8.1 ED SR 09-19-2016
Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 8.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Workshop SessionSeptember 19, 2016Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
City Beautification Award Program Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Information presented for discussion purposes only.
Background/Discussion
Staff has been working on a new program idea to highlight local businesses that pride themselves in
beautifying their neighborhood and the community as a whole. From May through October, one winner
will be chosen each month with a grand prize winner chosen in October. Business owners would receive
public recognition and an award for making the City of Elk River beautiful!
Businesses can be nominated for this award by others within the community or they may nominate
themselves. Winning properties may be shown in promotional materials with owner's consent.
Awards are given in two categories: The first category is for businesses that have made substantial
improvements to the exterior of their buildings and/or landscape in the last year. The second category is
for businesses that consistently maintain their properties in an attractive and well-kept manner.
Nominations must be submitted on the first Monday of each month. The city beautification committee
would select a winner. The winner would receive an engraved plaque to display at the following EDA
meeting. The winner will also be recognized by the Mayor and City Council.
The contest is to provide recognition of businesses that have made a positive aesthetic impact on their
neighborhood and community. The awards serve to recognize people, who have made an effort to clean,
repair, improve and enhance the overall aesthetics of their property to maintain the beauty of their
neighborhood and surroundings.
Financial Impact
The estimated cost to purchase six engraved plaques is $400 to come from the Advertising and Marketing
line item in the 2017 budget.
Attachments
Draft City Beautification Award Entry Form
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Award Policy
City Beautification Award Policy
What is a City Beautification Award?
The City Beautification award serves to recognize those individuals,who have made an
effort to clean,repair,improve and enhance the overall aesthetics of their property to
maintain the beauty of their neighborhood and surroundings. It is presented to encourage
community improvements, enhance our city's visual image and economic vitality.
The city of Elk River Beautification Committee recognizes projects that improve the
appearance of local neighborhoods and the entire community. Examples are
commercial/industrial site improvements, commercial/industrial upgrades,landscapes,
renovations,restorations, and new structures that are architecturally noteworthy.
From May through October, one winner will be chosen each month with a grand prize
winner chosen in October. Business owners would receive public recognition and an award
for making the city of Elk River beautiful!
Businesses can be nominated for this award by others within the community or they may
nominate themselves (self-nomination is encouraged!). Winning properties may be shown in
promotional materials with owner's consent.
What does the Beautification Committee look for?
A major criterion is how the project visually enhances the surrounding neighborhood and
community. How the business incorporates design, maintenance, color, organization and
creativity within the existing community. Improvements to structures, outdoor spaces and
the landscaping are important elements for consideration.
Awards are given in two categories: The first category is for businesses that have made
substantial improvements to the exterior of their buildings and/or landscape in the last year.
The second category is for businesses that consistently maintain their properties in an
attractive and well-kept manner.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the overall visual appearance of the completed
project.
Application Requirements
1. Submit completed entry form plus two high quality digital photos,including a
"before"if available and"after" by the first Monday of each month beginning in
May through October of each year.
2. Deliver via email by the end of the business day on the first Monday of the month:
Subject: Attention City of Elk River Beautification Committee
Attach the completed and signed form and pictures to the Economic
Development Director: aothoudt@elkrivermn.gov
3. The Beautification Committee would meet and select a winner.
4. The winner would receive and engraved plaque to display at the following EDA
meeting. The winner will also be recognized by the Mayor and City Council.
Eligibility
• Properties must be located within the corporate limits of the city of Elk River.
• Projects must be visible from a public street. Submissions must have the consent of
the owner. Self-nominations are encouraged.
• For new construction, a certificate of occupancy must have been issued.
• Public projects are not eligible.
• Projects that have won in previous years are not eligible.
City Beautification Award Entry Form
Nominee:
Business Address:
Email:
Office Phone: Cell
Description/Reason for the nomination:
Beautification Award Categories
The Business has made Substantial improvements to the exterior of their buildings
and/or landscape in the last year,
The Business has consistently maintained their properties in an attractive and well-
kept manner.
Permission:
I hereby allow the above property to be nominated for the Beautification Awards Program. I
have no objection toe judging or publication of the material submitted. I give permission to
the Beautification Committee and City Staff to visit the property and take photographs if
necessary.
Owners Name:
Owners Signature:
Phone:
Email:
Date:
City Beautification Award
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
EDA