05-27-2003 HR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
• HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2003
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,Director of Planning Michele
McPherson,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 May 27. 2003 HRA Agenda
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 27, 2003,
HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER WILSON SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
• COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. APRIL 28, 2003 HRA MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE SHEET
3.4. BALANCE SHEET
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one present for Open Mike.
5. Comprehensive Plan Update
Chair Toth indicated that there have been no Comprehensive Plan Task Force Meetings
since the last HRA meeting.
Catherine Mehelich indicated that a draft of the comprehensive plan would be distributed to
the HRA members on May 30,2003. She noted that a special meeting has been scheduled
for June 5,2003 to review the plan.
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HRA Minutes Page 2
May 27, 2003
• 6. Downtown Revitalization Project Update
Catherine Mehelich provided an update on the downtown revitalization project. Ms.
Mehelich noted that Richard Hinrichs has contacted the City in regard to his interest in
selling property he owns at 641 Main Street.Ms. Mehelich indicated that the property is
located in the redevelopment area. She stated that the HRA's attorney,Jim O'Meara,and
Ehlers &Associates have advised staff that it is in the best interest of the HRA not to
purchase the property at this time. If the HRA purchased the property prior to establishment
of the TIF district, the costs associated with the purchase would not be reimbursable with
TIF revenues. She also stated that if the redevelopment project does not happen, the HRA
would be left owning the property.
Mr. Richard Hinrichs requested that the HRA move as fast as possible on the
redevelopment project as his not being able to sell the property is creating a hardship.
It was the consensus of the HRA not to act on the request to purchase the property owned
by Richard Hinrichs.
7. Proposed Workforce Housing Development
Jim Brown from Dynamics Design and Land Co. addressed the HRA regarding a proposed
project located on 213 acres in East Elk River, east of County Road 40.He indicated that the
project will consist of a mixture of density and housing styles and will include work force
housing. Mr. Brown indicated that Dynamics Design is looking for direction from the City
• Council and FHA regarding whether there is any interest in this type of project.
Commissioner Motin indicated that he does not see a need for workforce housing in the
City. He further indicated that he does not agree that the location is a good fit for the
development.
After further discussion,it was the consensus of the HRA that more information is
necessary before a conclusion regarding this type of development can be made.Mr.Brown
indicated that he would prepare a mini site plan for the HRA to review.
8. Housing Work Plan—Session II
Economic Development Assistant Heidi Hall introduced Grant Fernelius,Assistant HRA
Director for the City of Fridley. Mr. Fernelius gave a presentation explaining Fridley's
housing programs and also provided the following challenges/opportunities to developing a
housing program:
• The State is cutting resources for some housing related programs.
• There is increasing competition for outside dollars;many cities face the same demands.
• Leveraging local dollars is very important.
• For cities,like Fridley,without a sizable staff it is important to develop partnerships.
• Non-profit agencies are good resource to fill this need,and administer programs in
several cities cost effectively.
• Marketing and public awareness of programs is critical(e.g. City newsletter;direct mail;
• referrals through inspections and code enforcement).
• Building public support for programs is also very important.
HRA Minutes Page 3
May 27,2003
• • Fill a niche rather than compete with the private sector.
Mr. Fernelius stated that the Elk River HRA is doing the appropriate research regarding the
potential development of a housing program in Elk River. Mr. Fernelius stated that Fridley
did similar research before developing their program.
9. Adjournment
There being no other business,the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment
Authority was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
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Sandra Peine
City Clerk
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