSIONER TVEITE
SECONDED THE MOTION.THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5.2. Core Central Business District Concept Refinement
Catherine Mehelich indicated that in October the HRA began steps to develop a concept for
the redevelopment within the Core CBD. She noted that since that meeting, staff has met
with members of the development community for the purpose of receiving input regarding
redevelopment in the Core CBD.Jim Prosser of Ehlers and Associates relayed the feedback
received from the developers on the concept refinement and redevelopment process.
Commissioner Toth arrived at 5:35 p.m.
The I-IRA reviewed the Preliminary Concept Summary.The following amendments were
• made by the I-RA:
A. Delete"such as children's theater"under Problem Statements.
B. Add the following to the end of the first Goal—"by making a connection to the rest
of the community and utilizing the riverfront location."
The HRA identified this revised first goal statement as the primary goal for the CBD.
Chris Leeseberg,Planner/Park Planner,presented downtown redevelopment concept
options. He presented five options including one option of doing nothing and another
option of starting with a clean slate.
The HRA discussed all of the options. The following issues evolved from the discussion:
• Disapprove of not allowing a left turn from Otsego
• New developments should ensure adequate parking
• The need to keep Jackson Square as parking
• Access to the downtown is a necessary component of any Highway 10 improvement
project
• Some type of housing development is necessary to enhance the retail
• Service oriented businesses for the downtown area are important
Catherine encouraged the commissioners to review the options during the next month, to
make notes on their concept drawings,and to be prepared to give staff direction with
•
specific ideas at the January HRA meeting.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 3
December 3, 2001
6. Update on Economic Development Assistant Position
Catherine noted that staff is recommending that the Council hire Heidi Hall as Economic
Development Assistant. She indicated that Heidi would be starting on December 17.
7. Other Business
There was no other business.
7. Adjournment
There being no other business, COMMISSIONER TOTH MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Sandra Peine
City Clerk
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