4.6. SR 02-16-1999
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Item# 4.6.
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Stephen Wensman, Planner ''7J
DATE:
February 16, 1999
SUBJECT: CBD Visioning Update
Overview
.
The City of Elk River and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
recognized that downtown redevelopment was an initiative of the Economic
Development Strategic Plan and would be a focus for 1998. In March,
representatives from the City of Monticello presented Monticello's plan for
revitalizing their downtown area. Also in March, the HRA decided that a
facilitator should be hired to help outline a vision for the downtown area. In
June 1998, it was decided to hired Theresa Washburn as a consultant to run
a visioning process for the Central Business District.
The process was begun on September 24,1998 with a community meeting to
generate interest and commitment to the process. The attendance was good
which set the stage for an all day retreat on October 23, 1998. The second
meeting was also viewed as a success with a great turnout and enthusiasm.
The participants include people representing business, arts, the school, city
staff, and local residents.
The Process
On September 24, 1998, the consultant, Theresa Washburn, held a
community meeting to generate interest and commitment to the Visioning
process.
On October 23, 1998, an all day visioning retreat consisting of residents,
business interests and Staff was held for the following purposes:
. Identify the CBD boundaries, links and potential redevelopment areas.
. Identify future business and services in the CBD
. Identify list of physical design projects in CBD
. Identify list of Events in the CBD
. . Identify organizations to be involved in the process
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330. TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420. Fax: (612) 441-7425
.
. Create working groups
On January14 and 15,1999, Theresa Washburn met with the Public
Improvements, Private Improvements, Activities and Events and Business
Working Groups for the following purposes:
· To develop work plans and specific strategies
. Assign responsible parties to accomplish strategies
· Identify timetable for completing strategies
In March, Theresa Washburn will run a series of workshops to assist the
work groups in their tasks.
The final outcome will be actual projects and a master plan for the CBD .
Attachments
· Notes from the October 23, 1998 Visioning Retreat
. New CBD boundary map
. Elk River Action Plans from February 14, 1999
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CENTRAL BUSINESS DIS1'RICT MAP
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Notes from October 23. 1998. CBD Visionine: Retreat
Attendees: Don Sherper; Tony Darkenwald; Bob Minton; Don Heinzman;
Sara Coppock; Renee Sande; Mark Pederson; Michael
Chambers; Joseph Schuster; Margo Foster; Bud Houlton;
Michelle Masica; Judith Sass-Gesch; Kurt Kragness; Pat Dwyer;
Charlie Blesener; Ron Black; Duane Kropuenske; Shelle
Perleberg; Wilma Loebig; John Houlton; Stewart Wilson; Chuck
Gilliam; David Flannery; Hank Duitsman; John Weicht; Lee
Cairns; Bryan Adams
City Staff: Paul Steinman; Steve Wensman; Scott Harlicker; Theresa
Washburn, Consultant
Identification of CBD. Links to and from CBD. and Potential
Redeveloument Areas
.
· Gates - River - Elevator on Highway 10 - School Street
· Utilize river better
· Want train station in CBD .
