4.1. DRAFT HRA MINUTES 04-01-2019
Regular Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, March 4, 2019
Members Present: Chair Larry Toth, Commissioners Denny Chuba, Michelle Eder, Louise
Kuester, and Nate Ovall
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic
Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, and Recording Secretary Katie Porath
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and
Redevelopment Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Toth.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider March 4, 2019 Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Ovall and seconded by Commissioner Chuba to approve
the March 4, 2019, HRA agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Eder and seconded by Commissioner Chuba to approve
the March 4, 2019, consent agenda as follows:
4.1 February 4, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes.
4.2 Check Register.
4.3 Balance Sheet.
4.4 Revenue/Expenditure Report.
Motion carried 5-0.
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March 4, 2019
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5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearings.
7.1 Business Subsidy Policy
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Motion by Commissioner Eder and seconded by Commissioner Chuba to approve
Resolution 19-01 approving changes to the city’s Business Subsidy Policy.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Director Update
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Commissioner Chuba asked if there was residual responsibility from companies that had
loans during the transfer to administration by the Center for Energy and Environment
(CEE).
Ms. Othoudt responded that everything was taken care of at the end of December 2018.
Chair Toth asked if all of the loans were transferred with the process.
Ms. Othoudt explained that one loan is outstanding prior to contract expiring with Central
Minnesota Housing Partnership (CMHP).
Commissioner Chuba asked what the fee per loan was for the transfer.
Ms. Othoudt responded there were 13 loans with CMHP and the first loan month should be
$338 and $78 thereafter for administering. She believes this is inexpensive for the services
they provide.
Commissioner Ovall recommended promoting the loan program to people who may have
problems with ice dams. Could the HRA develop a social media campaign to promote this?
The purpose of the program is to help with things like insulation and air flow. Promoting it
at this time may create further awareness and offer distressed home owners a solution for
financing.
Commissioner Chuba added it could include temporary heat cables.
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Commissioner Ovall continued that they could also create awareness of local contractors
who provide disaster assistance.
Chair Toth asked Ms. Othoudt if she could give an update on the Evans Street project.
Ms. Othoudt updated the commission that they have been actively negotiating with three
property owners.
Commissioner Ovall would like to see a work session to get this project to conclusion.
Because of the amount of snow the properties look blighted.
Ms. Othoudt stated there was a company hired for snow removal but she will check into it.
Chair Toth asked if the HRA could begin designing a plan to present to developers on what
to put on Evans Street.
Ms. Othoudt will schedule a work session at the next meeting to discuss demolition and bids
and talk about vision or goals for the project area.
Commissioner Ovall agreed having a shovel ready site would help with vision and
perspective from developers.
Commissioner Eder asked if demo of the properties that the city already owns should be
done sooner than later.
Commissioner Ovall added the commission was not expecting the process to take this long.
Chair Toth questioned the cost of demolition.
Ms. Othoudt responded that they could get additional quotes for demolition.
Commissioner Ovall asked Ms. Othoudt if she could send the HRA a draft agenda for the
next meeting.
8. Adjournment
Chair Toth adjourned the meeting at 5:46 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Katie Porath.
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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Larry Toth, Chair
Housing & Redevelopment Authority