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Steering Committee Opinon LineSteeiring C®un mftee ®pMon sine D"F' Wednesday February 1,1995 Rita Hurd believes there should be lots of flowers around town and believes, they are pleasing when kept neat. She thinks that there should be a `points of interest" board in a ti protected place listing historical events that happened in that area or in Elk River. Support our City's good friendly ways and let people take pride to be proud of Elk River. She thinks a partial solution to the area's youth who are spray painting buildings would be to instill pride in them about the area in which they live. Janet Spengler recently relocated here from Shakopee. She lived in Shakopee for four years and thinks Shakopee is very similar to Elk River in population and being an old river town that has grown dramatically. She believes that Shakopee has done an outstanding job 7 with their expansion and development. An idea might be to send a delegation down there r since it is practically a "sister city". She has known an animal control officer in Elk River ' and is surprised that there is no provision taking care of stray animals in this area. Anoka or St. Cloud is the closest place. In the future, she thinks the City should look at the possibilities of establishing a dog pound or animal pound to deal with all the stray animals that are at -large. She likes Elk River, but thinks that we could learn a thing or two from what Shakopee has done there. Thursday February 2,1995 L s�David Brake, 18927 Albany Street, has been a resident of Elk River for 40 years. Mr. Brake thinks the Elk River area is losing its individual character. He does not want the area to turn into another Brooklyn Center with business and housing cramped right next to r� another city. He would like to see Lions park maintain a family atmosphere. He >"Sr commented how adding athletic fields "is beyond the concern of the Lions and the Vetihecz{r��� character of the park and Elk River." He would like to keep a full respectful relationship �4rfi s P ( with nature, a critical part of Elk River. Don't unrespectfully cut and clear woods for developments. He would like to see trails by Country Club and County Road 1 kept, Ci which are very beautiful and natural, away from thoroughfare. Historical character is °�acc maintained by structures, do not disregard them like the creamery, courthouse, and train t depot. He believes there could have been better methods in preserving these structures. If the City found itself among completely glass -brick structures it would be known as another "downtown burbia." He thinks keeping our city clean is very important. Sometimes the business owners in the area find the exteriors of buildings defaced by youngsters. The city could use a method that involves students or juvenile law breakers to /help maintain parks or river front property. He also thinks that the city could make better use of the river front. Mr., Brake is pleased with the efforts to provide a communication corridor. "Excellent Idea." ��yn .T4:rq Linda Braun, 21467 152nd Street. She hopes that the image "Where City and country flow together" continues to build. She comments how people enjoy the country image -L/ with jobs and commuting close -by. She likes what were doing on Main Street and the river front park. She thinks an antique, ice cream shop or general store would invite vacationers on their way up north to stop in. She likes the modernization in particular the new mall. She comments on how everyone she knows will go outside the Elk River ace ry� area for shopping and entertainment. A supper club along the river would be a wonderful idea she mentions. 'I Cindy Olson, 12935 Mississippi Road. She comments on how we could make better use of the river and the downtown area. She thinks ordinances on garbage and abandon cars should be enforced more. She also thinks that some areas of land should be set aside for no development. More bike and pedestrian trails would be nice. No Name. This caller is currently satisfied with the area. In the future he thinks that Elk River should try to maintain its small town features with emphasis on the downtown shopping area to encourage customers to come downtown to shop. Keep Elk River a clean town, Anoka and Coon Rapids are starting to look a little dumpy. Maintain downtown structures and preserve that area. The image of City and Country flowing together should be emphasized. Elk River services all ages and income levels with the new subdivisions and should be kept as it is. He believes transportation within the city is fairly well. There will probably be a need for thoroughfares in the near future, located in central and northern parts of the City. North of Proctor and Jackson would be a good spot for an east west thoroughfare. He also thinks that recreation in the City of Elk River is not quite up to par compared to Hennepin County for example. They have more park/trail systems. Paved bike trails through the area and expanded parks with trails to provide in - line skating and cross country ski trails would greatly benefit Elk River. Elk River should coordinate with Sherburne County and start a trail system within and around the