· Breakdown barrier of 10/railroad tracks
· Business - Develop as you go (allow market to determine)
· Corridors - Pay attention to Main Street (east)
. Connecting corridor
· CBD needs to be redeveloped
. Commuter rail station should be at entrance to town with retail
shops
· Redevelopment along Highway 10
. Riverfront - build on EDA site - theater/retaillbusiness
· Connect riverfront pathways to Main Street
· Events in an outdoor riverfront theater
· Redevelop north side of Highway 10
· Improve pedestrian access across Highway 10
· Strong corridor - 169 and School Street
· Professional area - downtown, specialized retail, bed and breakfast
- along riverfront
. Art in the Park/Farmers Market
· Historic building/Banners
. Keep clean - looking nice
· Redevelopment along railroad tracks
. Removal of "stump art" as you are entering town from the east
. Links to the mall/city hall/governme:r;1t center
. Redevelopment with housing
. Better sign age
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· Uniform plantings/decorating
· Utilize river/foot bridge across Highway 10
· CBD - utilize the river/walkways/bikeway
· Buildings with big windows
· Somehow unify the two districts/light rail
· Boys and Girls Club - School - locate in downtown - link
· 169 development to link business
· Specialty restaurants
· Energy efficiency
· CBD - downtown and Jackson
· Older homes/small offices
· Downtown retain historic character
· Greenways linking the areas
· Light rail- across tracks/use feed mill for light rail
· Bandshell performing arts
· Trying to encourage pedestrian traffic and parking on perimeter
· CBD - larger area with redevelopment
· Whole area will expand - all the way west - houses converted to
office use
· Train station - near Cretex Manufacturing Plant
· No architectural standards
· City will need to create area for green space and anything else
· Various architectural styles
· CBD - School to 169 with redevelopment
· River from Babcock to Orono - Ped walkway
· Linkage should be evident
· Railroad station - not in CBD
· Concerts/Farmers Market - greenspace
· Linear forest (soften noise)
· Green space on north side of 10
· Suggested standards - show what might be possible
· CBD - downtown - night life/music
· CBD - mirror existing CBD
· Theme - Highway 10 acts as major barrier
· Limited redevelopment - tie in with river
· Model- Chicago communities with commuter rail
· Performing arts facility with high grade space
· Design - capitalize on brick structures
· Green space - utilize park for green space versus parking
· CBD/Morton Avenue/Highway 10 with links on
J ackson/Freeport/Gates
· Redevelop along Jackson Avenue north
· Requires a lot of redevelopment - continue architectural elements
in links
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· Maintain historic character - bricks
· Use river - would like to keep EDA site open for river viewing
· Bed and Breakfast/Supper Club in CBD
· Performing arts theater downtown
· More events downtown with restaurants
· Big chunk for development - privately owned
· Larger CBD district
· Link Elk Park Center with downtown
· Keep looking pretty/flowers/garland
· Can reach tourist market
· City/Utilities Commission to maintain
· Two entrances to river/utilize river
· Two level historic style building - King and Main (for more retail
sp ace)
. All brick facades
· Art center close to downtown
· Better parking - change rules
· Unity with businesses working together
· Redevelop portions of the edge areas
· Unified theme throughout the city
· Connect shopping/school area/south end
· Need grocery in CBD- use flowers to soften
· Bridge across highway
· Need a theme for CBD
· Develop riverfront - use existing plan
· Visuals -look at what other communities have done
· Shops/retail/service - lower level with housing above
. CBD - 4th Street/river/Gates
· Same links - Jackson - East Main Street
· Redevelop everything north side of railroad tracks
· River - Marina - Nautical themes i.e. docking, riverboat/river town
· Tunnel underneath Highway 10 - look at intersections
· Architectural standards should be voluntary
· Keep EDA site undeveloped to protect view of river
. CBD - Evans/3rd Street/Morton
· Access to river - destination - canoes/kayaks
· Needs to have attractive appeal - not uniform standards - utilize
brick structures
. Include condominium style buildings
· Critical to redevelop north of the railroad tracks
· Performing arts center at Gates and UP A Drive
· CBD - East Main Street to 169
· Performing arts center in former County Market building
· Shuttle people back and forth to CBD
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· Arts center - HRA/School/Arts Group
· Would not put it at School Street - support putting arts facility at
County Market space
· CBD - Morton/Gates/6th Street
· Downtown currently not appealing - keep nice piece of entrance
land as green space
· Opposed to Wal-Mart
· Increase retail opportunities in CBD
· Redevelopment - housing to retail
· Would like the town known for something
· Dodge/Elk Park Center/work together
· Farmers Market/dock connected to EDA site in CBD/arts center
. Tourism
· Define downtown up to Lion's Park
· Redevelopment Jackson Avenue north to School Street into office
· Corridors are important/underpass is possible
· Light rail- will people use it?
· Define area for commuter rail station
· Feeling of downtown - sidewalks to be replaced - feel of New
England town?
