8.1 EDSR 09-18-2017
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Economic Development Authority
Item Number
8.1
Agenda Section
Work Session
Meeting Date
September 18, 2017
Prepared by
Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description
Beautification Awards
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Information presented for discussion purposes only.
Background/Discussion
The Beautification Committee established in March of 2017 will be wrapping up in October. Staff would
like to recap the program and provide some policy suggestions based on discussions with the
Beautification Committee to make the program run even better next year.
Overall the program has been widely successful and we look forward to more nominations this next year.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
Beautification Policy
1
City Beautification
Award Policy
2
City Beautification Award Policy
What is a City Beautification Award?
The City Beautification award serves to recognize those business owners, 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:
1. The first category is for businesses that have made substantial improvements to the
exterior of their buildings and/or landscape in the last year.
2. 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.
3
Application Requirements
1. Submit completed entry form plus two high quality digital photos, including a
“before” if available and “after” (if applicable) 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 Specialist: ceddy@ElkRiverMN.gov
3. The Beautification Committee will 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 two years are not eligible.
City Beautification Award Entry Form
Nominee:
Business Address:
Email:
Office Phone: Cell
Description/Reason for the nomination:
4
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.
5
Judging Rubric
Award recognizes commercial properties that contribute to the beautification of the city
through landscaping and architecture
Judging is limited to the property visible from the public right of way
1. The first category is for businesses that have made substantial improvements to the
exterior of their buildings and/or landscape in the last year.
2. The second category is for businesses that consistently maintain their properties in
an attractive and well-kept manner.
_____ Category
Scoring Rubric 0 1 2 3 Total
Criteria Does not meet
the criteria
Unknown/
Neutral
Meets the
criteria
Exceeds the
criteria
The business visually
enhances the surrounding
neighborhood?
The property is well
maintained?
The property incorporates a
visually pleasing color
scheme?
The property incorporates
creativity and design?
The business submitted
photos with their
application?
The business made
substantial improvements
to their landscaping?
(only answer for criteria #1)
The business consistently
maintained their property in
an attractive and well-kept
manner?
(only answer for criteria #2)
Grand Total
6
City Beautification Award
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
EDA 12/19/2016 6.2
EDA 4/17/2017 6.4
EDA 5/15/17 6.5