area. February 4-5,1995 Jeff Zake 19695 Lander Street. Mr. Zake believes there should be more park systems from land development dedications. He also believes that the City needs more industrial growth for better tax base and let in some outside money. He also thinks the City should not push away companies like Menards and Perkins. No Name. This caller believes that Lion's Park needs to be more than a swamp. Elk River needs an event other than the Sherburne County Fair. A public swimming pool, wave pool, water slide would be excellent. This caller thinks the river is not being used very well. He also thinks we should get rid of the metal Christmas tree on the flag pole. This caller comments on how water sports are the number one spectator sport. Boat races, snowmobile races, or something to draw people into Elk River for an event. He also believes in down -sizing the school district so Rogers and Zimmerman are not included in Elk River's schools. His comment was to let those towns get their own schools. Mary Clairacial has been a resident of Elk River for 21 years. She does not think there is enough housing for lower income people like young adults in their twenties needing to move away from home. Apartments in the Elk River area are very expensive unless you are low income and can get on section 8 waiting list. She thinks that we should consider putting another bridge over the Mississippi river from north to south around the County Road 14 or County Road 15 area. The bridge could also be over by the new courthouse. One more bridge crossing on the Mississippi would alleviate many transportation problems. Also, she comments on doing whatever we can to get Highway 101 up to four lanes all the way to Rogers. Monday, February 6, 1995 No Name. This caller believes that a thoroughfare should be placed from County Road 24 continuing straight across the county line to County Road 21. He thinks this would give pretty good access. From East coming down 22 you could swing down 5 to Nowthen and 24 to 169 would not be much of a problem. Tuesday, February 7, 1995 Deb Johnson, 11367 190th Court, thinks that some nice restaurants are needed around the area. Being originally form Denver, she is used to many paths and trails. She thinks that paths and trails would be nice for bikers and pedestrians in the Elk River area. Maurine and Kenneth Fisk, 21083 Brook Road, (CR 21) moved here fairly recently. One of the reasons they picked this area is City expansions and developments would not be built out their way. They would prefer that there were no developments/hmprovements in their area, but in the downtown area only. They feel that the development should be limited to that specific area downtown which would also make it easier for people to get to. A few more sit down type restaurants vs. fast food restaurants in the area would be a welcome addition. Pat Dolsick, 14684 221st Avenue, had recently addressed some of these issues in a letter to the editor. She is thankful that there is an organization assigned to these issues. Pat believes that Highway 169 is becoming "swept' with retailers and franchises, neither contributing to the aesthetics of our area. She would like to see an original downtown Main Street equipped as Stillwater has done. Unique rustic old west appearance on store fronts a restaurant with character yet small, attracting locals and tourists alike. Housing projects in the area are "undesirable" . Clustered box houses leave cornfields behind with no trees and no character. "Fast built low income homes have been known to lure and breed crime, look at Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park". The City of Elk River still has time to set a custom course in its growth plan. She believes the City should promote red pines in treeless neighborhoods, stained home fronts as opposed to aluminum siding, a downtown that reaps of character and design reminiscent of the old days. Monday, February 13, 1995 Mrs. Olson on Baldwin Street has lived in Elk River for two years. Generally, she is pretty satisfied with the image of Elk River. She does object to the liter garbage cans sitting in front of residences. She thinks that they should be hidden in a garage or behind a privacy wall and not visible from the street. She would also like to see stricter enforcement of cars and other material in yards, "they should be operable and have a current license". Tuesday February 14,1995 Mary Jo Minton at 13700 Riverview Drive is pleased that there is a communication hotline between the residents and the City. She feels that Elk River has many amenities like the river and the lake. She also feels that these amenities need to be enhanced. She suggests one way would be to have certain ordinances to aid people in keeping their property looking as if they have pride in where they live. She thinks that some places are starting to look like junkyards with cluttered gathering of old pieces of equipment. The old historic village of Elk River also needs to be kept in mind. Keep the historical buildings a thing to be proud of. "We cannot let the town deteriorate." She also thinks that curbing on the sidewalk looks very nice and is a visual neatness. Friday February 17, 1995 No Name. This