09-23-2002 HR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2002
Members Present: Chair Toth, Commissioners Thompson,Lieser (5:04 P.M.), and Motin
Members Absent: Commissioner Wilson
Staff Present: Executive Director Catherine Mehelich,Economic Development Assistant
Heidi Hall, City Administrator Pat Klaers, 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 September 23, 2002 HRA Agenda
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 23,
2002, HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER MOTIN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
• 3. Consider Consent Agenda
COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. AUGUST 26,2002, HRA MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
3.4. BALANCE SHEET
3.5. RESOLUTION 02-02 APPROVING TAX INCREMENT
FINANCING DISTRICT #16 INTERFUND LOAN FOR KING
AND MAIN PROJECT
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one present for Open Mike.
5. Comprehensive Plan Update
Chair Toth gave an update on the last Comprehensive Plan meeting.
• 6. Sherburne County Chapter Habitat for Humanity Update
Update provided by Commissioner Lieser.
• 7. Housing Information
Catherine Mehelich indicated that the HRA has requested information on programming or
projects that may be considered to address housing issues. She indicated that there are
numerous types of projects and levels of involvement that the HRA can consider. Catherine
explained that the beginning step should be to establish priority goals and objectives. She
recommended that the HRA develop a strategic plan for housing,which would establish
goals and objectives and identify priority programs. She suggested that the HRA consider
some consulting services to facilitate the process and complete the plan.
Catherine also discussed the possibility of having a work session and to invite representatives
from Fridley,Richfield and the Central MN Housing Partnership to present information
about their existing programs.
Catherine informed the HRA of a conference on housing options and invited the HRA
members to attend.
It was the consensus of the HRA to wait until the first of the year to move forward on the
housing issues.
8. Downtown Revitalization Project Update
Catherine Mehelich provided an update on the downtown revitalization project. She
reviewed the preliminary development agreement summary provided by Ehlers and
. Associates. She indicated that staff and the developer have agreed upon a preliminary
development period of 6-months. Catherine stated that the preliminary development
agreement would be prepared for the HRA's consideration at its October meeting.
Catherine indicated that Ehlers and Associates has recommended that staff go out for
request for proposals to engineering firms who can complete the property inspections for
the tax increment finance redevelopment qualifications. Chair Toth questioned how the
engineering firm would be paid.The City Administrator indicated that this service is typically
paid by the HRA and recovered via TIF revenues from the completed project. If no project
ever happens, then this is just an HRA expense.
8.1. Communications
Heidi Hall indicated that staff has completed several communication efforts regarding the
downtown revitalization project.Heidi informed the HRA that the Q&A newsletter has
previously been distributed via newspaper distribution. She indicated that another way for
distribution of the newsletter is bulk mail. She reviewed the price differences between
newspaper distribution and a bulk mail distribution. It was the consensus of the HRA that
the Q&A newsletter continue to be distributed to the public as an insert in the Star News.
Commissioner Motin made some recommendations for changes to the draft October edition
of the Q&A newsletter.
9. Consider First Draft of Business Subsidy Policy
• Catherine Mehelich reviewed the first draft of the business subsidy policy. She explained that
the purpose of establishing the policy is to set a minimum wage floor for all types of projects
• that receive business subsidy assistance from the city. Catherine stated that the policy
includes $15.00 per hour and indicated that the wage is considered a minimum wage and not
an average wage. She further indicated that the EDA concurred with the $15.00 per hour
minimum wage.
Commissioner Lieser questioned whether the minimum wage of$15.00 would deter
businesses from moving to Elk River. Catherine stated that per the IVIN Business Subsidy
law, the city has the flexibility to deviate from its policy with appropriate documentation or a
public hearing. Catherine stated the 2002 Business Retention visits indicated an average
industry wage of$14.94 per hour. She indicated that recent prospects have also proposed
wages at$15 per hour.
The HRA reviewed the policy and concurred with the proposed$15.00 minimum wage.
10. Meeting Schedule
City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that the topic of city meeting schedules has been
discussed by the Council. He noted that the reason for looking at alternative meeting times is
due to the EDA and HRA meetings running over schedule and into the Council meetings.
The HRA discussed several possibilities for meeting schedules.
Following discussion of the issue it was the consensus of the HRA members that they
preferred to meet on the fourth Monday of the month at 5:00 p.m. It was suggested that the
Council meetings be moved to 6:30 p.m.
• 11. Other Business
There was no other business.
12. Adjournment
There being no other business, COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED4-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:02 p.m.
Sandra A. Peine
City Clerk
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