· Keep space open to river - viewing area - bridge over 10 on King
Avenue
· Condominiums above - retail below
· New office - consider retail on main floor
. CBD - JacksonlLion's Park
· Redevelopment on edges
· Events/beautify areas
· Easier walking in CBD
· Shuttle service
· Utilize the river - open up space
· Use Jackson for relocation of businesses
· Use closed businesses and empty buildings
. Events - holiday displays
· Encourage homes off of Main Street
· Utilize Lion's Park/with specific events
. Bed and Breakfast
. Likes idea of extending CBD
. Building for performing arts by schools in Lion's Park
. Utilize the park more in CBD
. Create parking near performing arts
. #1 priority is pedestrian access over the railroad track at Highway
10
. Turn former County Market space into roller skating rink
. Utilize taxi services
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· Two downtowns - identify the core and extensions
· Core could be distinct - don't allow franchises or chain stores - keep
it unique
· The more quaint the better
· Design ordinances firm - implement unique design
· Plans for riverfront pathway project should be implemented
· Remind people in other business areas that there is a downtown -
links
· CBD - larger - Jackson/4th/river
· CBD park is underutilized
· Arts center/public space near park
· Redevelop some of the core area
· Design park areas
· Emphasize river/entertainment
· Fine dining - have a public space
. Ambiance for elderly
· CBD - Jackson/School Street
· Redevelop railroad area
· Take downtown out to 169 with architectural scale and facades
· Redevelopment - bring commercial adjacent to tracks with elevated
building scales
· Highway 10 to Main Street - look with treatments
. Mixed use housing
. Two business districts
· Downtown - seasonal events
· Riverfront utilized
· Need to provide better access to CBD
· Retail corridor - discount versus downtown specialized retail
· Railroad detail - have to have bridging to access tracks on Highway
10
· Possible funding to change infrastructure in CBD
· Business along the river - tourism attraction
· Image - emphasize visible areas with good signage and flowers
· Show the river off - continue historic theme
· Continue historic theme on 169
· Linkages to Lion's Park
. Performing arts - near school
· Need to utilize all different area for arts
. Development - link with Otsego
. Public sculptures along Highway 10
. Redevelop all around Main Street
. Should all be included with downtown
. Arts center on edge of historic downtown
. Tree line Jackson Avenue
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· Give kids a safe way to get to CBD
· Adequate event parking
· Identify Elk River positively for commuter rail riders
· River landing - river boat
· Housing which allows for green space
· Keep sign age nice
· Restricted height and design in core area
· Grocery store in core area
· Sidewalk - replace
· CBD - with corridors and visible connections with mixed use
businesses
· Redevelopment north side of railroad tracks
· Commuter rail downtown
· Keep visible access to the river
· Possible overpass - make a visible connection
· Need to determine location of commuter rail station now - this
determines what will happen in the future
Top Ten Businesses/Services
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1. Fine dining/banquet facilities with river view
2. Arts center
3. Grocery store/deli/general store
4. Book store/Coffee shop
5. Micro brewery/restaurant
6. Community Center
7. Specialty retail
8. Canoe outfitter/sports related to river
9. Medical Clinic (expanded)
10. Bed and Breakfast
11. Night Life
Top Ten Physical Desie:n Projects
1. Create a beautification plan for CBD
2. Decide on design theme
3. Design to utilize river
4. Highway 10 underpass/overpass for vehicles and pedestrians
5. Commuter rail station
6. Create better parking
7. Safer pedestrian/bike/walkways
8. Move toward building an art center in CBD
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. Top Ten Events
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1. Heritage Festival
2. Art Soup/Arts Festival
3. Winter outdoor event
- ski/carnival/dog sled race
4. Farmers Market
5. Decorate downtown for holidays
6. Concert in the Park - Lions or EDA site
7. Parade
8. Event on the river
9. Craft fair
10. Downtown block party
Ore:anizations to be Involved in Process
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6.
7.
8.