resident thinks that this voice mail process is confusing. She also believes that Elk River needs more senior citizen housing. There is plenty of apartments and Guardian Angels facilities, but some townhouses for sale or rent should be built according to the seniors' needs. There needs to be more planned streets crossing Hwy.169 in the area going north to take the load of traffic off of Jackson. Tuesday February 21, 1995 No Name. A resident of Elk River for four years believes that Bill's Coral (Boelters Towing) and the green tree trunk looking like an octopus is a terrible first impression of the City. He believes that it is an embarrassment. Other than the octopus, he thinks the town is very nice and likes the development in the Jackson area. Wednesday February 22,1995 No Name. This caller believes that the City is letting the developers dictate. She believes that we are taking the country out of the City. The traffic and crime rate has increased, more schools, people, and building. She asks when is there going to be a stop put to the suburbs in Elk River. K Mon7et February 27, 1995 Johnster, 19834 York Street NW. Thanks us for the oppo to respond. He thinks that there are some neighborhoods that are really look good4baluse they are neat, clean, nice lawns, and are not crowded together. "They are something to look at." He believes some of the newer developments, particularly the ones east of Highway 169, are just poorly done, they are crowded, trees have been taken out, they have managed to crowd as many houses they possibly could on a 1/3 or 1/4 of an acre.: " I don't know how small they are but strictly Elk Hills is just incredibly small." He ' s that putting a park and walkway in the old hardware store spot is wonderfirL His conc is for the historical aspect of Elk River, as many of the historic buildings have been to , like the creamery, train depot, etc. He suggest that we do an inventory of what histori places we have; the residences, businesses, and expand to special places like natural feat es like forests. To build the new Texaco and Mork Clinic, some of the old, historic pl ces were taken out. He believes that we could do better including low income hou ' g, which is a major concern. He also believes that the east west thoroughfare run through wilderness park and affect that in a major way. Taking park land is not the option, but he believes that we do need a corridor maybe north of CR 33 so the park land is not violated. Tuesday, February 28, 1995 I Y�� �/(.®r''t'Bill Jay Dry 15981 227th Avenue. Thinks that having a comment line is as great idea. He believes that we need to adhere to our mottle "Where City and Country flow together". He believes that the rural atmosphere is what brought most of us here. "As the city grows, we become more susceptible to the very problems and complications that people moved here to avoid. A well planned separation and sizing of commercial and residential land uses is one key to a pleasant living environment. Keep the traffic and noise confined to the highways and design the traffic pattem right the, first time. Don't diverge traffic �from many parking lots to one intersection, especially without a traffic light. Don't make par'king lot entrances a tight squeeze for bigger vehicles,; one example is the first right turnm from' Freeport into Pamida parking lot and then the first left turn to enter parking lot. If you need to add convenience stores in residential areas, keep them on one small block off of major thoroughfares and no closer that 3 or 4 miles of each other in a residential areas." On regards to a theme for new development `eve already have one use City -making goods and services available, country -trees grass, rivers and quiet. He thias we should require developers to retain most of the existing landscape, apartment complexes no --more that one dozen units and 2000 yds rf each other. Subdividing large portions of land to maI4 at the community's expense should not be allowed. For ideas on visual impact, he thinks that we should visit other City's and require that homes and yards be well maintained -don't allow junk piles in view of the road, paint be decent, lawns be kept mowed, contract services for these items, subsidize, or add to the monthly utility bill. Slowing traffic by culdesacs and other designs in residential areas. He thinks that we could make better use of area lakes and rivers, walking and bike paths with minimum commercial setbacks. Horse riding and raising is quite profitable, horse transportation corridors from rural to downtown areas would be a plus. Zoning areas for bars, adult entertainment, and subsidized areas leads to intensify crime. He thinks an idea would be to zone these areas with added restrictions. Limit bars 1 per 5000 people or area. He also believes we should put more effort into safety and recreation for kids and adults with nature type access. No Name. This caller believes we need a well supervised youth center open summer and evening hours during the school year. She also believes that we need more than one mortician. Senior citizens need a larger retirement center where they can live independently with nursing care still available when needed. A taxi service with a