Loading...
10.1 SR 07-06-2020Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 10.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session July 6, 2020 Cal Portner, City Administrator Item Description Reviewed by Activity Center Future Uses Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Hear presentations from community groups interested in the use of the Activity Center. Background/Discussion On March 3, 2020, the Council discussed the future use and disposition of the Activity Center 55+. At least two community groups had asked to attend the meeting and provide a presentation regarding their desired uses. Unfortunately, neither were able to attend. In the meantime, at least three other potential user groups have approached the city to pitch their plans to the Council. Financial Impact Attachments ■ 03-02-2020 Staff Report ■ 03-02-2020 Meeting Minutes The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional,` 01 e service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires pi ospei ly INAMIRE1 City of Elk* River Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 10.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session March 2, 2020 Cal Portner, City Administrator Item Description Reviewed by Activity Center Property Amanda Othoudt, Economic Development Director Reviewed by Action Requested Discuss and provide staff direction. Background/Discussion With the completion of the new senior programming space this fall, the existing Activity Center 55+ will no longer be needed for current city activities. Further, the facility needs numerous, expensive updates tc remain viable as a public building. The property is located in an R1 c — Single Family Residential zone. The three parcels total 1.16 acres. The county assessor has the property valued at $1.62 million which is not a reliable number. Staff has reached out to the development community to get a ballpark value for the property per council direction for residential use. ISD #728 has a need for additional parking, which would require a zoning amendment. Carrie Brummer has also inquired about the property and would like the council to consider maintaining the property as a community arts center. Carrie has asked to provide a brief presentation of her vision. Communications staff has also posted a survey for uses to our ERA community engagement folks. The survey information will be provided at the meeting. Financial Impact Property sale proceeds should be directed to the Elk River High School Parking lot improvements needed to accommodate senior parking at the multipurpose facility. Property tax receipts would benefit the General Fund, reducing the city-wide tax burden. Attachments ■ N/A The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional,` 01 e service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires pi ospei ly INAMIRE1 ERA - Activity Center (55+) Building Use Survey #4 Results — March 2, 2020 The survey was sent out to ERA members on Tuesday, February 25 and was available until noon on Monday, March 2. In that time 67-of the 245 ERA members responded. Background: Due to expected costs necessary to replace aging equipment and make structural, ADA, and use improvements, the city council decided to include senior citizen programming space in the new multipurpose facility. The current Activity Center (55+), located at 413 Proctor Ave., was previously the Elk River Library and when facility improvements were higher than the cost of a new facility, the new library (13020 Orono Pkwy) was constructed, and senior programming took over the Proctor Ave. facility. The council is seeking input on what do with the Proctor Ave. property once senior programming has transitioned to the multipurpose facility. The property is zoned R1 Residential which would allow for the development of similar -style new homes. ISD 728 has a need for additional parking for Handke Center and has expressed interest in the property, which would require a zoning ordinance change. Several nonprofits have also voiced an interest in maintaining the building for community use. aa,'122[) Gaa&c nape ^ao the Vipt„a!"Ra. p49p.flar !tifi,nvey p'esj'7v u'�""" Question I For council consideration, we are seeking your thoughts for a possible use of the current Activity Center (55+) located at 413 Proctor Ave. *Select one* o Sell the property as is, leaving the existing building in place, to the highest bidder, the property may or may not return to the property tax rolls. 17.9% (12 responses) o Sell the property for redevelopment into single-family homes consistent with the neighborhood and return to the property tax rolls. 25.4% ( 17 responses) o Sell the property for community use to support local needs for existing facilities (Handke Center parking). Remains off the tax rolls. 17.9% (12 responses) o Sell the property for community use to support local arts and cultural activities. Remains off of the tax rolls. 17.9% (12 responses) o Retain ownership and lease the building to community groups serving local needs. Remains off of the tax rolls. 