9.4. SR 11-20-2017 Eclty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 9.4
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session November 20, 2017 Amanda Othoudt,EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
Downtown Rivers Edge Group - Goals Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Provide direction on the development of a policy to carry out the goals of the Downtown Rivers Edge
Group.
Background/Discussion
The Mississippi Connections was adopted by the City Council on December 3, 2012, and outlines streetscape
improvements and destination enhancements within the study area,including downtown. The plan states
desired streetscape improvements should not only reflect the plan elements,but be sensitive to the area's
unique historic context, the pedestrian view and public access opportunities to the Mississippi River.
At the March 2017 Downtown Rivers Edge meeting, the group approved bench, flower pot, and bike
rack designs which was approved by the Council on March 6, 2017. The Council expressed concerns
with the bike racks and indicated the existing bench should remain with the new addition. They also
directed staff to request the HRA allocate funding from the Other Professional Services line item.
On May 1, 2017, the HRA discussed the purchase of downtown fixtures and suggested postponing the
issue to allow more time understand the overall downtown vision including tree up lighting and new
street light poles before allocating funding.
Staff received quotes to develop a Street Furniture Manual and four before/after visualizations of a
downtown. WSB proposed to develop a manual with internal stakeholder feedback and finalize the
visualizations. The document would serve as a visual document for the city and our stakeholders for
implementation of a uniform downtown framework. WSB presented the proposal at the October 2,
2017, meeting.
On November 6, 2017, the HRA held a joint work session with the Downtown Rivers Edge Group to
discuss the vision and proposal presented by WSB. The Downtown Rivers Edge Group presented their
vision and goals as it relates to improving the overall streetscape of Downtown Elk River.
The downtown group is requesting the HRA take into consideration the goals they have created for
downtown Elk River and implementing these goals over the next two years to coincide with the
installation of the new light poles.
The Elk River Vision
A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1
Staff is seeking Council input on developing a policy to allocate a certain dollar amount from the HRA
budget to help carry out the goals and beautification efforts of the Downtown Rivers Edge Group that
serves a public purpose.
Financial Impact
In 2017, the HRA budgeted $20,000 for the implementation of the Mississippi Connections Plan. In 2018,
the HRA budgeted$10,000 for the implementation of the Mississippi Connections Plan.
Attachments
■ Goals of the Downtown Association
N:\PubhcBodies\Agendo Packets\11-20-2017\Done\x9.4 sr Downtown Rivers Edge Group-Goals.docx
DOWNTOWN
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GOALS:
De-clutter the narrow sidewalks for a more inviting, enjoyable experience while dining,
shopping and enjoying Elk River's unique downtown atmosphere.
Heighten the experience of shoppers/diners/residents by focusing on the Commons Park as the
epi-center of Downtown.
• No new planters. Team with ERMU to add hanging greenery baskets to new light poles
o How much would REDBA need to budget annually to support?
o If year-round greenery is too expensive to maintain, would look at
seasonal/holiday decorations
o Unclear of cost for this until new poles are selected
o Repurpose existing planters to Hwy 10 public parking lot
• No new benches
o If business would like to have bench in front of their business, they can do so at
their expense
o Use the benches, picnic tables and boulders in the park to enjoy your Downtown
experience
• No new bike racks
o Relocate current bike racks to less intrusive area of sidewalks
• Relocate garbage cans
o Relocate to less intrusive area
o How much trash is generated currently?
o How often is it emptied?
• Remove/relocate Star Tribune kiosks
• Feasibility of relocating the large kiosk at top center of Commons Park?
o The kiosk blocks the view into the park/river
o Chamber of Commerce greenspace?
• Add Clock Tower to corner of Jackson/Main