small fee. She thinks we need bicycle and walking paths. s:pImming/sccpinm Steering Comma ftee ®pinion Line OR*" Wednesday February 1,1995 Rita Hurd believes there should be lots of flowers around town and believes, they are pleasing when kept neat. She thinks that there should be a `points of interest" board in a protected place listing historical events that happened in that area or in Elk River. Support our City's good friendly ways and let people take pride to be proud of Elk River. She thinks a partial solution to the area's youth who are spray painting buildings would be to instill pride in them about the area in which they live. Janet Spengler recently relocated here from Shakopee. She lived in Shakopee for four years and thinks Shakopee is very similar to Elk River in population and being an old river town that has grown dramatically. She believes that Shakopee has done an outstanding job with their expansion and development. An idea might be to send a delegation down there since it is practically a "sister city". She has known an animal control officer in Elk River and is surprised that there is no provision taking care of stray animals in this area. Anoka or St. Cloud is the closest place. In the future, she thinks the City should look at the possibilities of establishing a dog pound or animal pound to deal with all the stray animals that are at -large. She likes Elk River, but thinks that we could team a thing or two from what Shakopee has done there. Thursday February 2,1995 David Brake, 18927 Albany Street, has been a resident of Elk River for 40 years. Mr. Brake thinks the Elk River area is losing its individual character. He does not want the area to tam into another Brooklyn Center with business and housing cramped right next to another city. He would like to see Lions park maintain a family atmosphere. He commented how adding athletic fields "is beyond the concern of the Lions and the character of the park and Elk River." He would like to keep a full respectful relationship with nature, a critical part of Elk River. Don't unrespectfully cut and clear woods for developments. He would like to see trails by Country Club and County Road t kept, which are very beautiful and natural, away from thoroughfare. Historical character is maintained by structures, do not disregard them like the creamery, courthouse, and train depot. He believes there could have been better methods in preserving these structures. If the City found itself among completely glass -brick structures it would be known as another "downtown burbia." He thinks keeping our city clean is very important. Sometimes the business owners in the area find the exteriors of buildings defaced by youngsters. The city could use a method that involves students or juvenile law breakers to help maintain parks or river front property. He also thinks that the city could make better use of the river front. Mr., Brake is pleased with the efforts to provide a communication corridor. "Excellent Idea." Linda Braun, 21467 152nd Street. She hopes that the image "Where City and country flow together" continues to build. She comments how people enjoy the country image with jobs and commuting close -by. She likes what were doing on Main Street and the river front park. She thinks an antique, ice cream shop or general store would invite vacationers on their way up north to stop in. She likes the modernization in particular the new mall. She comments on how everyone she knows will go outside the Elk River area for shopping and entertainment. A supper club along the river would be a wonderful idea she mentions. Cindy Olson, 12935 Mississippi Road. She comments on how we could make better use of the river and the downtown area. She thinks ordinances on garbage and abandon cars should be enforced more. She also thinks that some areas of land should be set aside for no development. More bike and pedestrian trails would be nice. No Name. This caller is currently satisfied with the area. In the future he thinks that Elk River should try to maintain its small town features with emphasis on the downtown shopping area to encourage customers to come downtown to shop. Keep Elk River a clean town, Anoka and Coon Rapids are starting to look a little dumpy. Maintain downtown structures and preserve that area. The image of City and Country flowing together should be emphasized. Elk River services all ages and income levels with the new subdivisions and should be kept as it is. He believes transportation within the city is fairly well. There will probably be a need for thoroughfares in the near future, located in central and northern parts of the City. North of Proctor and Jackson would be a good spot for an east west thoroughfare. He also thinks that recreation in the City of Elk River is not quite up to par compared to Hennepin County for example. They have more park/trail systems. Paved bike trails through the area and expanded parks with trails to provide in - line skating and cross country ski trails would greatly benefit Elk River. Elk River should coordinate with Sherburne County and start a trail system within and around the area. February 4-5,1995 Jeff Zake 19695 Lander Street. Mr. Zake believes there should be more