HRA 22 votes
Downtown Business/Property Owners 14 votes
School District 12 votes
Chamber of Commerce 12 votes
Arts Advocates 11 votes
Rivers Edge Development Corporation 11 votes
State of Minnesota 9 votes
Federal Government 7 votes
All service clubs 5 votes
EDA 3 votes
DOT/State 3 votes
Banks 2 votes
Landscape Consultant 2 votes
City Officials 2 votes
Citizens of Elk River 1 vote
Newspaper 1 vote
Youth Groups 1 vote
Historical Society 1 vote
Foundations 1 vote
Burlington Northern/Sante Fe RR 1 vote
Planning Commission 1 vote
Energy City 1 vote
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Business Workine: Group
Ch uck Gilliam
Don Heinzman
Renee Sande
Paul Steinman
1. Definition of fine dining
2. Complete a market study - who, how much
3. Identify commuter rail station priority areas
4. Criteria to identify redevelopment areas
Public Improvement Workine: Group
Judy Sass-Gesch
Ron Black
Stewart Wilson
Scott Harlicker
Mike Chambers
Duane Kropuenske
Bob Minton
Bryan Adams
Steve Wensman
Joe Schuster
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Compile old CBD plans ,(~
Pull out the best parts of each plan
Identify small plans easily accomplished/implemented
Identify core area as redevelopment district
Commuter rail location tied to overpass/underpass -
Identify pedestrian and bike corridors
Public input key to plan adoption
Need a beautification plan
Private Improvement Workine: Group
Lee Cairns
Sarah Coppock
Pat Dwyer
Shelle Perleberg
1.
Design theme
. How to pick a theme?
· Pull businesses and property owners together
. Provide historical records
. Go back to original look
· Provide recognition with plaques
. How to encourage owners to participate -low interest financing
. Landscape themes
· Holiday decorations - who will do?
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2.
River plan
· Complete in phases - downtown area first
. Theater
. Bike path
Activities/Events Workinl!' Group
Wilma Loebig Tony Darkenwald
Bud Houlton Kurt Kragness
Mark Pederson Michelle Masica
Don Sherper
1. Publicity
2. Construct two community bulletin boards
3. Involve families to stay in area
4. Combine river events - rock skipping
5. Continuity between downtown and Handke Stadium
6 . Walking tour
7. Involve the School
8. Trade from CBD to Handke
9. Provide transportation
10. Work with Kelley Farm
11. Involve Otsego
12. Art Soup - Combine with Art Fair held by the river
13. Block off downtown area - provide shuttles
14. Concert combined with block party
15. Use EDA site in CBD
16. Holiday decorations - outline buildings trees with lights
17. Parade
18. Snow sculpture in downtown
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Elk River Action Plan - Public Improvements Work Group
Move Community, 1) Review existing plans and defme size needs 2/14/99 Cliff Nominal
towards artists need a 2) Review site feasibility
building place to perform a) Jackson and School 2/14/99 Cari
an Arts and display art b) Main and King
Center forms i.e. Dance, c) Jackson and Main
plqys, orchestra, d) Elk Mall vacant building
choir, fine art 3) Promote city-school district partnership include business with a
displqy view to funding, acquisition and construction 5/15/99
4) Create public awareness of needs and benefits 7/15/99 Committee
5) Establish joint task force to plan and build with Art
Soup
10/15/9
Chamber
City
Council
School
Board
1/15/00
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Elk River Action Plan - Public Improvements Work Group
Design to Rivcr is an asset 1) Identify areas that offer good view-sheds to the river from the 2/99 Costs to be
use River to the road and open space determined
community and a) Talk to MDNR and other environmental organizations Lce
access and use about rules and regulations in relationship to trimming and
of river needs to dead brush removal on river
mcrease. b) If possible trim tree-line and clear underbrush in identified
River is a view-shed areas
potential draw 2) Investigate the possibility of a simple black top or seal coated 3/99 Lee
for visitors to walkway from the bridge to Angel avenue.
the community a) Talk to City official about what happened with initial plan
and fmancing.
b) Talk to contractors about costs and scope of project.
c) Identify private land ownership and determine owner
interest in project.
3) Determine existence and location of artesian well 4/99
a) Invcstigate potential to create (simple)fountain at the well
site
b) Utilize fountain as a focal point to river.
c) Utilize fountain for ice sculpture in winter months
4) Incorporate "Elk" theme one river access areas. 5/99
a) Identify local talent that could carve/create oversized elk
sculptures along river.
b) Determine cost
c) Investigate funding options
d) Potcntial project/event for Art Soup.
5) Create a flower garden as a focal point on the island 5/99
a) Determine feasibility with local and state govcrning bodies.
b) Approach "Garden Club" about the project.
c) Consider native planting garden
d) Investigate funding options.
