8.2. EDSR 06-17-2019
Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 8.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session June 17, 2019 Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
EDA City Beautification Policy discussion Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Review the EDA City Beautification Policy and provide staff direction on policy changes.
Background/Discussion
The Beautification Committee was established in December of 2016. Since adoption, staff has received 14
applications, and awarded 10 recipients. The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce assisted with a
majority of the nominations. In 2018, staff received a total of six applications, with four recipients
awarded. However, due to time constraints, the Chamber was unable to present any nominations. In
2019, we have received only one application and one business was recognized for their beautification
efforts. The committee has struggled to receive any new applications.
Staff has marketed the program on social media platforms, publically at EDA and City Council meetings,
distributed flyers, posted articles in the Star News in 2017 and 2018 and featured the program on the EDA
website and the city’s news feed.
At their June 10, 2019, Beautification Committee meeting, members discussed revising the beautification
policy as follows:
1. Changing the policy to allow a larger pool of applicants, with one winner at the end of the
season.
2. Adding an interior beautification component.
3. Recognizing service groups who have contributed to beautifying areas within the city.
4. Incorporate videos and public input.
5. Provide an incentive for the grand winner in November.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
Current Beautification Policy
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
City Beautification
Award Policy
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City Beautification Award Policy
What is a City Beautification Award?
The City Beautification Award recognizes business owners whose efforts to clean, repair,
improve and enhance the overall aesthetics of their property thereby maintaining the beauty
of their neighborhood and surroundings. It is presented to encourage community
improvements, enhance our city’s visual image and economic vitality.
From May through October, one winner will be chosen each month. 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?
The City of Elk River Beautification Committee seeks to recognize commercial/industrial
site improvements, commercial/industrial upgrades, landscapes, renovations, restorations,
and new structures that are architecturally noteworthy. 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.
Applications will be evaluated based on the overall visual appearance of the completed
project.
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Application Requirements
1. Submit completed entry form plus two recent 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 will receive an engraved plaque to display at the following EDA meeting
presented by the EDA President. All of the winners will be recognized by the Mayor
and City Council at their November meeting.
Eligibility
Properties must be located within the City of Elk River corporate limits.
Self-nominations are encouraged!
Projects must be visible from a public street. A photo release approval may be
needed to authorize the use of photos in various social media and print forums.
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:
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Judging Rubric
This award recognizes commercial properties that contribute to the beautification of the city
through landscaping and architecture. Businesses need to score a minimum of 10 points in order to
qualify for the award.
Judging is limited to the property visible from the public right of way
Scoring Rubric 0 1 2 3 Total
Criteria Does not meet Neutral Meets the Exceeds the
the criteria criteria 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 made
substantial improvements
to their landscaping?
The business consistently
maintained their property in
an attractive and well-kept
manner?
Grand Total
4
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
EDA 10/16/2017 3.5
EDA 12/17/2018 6.2
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