park systems from land development dedications. He also believes that the City needs more industrial growth for better tax base and let in some outside money. He also thinks the City should not push away companies like Menards and Perkins. No Name. This caller believes that Lion's Park needs to be more than a swamp. Elk River needs an event other than the Sherburne County Fair. A public swimming pool, wave pool, water slide would be excellent. This caller thinks the river is not being used very well. He also thinks we should get rid of the metal Christmas tree on the flag pole. This caller comments on how water sports are the number one spectator sport. Boat races, snowmobile races, or something to draw people into Elk River for an event. He also believes in down -sizing the school district so Rogers and Zimmerman are not included in Elk River's schools. His comment was to let those towns get their own schools. Mary Clairacial has been a resident of Elk River for 21 years. She does not think there is enough housing for lower income people like young adults in their twenties needing to move away from home. Apartments in the Elk River area are very expensive unless you are low income and can get on section 8 waiting list. She thinks that we should consider putting another bridge over the Mississippi river from north to south around the County Road 14 or County Road 15 area. The bridge could also be over by the new courthouse. One more bridge crossing on the Mississippi would alleviate many transportation problems. Also, she comments on doing whatever we can to get Highway 101 up to four lanes all the way to Rogers. Monday, February 6, 1995 No Name. This caller believes that a thoroughfare should be placed from County Road 24 continuing straight across the county line to County Road 21. He thinks this would give pretty good access. From East coming down 22 you could swing down 5 to Nowthen and 24 to 169 would not be much of a problem. Tuesday, February 7, 1995 Deb Johnson, 11367 190th Court, thinks that some nice restaurants are needed around the area. Being originally form Denver, she is used to many paths and trails. She thinks that paths and trails would be nice for bikers and pedestrians in the Elk River area. Maurine and Kenneth Fisk, 21083 Brook Road, (CR. 21) moved here fairly recently. One of the reasons they picked this area is City expansions and developments would not be built out their way. They would prefer that there were no developments/improvements in their area, but in the downtown area only. They feel that the development should be limited to that specific area downtown which would also make it easier for people to get to. A few more sit down type restaurants vs. fast food restaurants in the area would be a welcome addition. Pat Dolsick, 14684 221st Avenue, had recently addressed some of these issues in a letter to the editor. She is thankful that there is an organization assigned to these issues. Pat believes that Highway 169 is becoming "swept" with retailers and franchises, neither contributing to the aesthetics of our area. She would like to see an original downtown Main Street equipped as Stillwater has done. Unique rustic old west appearance on store fronts a restaurant with character yet small, attracting locals and tourists alike. Housing projects in the area are `undesirable" . Clustered box houses leave cornfields behind with no trees and no character. "Fast built low income homes have been known to lure and breed crime, look at Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park". The City of Elk River still has time to set a custom course in its growth plan. She believes the City should promote red pines in treeless neighborhoods, stained home fronts as opposed to aluminum siding, a downtown that reaps of character and design reminiscent of the old days. Monday, February 13, 1995 Mrs. Olson on Baldwin Street has lived in Elk River for two years. Generally, she is pretty satisfied with the image of Elk River. She does object to the liter garbage cans sitting in front of residences. She thinks that they should be hidden in a garage or behind a privacy wall and not visible from the street. She would also like to see stricter enforcement of cars and other material in yards, "they should be operable and have a current license". Tuesday February 14, 1995 Mary Jo Minton at 13700 Riverview Drive is pleased that there is a communication hotline between the residents and the City. She feels that Elk River has many amenities like the river and the lake. She also feels that these amenities need to be enhanced. She suggests one way would be to have certain ordinances to aid people in keeping their property looking as if they have pride in where they live. She thinks that some places are starting to look like junkyards with cluttered gathering of old pieces of equipment. The old historic village of Elk River also needs to be kept in mind. Keep the historical buildings a thing to be proud of. "We cannot let the town deteriorate." She also thinks that curbing on the sidewalk looks very nice and is a visual neatness. Friday February 17, 1995 No Name. This resident thinks that this voice mail process is confusing. She also believes that Elk River