10-23-2000 HR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
• HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2000
Members Present: Chair Toth, Commissioners Thompson, Huntington, Motin and
Wilson (arriving at 5:15)
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Catherine Mehelich, Executive Director of Economic
Development; Marc Nevinski Assistant Director of Economic
Development; Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Finance
Director, Sandra Peine, City Clerk, Terry Maurer, City Engineer,
Bryan Adams, Utilities Superintendent, Michele McPherson, Director
of Planning, and Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator
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 5:10 p.m. by Chair Toth.
President Toth noted that the meeting is a joint meeting with the City Council for
the purpose of holding a joint worksession to discuss the downtown central
• business district.
2. Consider October 23, 2000 HRA Agenda
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 23, 2000, HRA
AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
Chair Toth noted a typographical error in the August 28, 2000, HRA Minutes.
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1. AUGUST 28, 2000, HRA MINUTES-APPROVED
3.2. REVENUE/EXPENSE REPORT THROUGH 9/30/00-APPROVED
3.3. CHECK REGISTER-APPROVED
COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one present for Open Mike.
• Commissioner Wilson arrived at this time (5:15 p.m.)
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2
October 23, 2000
• 5. Central Business District Worksession
City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that one purpose of this meeting is to
discuss the proposal for the sidewalk at the King and Main site and to determine
how it relates to sidewalk replacement in the downtown business area.John
Plaisted, developer of the King and Main Site, displayed and reviewed a drawing
of the proposed building for the site. Mr. Plaisted discussed the proposal for a
sidewalk consisting of a red colored concrete paver(cobblestone brick style). He
indicated that he would install this sidewalk at no cost to the city.
Discussion was held regarding whether this proposed King and Main sidewalk
would be consistent with the future sidewalks in the downtown area. Cliff
Lundberg (business owner)indicated that the design should be similar but does
not necessarily have to be identical to a new downtown sidewalk plan. Bud
Houlton (business owner)indicated that the downtown area should continue with
the historic turn-of-the-century look, which includes the sidewalks, older buildings,
and light posts. He stated he is not interested in a gray sidewalk. Grip Dare
(business owner)indicated his support for a solid pattern look throughout the
downtown sidewalks.
Commissioner Thompson questioned whether business owners are interested in
helping offset the cost of replacing the downtown sidewalks. John Plaisted
indicated that the business owners have already paid for the reconstruction of
• the sidewalks and do not want to pay again.
Pat Dwyer noted that something must be done with the existing sidewalks. He
indicated that the new design should remain consistent with the existing
downtown theme. He indicated that he liked the King and Main sidewalk
proposal.
Discussion continued around the King and Main sidewalk proposal. Questions
pertained to whether Plaisted's design is something that the city likes and
whether the design can be incorporated into a future sidewalk plan and, at the
same time, be economically feasible and mesh with the theme already present
in the downtown area. The city engineer reviewed his memo dated 10/23/00 that
discussed cost and maintenance/repair issues. The sidewalk replacement cost for
the entire downtown area ranged from $175,000 to approximately$350,000.
Mayor Klinzing suggested a committee consisting of representation from the City
Council, HRA, and downtown merchants to work out the details of the sidewalk
replacement. The city administrator indicated that staff could put together a
more exact cost estimate for the sidewalk replacement. It was the consensus of
the council to have the HRA take the lead in this project. There was also a council
consensus concurring with John Plaisted's sidewalk proposal. The City Council
directed staff to work with John Plaisted in coordinating sidewalk designs and to
report back to the council as soon as possible.
Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich talked about the need
for long-term proactive planning for the downtown. She explained that the
existing redevelopment plans are from the 70's and 80's and should be revised.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 3
October 23, 2000
• Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that Mr. Plaisted's development
would be a cornerstone for downtown and possibly set the standard for future
projects. She indicated that staff is looking for guidance on design standards for
the downtown area. The council concurred that standards should be in place,
however, there was no interest in requiring existing businesses to conform to
certain standards.
Discussion took place regarding the boundary of the downtown area. Mayor
Klinzing questioned whether the downtown should extend across the railroad
tracks. Councilmember Farber concurred and stated that this area needs to be
reviewed for redevelopment. Commissioner Motin stated that it might cause
more problems if both sides of the downtown are looked at for redevelopment at
the same time.
City Administrator Pat Klaers suggested that the HRA review the matter and
consider doing an updated study with the help of a consultant. Commissioner
Motin stated that he is not interested in another study. Commissioner Wilson
stated that he also felt there was no need for another consultant. He stated that
the HRA, with staff assistance, should devise a plan and make a presentation to
the council. He stated that it is time to take action.
Cliff Lundberg suggested getting the Historical Preservation Commission involved.
The council directed staff to complete an updated downtown plan in-house with
• the HRA and some business owners involved in the planning and review process.
6. Other Business
There was no other business.
7. Adiournment
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
7:00 p.m.
Sandra Peine
City Clerk
•