6) Future projects
7) Paddlewheel replica
8 Fer to Island/Otse o Park
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Elk River Action Plan - Public Improvements Work Group
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Safer
pedestrian
pathways
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Remove
impediments
that currently
do not allow
safe and free
flow of
pedestrian
traffic in
CBD
1) Design and implement interview of merchants and customers
(to be incorporated into the marketing survey)
. Compile and review results of that portion of survey
2) Call state agencies (DOT, State Preservation office, etc.) to find
communities that have designed walkways.
. Gather information, photos or visit those
communities/ neighborhoods.
3) Determine "unsafe" pedestrian walkways in linkage areas
4) Insure the inclusion of "safe" pedestrian walkways in
comprehensive plan
. Share data from survey
. Make suggestions based on research of other successful or
unsuccessful projects.
4/99
4-5/99
10/99
6/99
Renee, Stewart IVlinimal
Business
working group
City Staff,
Renee, Stewart
HRA, working Big Bucks!
group/ city staff
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Elk River Action Plan - Public Improvements Work Group
Determine 2 Catalyst for 1) Gather public opinion 2/99-5/99 Mike, Steve,
potential redevelopme a) Focus groups Joe, Duane
Commuter nt b) A survey question on business working group survey
Rail Station Crea te c) Elk River web site
locations identity for i) What improvements
Elk River ii) Aesthetic concerns
Inevitable iii) Function and criteria
2) Examine feasibility of Hwy 10 improvements 2/99 Steve
3) Investigate prototypes in other communities across country 2/99-5/99 Working
a) Gather information about success, failures, and cost group
b) Identify what may work in Elk River
4) Identify redevelopment site Duane
. Determine landowner plans and interests 5/99
5) Examine costs and financing
6) Attend TLC meetings - make reports to working group Ongoing Steve
7) Go to North Star Corridor meetings Ongoing Scott
8) Insure at least one potential site of commuter rail stations is 10/99 Working
mco orated into the Com rehensive Ian group
If
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Elk River Action Plan - Public Improvements Work Group
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Complete Comprehens 1) Compile existing plans Staff Minimal
Comprehensi ive planning a) Review plans - list best elements and common elements
ve plan - essential to b) Identify "bad" elements of plans
Beautification health and 2) Determine other important elements essential in new plan by 2-4/99 Staff Minimal
plan vitality of gathering from
community a) working groups
b) surveys
c) other communities successfully implemented plans
3) Prepare plan 5-10/99 Staff Minimal
a) Write RFP
b) Hire consultant
c) Use city staff and community resources Consultant $$$$$$
4) Report to community and working groups and staff
5) Present plan to the public
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Elk River Action Plan - Private Improvements Work Group
Create
standards for
CBD sign
ordinance
Sign
ordinance
for CBD will
help insure
design
standards
while
considering
function of
s1gns
1) Review existing ordinance
a) How does CBD fit
b) Create possible overlay district
2) Gather information from
a) Other communities
b) National Main Street Center
c) American Planning Association
3) Create or purchase slide presentation of signage
. Integrate photos of Elk River sign age in slide presentation
4) Create Album of signs local and out of town
5) Insure compatibility with fac;ade design standards
6) Proceed through sign and amendment procedures
7) Tie in with low interest loan program
2/99
2-4/99
2/99
4/99
5/99
6/99
7-8/99
6/99
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Elk River Action Plan - Private Improvements Work Group
Develop To insure 1) Establish low interest loan pool 2/99 Banks/City
Fa<;ade aesthetically Staff
Improvement pleasing fa<;ade 2) Review any existing fa<;ade/building ordinances 2/99 Jim, Lee
Standards for improvements 3) Identify the desirable and undesirable elements of facades 3/99 Margo,
CBD tied to Iow- a) Review historical and present slides of the CBD Shelle
interest loan b) Conduct a walking tour assessment of CBD and linkage
program areas
c) Establish absolute "no's" , acceptable and preferred
Provide some facades
consistency d) Review National Main street standard book 5/99 $50.00
within the 4) Present preliminary standards to committee 6/99
CBD 5) Make revisions 10/99
6) Present fmal standards and guidelines to the public/HRA 10/99 Design
To highlight 7) Incorporate standards into Comprehensive plan 6/99 Firm
"historic Elk 8) Incorporate standards into brochure to be given to property $200.00
River" and it's owner during loan application ongomg Working
uruqueness 9) Approach city staff about offering design assistance to group
interested building owners - encouraging use of standards 11/99
10) Create educational program and contest with local schools to $200.00
generate interest in the history and historic character of CBD
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Elk River Action Plan - Private Improvements Work Group
Develop Improve 1) Arrange speaker/seminar on interior design for retail and 2/99 Rivers Edge $$$ -
interior sign appearance service businesses and assistance
Standards and attract a) Talk to tech schools and U of M extension services Chamber from banks
customers b) Call State small business development office?