16.4% (1 1 responses) o Other, (please explain in comments section) 4.5% (3 responses) Comments: `Handke parking is a necessity. " `2 would like to see the property used as is whether that be additional parking and programming for Handke or office space for a business or community use. The main thing is to retain the building and not turn it all into aparking lot.. " `7 would love for this space to be used for local theater as they do not currently have their own spaceL " `2f there are no buyers for the existing structure then my second choice is to use it for development into single-family homes. " ` -ease it out and make renterpay for the build out and put it on the tax rolls. " `Open lease to the highest bidder and make up some past costs. There are many local non profits that can pay a lot but cannot purchase their own buildings, with so few options in Elk River for non profits. Non prof is like charter schools, churches and community groups bang more families and attract other businesses that in the long run provide more income in taxes, etc. L " `Sell for redevelopment into single family homes. " "The building is surrounded by residential buildings thus it only makes sense to use it as office or residential use. " "Use for a new updated DMV. 99 'What is the percentage of residents that use the Activity Center (SS+) anyway?" City Council Minutes Page 6 March 2, 2020 Motion carried 5-0. 8.4 Discuss Work Session Items Mr. Portner presented the staff report. Councilmember Wagner requested a follow-up discussion on 5K runs and events/activities and routes and what routes and procedures the city wants to use. 9. Council Liaison Updates Council provided updates of various advisory board activities as noted in the respective boards' minutes. Council recessed at 7:20 p.m. to go into work session. The meeting reconvened at 7:35 p.m. 10.1 Activity Center Property Mr. Partner presented the staff report. He distributed a handout outlining the survey results. After discussion, City Council consensus was to put the Activity- Center property on the market as is. The council provided staff direction to market the property. 10.2 Concept Review: Climate Controlled Storage, 11074 179' Avenue Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. The applicant, Keith Burnham, explained his request using submitted photos to show how the current Sportech/MaxSun building would be modified to accommodate a climate -controlled storage facility for approximately 500 occupiable units. Mr. Burnham said he would proceed with purchase after hearing council feedback but was concerned with the council not approving the project in the long run. It was the consensus of the City Council to support the proposal as presented if rezoned as a PUD to allow the use as a climate -controlled storage building. 10.3 Lion John Weicht Park Dedications Mr. Portner presented the staff report. The council discussed the facility naming process and it was the consensus of the council to continue following that process but noting it would be fine to move a dugout plaque and three seats to the new fields. The council also agreed to wait until park construction is complete before finalizing any dedications. The council felt it ,%would be appropriate to engage in discussions with the Lion's Club for possible plaque placement at the new fields which would describe the club's history and its namesake, Lion John Weicht. The council also agreed to discuss the presence of the high school program and how that's presented in the new space and would need to have future discussions with school officials to work through those details. 10.4 Set Annual Council/Staff Retreat Dates/Topics NATURE Glory of Christ Fellowship Meeting at the Hanke Family Center Our Desire • To find a permanent 24 x 7/365 home for ministry in Elk River History • Founded in 2006 (Daughter church of Bethlehem Baptist —Minneapolis) • Meeting at Hanke Family Center since 2007 • Offices in Downtown Elk River • Congregation size —150 • Pastors Kevin Feder and Charles Handren • Currently meeting at Living Waters church • Began in earnest in 2017 • Facilities Team in place • Properties pursued • Elk River Lodge • Saxon • Marcus Theater • Formal Capital Campaign - $200k on hand in Facilities Fund • Bank of Elk River —Borrowing ability is +/- $800k • Intent is to keep it at +/- $500k Next Steps Elk River Senior Activity Center: City Council Presentation 413 Proctor Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330 Thank You Who We Are: - Ken Beaudry - Gary Santwire - Shine a Ligh7 Foundation: Paul Martin - KC Foster - Great River Young Life: Barry Hohlen & Lane Crose - Thumbs Up: Katie Shatusky - The Wave: Maria Guidarelli What Are We: A group of adults interested in the well being of youth in our area, coming together to provide resources and spaces for groups that promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. What Do We Believe: We believe that kids survive and thrive when connected with caring adults. Why Are We Here? To inquire about occupying the Old Library and Current Elk River Senior Activity Center. Why does this matter? Because kids matter: - Today's teens are (From 2016 Barna Study) - "Screenagers." - Increasingly