needs more senior citizen housing. There is plenty of apartments and Guardian Angels facilities, but some townhouses for sale or rent should be built according to the seniors' needs. There needs to be more planned streets crossing Hwy.169 in the area going north to take the load of traffic off of Jackson. Tuesday February 21,1995 No Name. A resident of Elk River for four years believes that Bin's Coral (Boelters Towing) and the green tree trunk looking like an octopus is a terrible first impression of the City. He believes that it is an embarrassment. Other than the octopus, he thinks the town is very nice and likes the development in the Jackson area. Wednesday February 22,1995 No Name. This caller believes that the City is letting the developers dictate. She believes that we are taking the country out of the City. The traffic and crime rate has increased, more schools, people, and building. She asks when is there going to be a stop put to the suburbs in Elk River. Monday February 27, 1995 John Heuster, 19834 York Street NW. Thanks us for the opportunity to respond. He thinks that there are some neighborhoods that are really look good because they are neat, clean, nice lawns, and are not crowded together. "They are something to look at." He believes some of the newer developments, particularly the ones east of Highway 169, are just poorly done, they are crowded, trees have been taken out, they have managed to crowd as many houses they possibly could on a 1/3 or 1/4 of an acre. " I don't know how small they are but strictly Elk Hills is just incredibly small." He thinks that putting a park and walkway in the old hardware store spot is wonderful. His concern is for the historical aspect of Elk River, as many of the historic buildings have been lost, like the creamery, train depot, etc. He suggest that we do an inventory of what historic places we have; the residences, businesses, and expand to special places like natural features like forests. To build the new Texaco and Mork Clinic, some of the old, historic places were taken out. He believes that we could do better including low income housing, which is a major concern. He also believes that the east west thoroughfare would be run through wilderness park and affect that in a major way. Taking park land is not the option, but he believes that we do need a corridor maybe north of CR 33 so the park land is not violated. Tuesday, February 28, 1995 Bill Jay Dry 15981 227th Avenue. Thinks that having a comment line is a great idea. He believes that we need to adhere to our mottle "Where City and Country flow together". He believes that the rural atmosphere is what brought most of us here. "As the city grows, we become more susceptible to the very problems and complications that people moved here to avoid. A well planned separation and sizing of commercial and residential land uses is one key to a pleasant living environment. Keep the traffic and noise confined to the highways and design the traffic pattern right the first time. Don't diverge traffic from many parking lots to one intersection, especially without a traffic light. Don't make parking lot entrances a tight squeeze for bigger vehicles, one example is the first right turn from north Freeport into Pamida parking lot and then the first left turn to enter parking lot. If you need to add convenience stores in residential areas, keep them on one small block off of major thoroughfares and no closer that 3 or 4 miles of each other in a residential areas." On regards to a theme for new development "we already have one use it" City -making goods and services available, country -trees grass, rivers and quiet. He thinks we should require developers to retain most of the existing landscape, apartment complexes no more that one dozen units and 2000 yds of each other. Subdividing large portions of land to make big bucks at the community's expense should not be allowed. For ideas on visual impact, he thinks that we should visit other City's and require that homes and yards be well maintained -don't allow junk piles in view of the road, paint be decent, lawns be kept mowed, contract services for these items, subsidize, or add to the monthly utility bill. Slowing traffic by culdesacs and other designs in residential areas. He thinks that we could make better use of area lakes and rivers, walking and bike paths with minimum commercial setbacks. Horse riding and raising is quite profitable, horse transportation corridors from rural to downtown areas would be a plus. Zoning areas for bars, adult entertainment, and subsidized areas leads to intensify crime. He thinks an idea would be to zone these areas with added restrictions. Limit bars 1 per 5000 people or area. He also believes we should put more effort into safety and recreation for kids and adults with nature type access. No Name. This caller believes we need a well supervised youth center open summer and evening hours during the school year. She also believes that we need more than one mortician. Senior citizens need a larger retirement center where they can live independently with nursing care still available when needed. A taxi service with a small fee. She thinks we need bicycle and walking paths. s:Pimming/scopmm