2) Host seminar that includes 3/99
a) Design elements in interiors
b) Window display
c) Merchandising and psychology of purchasing 2/99 Chamber
3) Invite all retail establishments in the city 2/99 Group with
4) Create self-assessment survey for businesses speaker
5) Survey current interiors in CBD 4/99 Group
6) Create list of standards or suggestions to be incorporated in the 6/99 Group
brochure for low interest loan ro ram
.
Create
Standards for
new
construction
New
construction
in CBD
should
compliment
and not
contrast
existing
historic
character
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Elk River Action Plan - Private Improvements Work Group
1) Determine positive design elements of Historic construction
2) Utilize some of the existing standards create for interiors and
facades
6/99
7/99
Working
group
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Elk River Action Plan - Activities and Events Working Group
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Support and 1) Insure 1) Contact Rivers Edge to determine their interest 2/99 Bud
assist success of 2) Contact City Staff to determine possible locations of festival 1/99 Kurt
promotion of festival activities and fest headquarters
Heritage Fest 3) Develop a workplan for the Heritage Festival 2/99 Kurt
2) Insure the 4) Present the plan to Rivers Edge/Chamber/City 3/99 Kurt and
festival 5) Solicit help for specific events from community groups Bud
events 6) Develop informational/promotional piece 4/99
occur ill 7) Examine possibility of getting event new on Elk River Web
C13D Site
8) Consider school related Heritage activities/education to
generate interest.
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Elk River Action Plan - Activities and Events Work Group
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Develop an Highlight 1) Work with Otsego and their winter fest Recreation To be
Elk River natural a) Consider adding to it to make weekend festival Department determined
Winter resources b) Consider combining resources $$$ with
Festival and fun c) Approach Otsego with plan Community
With dog activities for 2) Determine theme/name for the event 2/99 and service
sledding, the long 3) Secure city park and areas in CBD 2/99 organizatio
skiing, winter 4) Determine budget 3/99 ns
skating, ice season 5) Identify human resources in city and potential partners 3/99
sculpture, etc. 6) Invite involvement via a letter 3/99
7) Approach service organizations and community groups about 4/99
sponsoring and responsibility for one event in festival
8) Create joint publicity plan 6/99
9) Publicize and market event 8/99
10) Hold Event 2/00
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Elk River Action Plan -Activities and Events Work Group
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Mural
unveiling
party
1) Support youth
and Art Soup
group in their
efforts.
2) Involve business
community in
Arts projeGts
3) Raise awareness
of Arts projects
1) Meet with arts council and young artists unite to determine
project timeline and potential involvement
2) Choose event time and day - coordinate with Arts event
3) Create events and activities for unveiling
a) Food - around a theme
b) Music
c) Giveaway / gift - possibly postcard size reproductions of
mural
d) Program with speakers
e) Something for kids - drawing contest! chalk dust festival
2-3!99
3/99
4-6/99
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Elk River Action Plan - Business Work Group
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Develop
Market
Analysis
for CBD
and Elk
River
Market analysis
with help in
decision making
for recruitment,
retention and
redevelopment
Purchase the National Main Street Center Market Analysis
workbook
Create a Business survey and determine market area
Create a customer survey
Work with local high school business classes on survey tabulation
Work with retired persons organizations for survey information
collection
Write RFP for Market Analysis fIrm
Have fIrm complete
Market Survey
Analysis and recommendation for CBD market area
Present Market Anal sis as art of com rehensive Ian
1/99
2/99
2/99
3/99
4/99
10/99