isolated. - Seeking belonging - Helpless - 9 in 10 Gen Z Student have reported experiencing at least on physical or emotional symptom due to stress (depression, anxiety etc.) (APA, 2019) How would the space be used: - After school daily - Evening gatherings: - Mondays: Young Life High School Outreach - Thursdays: Young Life Capernaum - Fridays: Fifth Quarter events - Small groups & Mentoring - Banquets - Art groups and therapy How Would the Space Be Used: Imagine kids and adults in coffee shop supported by mental health workers How Would the Space Be Used: Imagine after school hangouts of kids and Young Life Leaders, or middle schoolers at a Wave activity. V How Would the Space Be Used: - I --- Imagine kids at a "Fifth Quarter" event after a football game with the leaders of their group having pizza and hanging out. 1�� How Would the Space Be Used: Imagine "Club" with a room full of kids and adult leaders, singing and laughing and hearing about Jesus. Why this makes sense: - There seems to be a gap in service to kids in our community. - The building feels like a burden to the city, like a treasure to us. - No maintenance costs to the city, nor programming costs to the city. - To build a future youth center would be a great cost to the city. - To help Elk River in its drive to be the best city of its size in the US. Could This Work? Vision: Proposed Future Use of Elk River Activity Center Elk River Center for History & the Arts ILA • Community arts: It's great for business! • Vision: Elk River Center for Arts &History • Proposed Model • Community Stakeholders • Downstream Community _ Impacts Q&A Theater and Performing Arts -Proven Community Enrichment AND Economic Benefits Participation in community arts and theatre brings with it an immediate social circle, and all the networking benefits that such group endeavors can provide. Community theatre is a team effort opportunity for people of all talents, skills and energy. It enriches the community -- financially and artistically. Source American Association of Community Theater www.aact.org • Concept: Elk River History Archives and Center • Hosted Walking Tours of Elk River Historical Sites • Historical Artifacts, Photos, Books and Displays • Community Events, Galas, etc. • Concept: Theater & Music Programming • Audition/Rehearsal Space (Theater, Piano, Dance, Choir, Small Instrumental Groups) • Small performances, dinner theaters & recitals • Summer Theater & Music Camps for Kids • Senior Theater and Music Performer Groups (e.g. Silvertones, Foxy Trotters) • Concept: Local Artisan Displays & Events • Pick up where the formerly vibrant Elk River Arts Alliance left off (i.e. Art Soup) • Fiber Arts, Painting, Pottery —any!! • Place for local artists or youth to display and sell works o Space leased by local artists and performing arts groups o Potential lessees o Musical instrument lessons (piano, voice, guitar) or dance/movement o Theater auditions, rehearsals and small performances o Fiber Arts instruction and displays o Local Art Exhibits and Sales o Elk River History Displays andlorwalking tours of downtown or Handke Center (former ERHS) o City or Park & Rec-Sponsored Art Groups o Pick up where the once vibrant Elk River Arts Alliance left off (i.e. Art Soup) o Arts -related activities benefiting area seniors o Parks and Recreation Arts -Related o Partnership with Taste of Elk River, Elk River Fest or Sherburne County Fair o Longerterm leases o By the Month or Annual o Short term leasing o Space leasable by the hour(s) for lessons, etc YOUTH (PREK-12), ADULTS (19-54) & SENIORS (55+) OF ALL ABILITIES COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND LOCAL ARTS CONSUMERS LOCAL BUSINESSES (MOST NOTABLY DOWNTOWN) Downstream Community Impacts • Centralizes an "Arts and Performance Center" near downtown • Presence Near Downtown Area and Elk River Riverfront can result in increased foot traffic benefiting downtown area businesses • While vast majority of potential participants are EII< River residents, many are from surrounding communities, driving additional visitors from surrounding areas patronizing area businesses • Performances for theater productions are well -attended locally and includes audience members from all over the Twin Cities and beyond • Such usage could help drive support for much needed improvements to the building • Enhances diverse activity offerings to Elk River residents, including senior engagement! Is 71% of the population agree "the arts have a social impact, improving the quality and livability of my community." —americans Speak Out About the Arts 4,,18 79% of companies believe arts help to improve quality of life in the community. — jusit'ie ; Cutal1Vu«u► S to Lre f=+o u Lulo Edition — �- 66% of business establishments consider the arts and entertainment as either I� - somewhat or very important for making communities attractive places to work. - :arts Data Profile: Rural Arts, Design, and _ C, Innovation Research Brief #4: Local Arts and ' Entertainment as a Draw for Businesses and TA . Mhnrl, - amencansforthearts.org �� - C _./ r E River Happy to take any questions you have!!