04-01-2019 HRA MINElk -
River
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Regular Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April I, 2019
Chair Larry Toth, Commissioners Denny Chuba, Michelle Eder, and Louise
Kuester
Commissioner Nate Ovall
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic
Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, and Sr. Administrative
Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer Green
I. 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 5:31 p.m. by Chair Toth.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider April I, 2019 Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Chuba and seconded by Commissioner Eder to approve
the April 1, 2019, HRA agenda.
Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Chuba and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve
the April 1, 2019, consent agenda as follows:
4.1 March 4, 2019, Regular Meeting Minutes.
4.2 Check Register.
4.3 Balance Sheet.
4.4 Revenue/Expenditure Report.
Motion carried 4-0.
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April 1, 2019
S. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearings.
7.1 Amended Mortgage and Repayment Agreement for Kyle and Jennifer Torfin
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Motion by Commissioner Kuester and seconded by Commissioner Eder to approve
Resolution 19-01 approving the Amended Mortgage and Repayment Agreement for
Kyle and Jennifer Torfin as outlined in the staff report with the condition that all
mortgages documents are executed by staff or counsel and all mortgage documents
are recorded.
Motion carried 4-0.
7.2 HRA Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Update
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Commissioner Eder asked if the past loan provider allowed for online payments and have
any of the homeowners taken advantage of this new ability to make online payments.
Ms. Othoudt stated in the past, online payments were not an option to homeowners. She
noted some have already signed up for this new online access and set up ACH payments.
Chair Toth asked about the two delinquent accounts.
Ms. Othoudt stated they were working with both parties to bring their loans current.
7.3 Consider the Amended and Restated Redevelopment Plan for the City of Elk
River
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Chair Toth asked questions regarding the map.
Ms. Othoudt stated the black outline on the map shows the Urban Services District, noting a
few properties within this district do not have city sewer and water services.
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April 1, 2019
Page 3
Motion by Commissioner Eder and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve
the Amended and Restated Redevelopment Plan for the City of Elk River as outlined
in the staff report.
Motion carried 4-0.
7.4 Downtown Permanent Fixtures Update
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Chair Toth asked if the plan was that city staff would be in charge of watering the planters.
Ms. Othoudt stated the plan that was discussed in the downtown group was that city staff
would be in charge of the watering and maintenance responsibility; however, the plan hasn't
been finalized and details regarding financial and personnel resources for plant watering still
need to be discussed.
Chair Toth asked if the council has approved a budget and if not, could they add additional
funds to cover staff time for watering and maintenance of the planters.
Ms. Othoudt indicated they had not. She indicated this was more about if the HRA felt the
request to purchase 24 basket hangers and 22 banner arms was in line with the Downtown
Permanent Fixtures Policy.
Commissioner Chuba asked about the light replacements.
Ms. Othoudt stated they are testing out a specific light fixture near The Bank of Elk River.
Commissioner Chuba asked about the banners and if they were permanent or rotating, and
who would be providing them.
Ms. Othoudt explained the banners are rotating and similar to the Highway 10 banners the
city designs and hangs. She wasn't sure if outside groups would have access to designing
banners for their own use and further discussion would have to be had to determine the
banners and their usage. She explained they discussed the Downtown Association's
contributions towards these items and their proposed 2020 purchase that would include
flower baskets and flowers.
Commissioner Eder stated she likes the idea of flowers in planters but before the HRA
decides to approve the purchase of the basket hangers, they need to know who's paying for
the flowers and who will maintain, water, and commit to the care and upkeep of them as
well as a backup plan if fundraising isn't fulfilled. She stated there's nothing worse than
empty or non -maintained flower baskets and feels the HRA needs more solid information
before spending the $5000.
Ms. Othoudt stated it's up to the HRA how to use these dollars if they require more
information before making a purchasing decision.
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April 1, 2019
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Commissioner Chuba concurred.
It was the consensus of the HRA to request more information from the Downtown Group
regarding the purchase and maintenance of the flowers. Ms. Othoudt will bring back
information to the HRA at a future meeting.
8. Adjournment
Chair Toth adjourned the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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Housing & Redevelopment Authority