03-10-1998 HR MIN • SPECIAL JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND ELK RIVER
PLANNING COMMISSION/RIVERS EDGE DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION/ELK RIVER AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1998
HRA Members Present: Kropuenske, Hinkle, Toth and Wilson
Planning Commissioners
Present: Mesich, Kuester,Thompson, Cote and Morris
Staff Present: Paul Steinman, Executive Director; Pat Klaers, City
Administrator; Steve Ach, City Planner, Scott Harlicker,
Planning Assistant; Steve Wensman, Planning Intern;
Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary
Also Present: 011ie Koropchak, Director of Economic Development (City
of Monticello), Barb Esse, Chairman, Monticello
Community Partners; Rita Ulrich, Executive Director
Monticello Community Partners, Paul Motin, Lynn Caswell,
Arleen Kraljic, Shelle Jewett-Perleberg, and Hank
• Duitsman
1. Call HRA Worksession and Joint Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 6:00
p.m.
2. Introductions and Presentation by Monticello Representatives on the Downtown
Monticello Revitalization Plan
The meeting attendees were introduced at this time. Barb Esse of Community
Partners reviewed the history outline of Monticello Community Partners dated
March 10, 1998. She noted the organization has grown from 100 to 300
members.
Rita Ulrich reviewed the components of Monticello's plan for revitalizing the
downtown and riverfront titled, "A New Bridge", outlined as follows:
Part One- The Beginnings of a Plan
• A Downtown - providing a reason for undertaking a process to revitalize the
heart of the Monticello community
• Monticello Community Partners -guiding the creation of this plan with the
insights of a group focused on enhancing the business and social life of the
Monticello Community
• • Vision and Guiding Principles-defining a path to guide the community to its
goals for the downtown and riverfront
HRA Special Workshop Meeting Minutes
March 10, 1998
Page 2
• • Conditions- understanding what exists so that we plan in the context of
today's Monticello.
Part Two-The Basis for a Plan
• Desired Future-identifying the qualities, patterns and character important to
the downtown and rivefront
• Explorations- understanding the implications of varying approaches to
revitalization
Part Three-The Plan
• describing a plan that addresses the needs identified in ways that reach
toward the community's common vision
• establishing rules that lead to the community's common vision for its
downtown and riverfront
Part Four- Implementing the Plan
• First Steps- establishing early actions for achieving the plan
• Finance Tools and Resources- Identifying funding sources needed to
make the plan happen
• An Overall Strategy- an implementation strategy for achieving the plan
• Indicators- measuring the success of initiatives and providing a vehicle
for re-directing its course.
3. Question and Answer/Discussion
• Ms. Ulrich explained that Monticello's plan was reviewed and approved by
Monticello Community Partners, and then the HRA, Planning Commission and
finally, by the City Council. Projects within the designated district must be
reviewed and approved by the Design Advisory Team (DAT).
011ie Koropchak discussed events which motivated interest in the downtown; the
closing of the downtown Johnson's Department Store, the roof of a downtown
building caving in, and the devastating storm in 1997. Ms. Koropchak reviewed
the steps Monticello went through to develop their plan, beginning with the
visioning process, setting priorities, involvement of staff and the public and
working with outside consultants. Ms. Koropchak explained Monticello's plan is
a combination of redevelopment and revitalization of the downtown. Ms.
Koropchak noted the following funding mechanisms are available for
Monticello projects:
a. Grant-match in $2,500 increments (up to $7,500)
b. Loan for interior improvements up to $20,000 (2% below prime interest
rate)
c. Grant for city fees reimbursement- up to$500.
Ms. Koropchak indicated grants are not awarded until a project is completed
according to approved plans and has been inspected.
Ms. Koropchak felt the circumstances and events which affected the
• downtown, good direction by the city council, and the support and
involvement of volunteers all contributed to the success of developing the plan.
HRA Special Workshop Meeting Minutes
March 10, 1998
Page 3
• 4. Future Process of Elk River Downtown Master Plan
Paul Steinman indicated the HRA will be conducting another joint meeting with
the Planning Commission in the near future. The Monticello representatives
stressed the importance of involving the residents to serve as volunteers in the
process. Discussion followed regarding publicity used by Monticello to bring
people to the workshop meetings.
5. Adjournment
There being no other business, CHAIR KROPUENSKE ADJOURNED THE MEETING.
The joint workshop meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Huebner
Recording Secretary
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