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02-06-2006 HRAMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2006 Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Kuester, Lieser, and Motin Members Absent: Commissioner Toth Staff Present: Community Development Director Scott Clark, Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller 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 5:03 p.m. by Chair Wilson. 2. Consider February 6. 2006 HRA Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 2006, HRA AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consider Consent Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED: Chair Wilson noted that he abstained from discussion and vote on item 6 so the January 3, 2006 minutes should be changed to read "The motion carried 4-0. Chair Wilson abstained." 3.1. DECEMBER 5, 2005 WORKSESSION MEETING MINUTES 3.2. JANUARY 3, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WITH CHANGES AS NOTED ABOVE 3.3. JANUARY 24, 2006 JOINT MEETING MINUTES 3.4. CHECK REGISTER 3.5. DECEMBER 2005 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT 3.6. DECEMBER 2005 BALANCE SHEET 3.7. JANUARY 2006 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT 3.8. JANUARY 2006 BALANCE SHEET MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4 O� yen Mike There was no one present for Open Mike. Housing & Redevelopment Authority February 6, 2006 5. Downtown Revitalization Project U1date Page 2 Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that the Downtown Revitalization Q&A Newsletter provides an update on the downtown revitalization project and responds to some of the recent questions regarding the project. Ms. Mehelich stated that it is staffs goal to distribute this newsletter at least quarterly while the project is taking place. She noted that she also provided an update on downtown activities on the Mayor's Show, Klin!�ing Thoughts, which will air on the city's cable channel. Ms. Mehelich indicated that questions continue to be raised regarding the lack of visible construction activity in the downtown area. She explained that construction is ready to go pending refinement of the development agreement regarding MetroPlains financing. Ms. Mehelich indicated that the HRA's attorney at Briggs & Morgan revised the agreement and it is currently under review by MetroPlains. Ms. Mehelich indicated that MetroPlains has also recently completed its presale requirements, which have been exceeded for the Bluff Block. Ms. Mehelich stated that there is a new sign erected at the site of the future River's Edge Park that includes a concept drawing of the future park. Ms. Mehelich indicated that the City Council will be considering the business subsidy and tax abatement for The Bank of Elk River at their meeting tonight and the County Board of Commissioners will be reviewing the request at their February 14 meeting. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff is awaiting plans for review from The Bank of Elk River and noted that The Bank's expansion could force some changes in traffic and construction staging downtown. Chair Wilson questioned if a start date has been set for construction of the park. Ms. Mehelich indicated that the park project is scheduled for spring. She noted that the park construction and The Bank of Elk River expansion could be concurrent with the downtown project which will limit the amount of time that downtown is disrupted. Chair Wilson indicated that he believes it may be a good idea for MetroPlains to come to a future HRA meeting to provide an update on the downtown project. The HRA concurred. Community Development Director Scott Clark explained that part of the reason why the development agreement is taking a while to refine is that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is being used as part of the construction financing and the original development agreement was not written to include MetroPlains selling the TIF note at the beginning of construction. Review Draft Goals & Strategies for Downtown North of Highway 10 Redevelopment Plan Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz reviewed background information on the draft goals and strategies for downtown north of Highway 10 redevelopment plan. Ms. Steinmetz stated that in November 2005, the HRA adopted a work plan that outlined the components to completing the redevelopment plan. She stated that in December 2005, the HRA completed a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis which became the core of the draft goals and strategies document. Ms. Steinmetz reviewed the study boundary area that the HRA defined in June of 2004 and questioned if the HRA agrees with how the areas have now been split up in four sub - planning areas. Commissioner Morin indicated that he would like to see sub -planning area one broken into two areas (separating off the single-family homes). