02-04-2002 HR MIN SPECIAL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
• HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2002
Members Present: Chair Toth, Commissioners Thompson, Lieser, Motin and Wilson
Staff Present: Executive Director Catherine Mehelich, Economic Development
Assistant Heidi Hall, City Administrator Pat Klaers, Senior Planner
Scott Harlicker, Planner/Park Planner Chris Leeseberg, City
Engineer Terry Maurer, and City Clerk Sandra Peine
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 February 4,2002 HRA Agenda
COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 4, 2002,
HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER WILSON SECONDED
• THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Downtown Sidewalk Project Summary
Catherine Mehelich indicated that the final project cost for the 2001 Downtown
Sidewalk Improvement is $320,179.17. Catherine noted that the HRA contribution to
the project ;onsisted of$243,465.17, which is approximately $32,000 over the initial
estimate.
City Engineer Terry Maurer discussed the reasons for the overrun. He explained that
the amount of curb and gutter being removed was more than expected which increased
the bid. He indicated that another reason for the overrun involved Northstar Access
and Qwest Communications replacing their facilities under the sidewalk which
extended the period of time the Contractor was working on the project and increased
the number of hours for inspection. Discussion was held regarding whether the HRA
should be responsible for the overrun cost or whether the Council should pick up
some of the overrun. Chair Toth and Commissioner Thompson felt the Council
should pick up some of the overrun cost.
COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE REVISED
INTERFUND LOAN PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE DOWNTOWN
SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER
WILSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
CHAIR TOTH OPPOSED.
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February 4, 2002
4. Downtown Riverfront Revitalization Project
4.1. Review Development Objectives and Design Concepts
Catherine Mehelich reviewed the proposed development objectives. She indicated that
the objectives were compiled following feedback from the December HRA meeting
and individual meetings between staff and HRA commission members.
Chris Leeseberg indicated that in December the HRA reviewed five design concept
options prepared by staff, which were based on previous studies and goals of the HRA.
Chris noted staff has refined the concepts since the last review process. Chris presented
three new concepts to the HRA for review. Following review of the concepts the
HRA noted that the "brick block" buildings located along Jackson Avenue between
Highway 10 and Main Street should be maintained as it helps to establish the
traditional character of the area. It was further noted that the HRA would like to see a
concept, similar to the earlier Best and Hempel concept, which would include
redevelopment of the riverfront area between Parrish Avenue and King Avenue.
4.2. Update on Communication Activities
Catherine Mehelich informed the HRA of the methods that will be used to
communicate with the public regarding the revitalization process. She noted that a
Downtown Riverfront Revitalization Q&A Newsletter would be distributed via the
newspaper, an open house will be held on February 12, and the Star News will have an
article regarding the project in the February 6 edition.
4.3. Review Implementation Policies and Next Steps
Jim Prosser of Ehlers &Associates reviewed implementation policies that are
necessary in order to proceed with the redevelopment project. Discussion topics
included the possible need to use the HRA power of eminent domain, the Historical
Context Study, and requests for financial assistance.Jim indicated that the next step
will involve soliciting developer proposals. Commissioner Motin suggested it is
important that the Mayor and City Council concur with the HRA on the project goal,
objectives, and process. Ms. Mehelich stated that the February 25, 2002, HRA meeting
will be held jointly with the City Council.
Chair Toth noted that there was a lot of redevelopment potential north of the railroad
tracks, which could be impacted by Highway 10 interregional corridor plans.
4.4. Consider Property for Sale Located in Revitalization Project Area
Catherine Mehelich indicated that a piece of property located within the HRA's
S identified revitalization project area is for sale. The property is located at 204 Lowell
Avenue and the asking price is $74,900. The HRA discussed the merit of purchasing
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February 4, 2002
the P Y P ro ert . Commissioner Motin indicated that he would like to know the actual
value of the property before making a decision. It was the consensus of the HRA to
take no action on the purchase of the property at this time.
5. Adjournment
There being no other business, COMMISSIONER WILSON 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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