05-28-2002 HR MIN SPECIAL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AND CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE
ELK RIVER CITY HALL, MONDAY, MAY 28, 2002
Members Present: Chair Toth, Commissioners Thompson,Lieser,Motin and Wilson
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Klinzing,Councilmembers Dietz (5:10 p.m.),Tveite
(5:20 p.m.), and Kuester
Staff Present: Executive Director, Catherine Mehelich,Economic Development
Assistant Heidi Hall, City Administrator Pat Klaers,Building and
Zoning Administrator Steve Rohl f,Recording Secretary Tina
Allard, City Engineer Terry Maurer,Director of Planning Michele
McPherson,Senior Planner Scott Harlicker, and Planner Chris
Leeseberg
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 May 28.2002 HRA Agenda
• COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 28,2002,
HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER WILSON SECONDED
THE MOTION.THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
COMMISSIONER WILSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. APRIL 22,2002 HRA MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
3.4. BALANCE SHEET
COMMISSIONER LIESER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one present for Open Mike.
•
5. Consider Appointment of HRA Commissioner to Sherburne County Habitat for Humanity
• Board of Directors
Executive Director Catherine Mehelich stated that a Sherburne County Habitat for
Humanity Chapter is in the formation process. She stated that the Chapter is establishing a
board of directors and would like a member of the HRA Commission to serve on the board.
Commissioner Lieser stated that the first habitat house is going to be built in Zimmerman.
She said that during the first year the Habitat for Humanity Chapter is being established the
main concern for the board would be the amount of hours involved to get the Chapter
organized.
Mayor Klinzing stated that Habitat for Humanity is needed in the community.
Commissioner Lieser stated that she would be willing to serve on the Board.
CHAIR TOTH MOVED TO APPOINT JEAN LIESER TO THE HABITAT FOR
HUMANITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON
SECONDED THE MOTION.THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.1. Downtown Revitalization Project Update
Catherine Mehelich stated that staff is completing an analysis of five development proposals
received for the downtown revitalization project that began in March.A summary report will
be presented to the HRA at their June 24 meeting.
• 6.2. Historic Context Study&Phase II Inventory Report—Carole Zellie,Landscape Research.
Inc.
Catherine Mehelich stated that Carole Zellie, of Landscape Research Inc., completed a
Historic Contexts Study of the downtown. Ms. Mehelich introduced Ms. Zellie,who
presented the results of her study.
Carole Zellie presented a photo slide show of downtown Elk River today and in the past.
She stated that her study objectives were twofold:preservation planning and compliance
with government regulation. She identified the historical themes of significance to Elk River.
She stated that none of the downtown properties were eligible for the National Historic
Register but two buildings, located at 641 Main Street and 313 Jackson Avenue, are
important historic structures, as they have maintained much of the original integrity
compared to other structures. She stated that properties developed in later years, such as the
1950's style Kemper Drug Store, should not be ignored for their significance as
representative structures of the time period they were originally built. She stated that the
city's priority for retaining properties needs to be determined by economic conditions of
restoring versus redeveloping.
Catherine Mehelich questioned if the city should create a specific historical theme for
downtown Elk River or if it should stay as it is. Ms. Zellie stated that some of the new
development design should incorporate the older period styles. She wouldn't recommend
creating a 1900's theme because some of the newer properties have significance also of their
own time period. She stated that there are false facades on the front of many of the
properties and that the facades should be pulled off to see to what extent the original facade
remains underneath.
• Mayor Klinzing questioned if the mill on the north side of Highway 10 had any significant
historical value.Ms. Zellie stated that agricultural buildings are not a particular theme style
and the mill does not have National Register significance but it may be of significance to the
Elk River community.
Catherine Mehelich stated that the planning department is working on establishing design
guidelines for new construction in the downtown area. The guidelines may incorporate
traditional design characteristics as recommended by the historic contexts study.
7. Other Business
Chair Toth stated that he requested staff to research other community participation with
Habitat for Humanity programs and affordable housing. He would like some affordable
housing to be included in the downtown revitalization plan.
8. 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 5:50 p.m.
• / /t
Tina Allard
Recording Secretary
I