08-12-1997 HR MIN SPECIAL JOINT MTG SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
AND THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL-TRAINING ROOM
TUESDAY,AUGUST 12, 1997
Planning Commission Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Cote,
Kuester, Mesich, Minton,Sullivan and
Thompson
Planning Commission Members Absent: None
HRA Commission Members Present: Chair Schuldt, Commissioner Wilson
HRA Commission Members Absent: Commissioners Hinkle, Farber and
Kruepenske
Staff Present: Paul Steinman, Executive Director of
Economic Development; Steven B. Ach, City
Planner; Scott Harlicker, Assistant Planner;
Brady Halverson, Planning Intern; Debbie
Kleckner, Recording Secretary
• Also Present: Shelle Perleberg, Representative of River's
Edge Downtown Development Corporation
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.
2. Discuss Downtown Master Plan
A. Purpose of Meeting
Paul reviewed the topics for discussion. Shelle Perleberg explained the River's
Edge group is made up of downtown property owners, business owners and
operators.
B. Review Information from Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan
Regarding Downtown
Commissioner Minton stated the intent of a master plan is not to redevelop the
entire downtown, but rather, to improve upon what is already there. During the
Steering Committee discussions of the downtown, the incorporation of some neo-
traditional concepts were suggested which would allow for a mixture of
residential and business uses.
•
Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and HRA
August 12, 1997
Page 2
• HRA Chair Gene Schuldt felt it was important to fully involve the downtown
business owners in this process, since they have the most at stake. The City's role
is to provide backup and support for the downtown.
Steve Ach indicated a downtown master plan will be a long term plan which will
develop over time.Steve noted staff is attempting to incorporate some of the
design concepts in downtown which were generated by Hoisington Koegler for
the river walk.
Commissioner Kuester suggested the downtown be expanded so that an area
could be created for community events. She felt landscaping could be done on
the south side of the railroad tracks similar to what was done on the north side to
improve the Railroad Drive area.
Discussion followed regarding the riverwalk, parking and transportation issues.
Paul noted that in addition to the design issues, there are economic issues as well,
such as land uses and a marketing study.
C. Visioning- Discuss General Issues Relating to Downtown
The following issues were discussed for possible incorporation in a master plan for
the downtown:
1) Keeping the downtown "pedestrian friendly" (i.e., limiting surface parking
• lots, use of back entrances to businesses and shops wherever possible)
2) Improving traffic circulation (i.e., congestion at Main Street and Parrish
Avenue bridge)
3) Creating a "draw" to the downtown such as Sunday band concerts
4) Tying the Handke Stadium in with the downtown flavor
5) Possibility of restoring downtown store fronts to their original design (mostly
brick)
6) Establishing design standards
7) Bike paths and walking paths leading to the downtown
8) Business owners researching historical background of their buildings
9) Possibility of signage Highway 169/Highway 10 identifying how to get to
downtown Elk River
D. Identify Geoaraiohic Boundaries of Central Busienss District LStudv Area)
Discussion followed regarding the participants' perception of where the
downtown area begins and ends.Steve Ach indicated standards which are
established to incorporate design elements such as landscaping, street lights, and
signage could be used to identify the downtown boundaries. Banners for
community events could be hung throughout the downtown to further establish
those boundaries.
Members of the group were asked to draw boundary lines around the area they
felt represents Elk River's "downtown".
•
Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and HRA
August 12, 1997
Page 3
• A future workshop meeting of the group was set for Tuesday, September 9th at
6:30 p.m. (after the Planning Commission mobile workshop which begins at 4:00
p.m.)
The joint meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission and Housing and Redevelopment
Authority adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,sp
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary
•
•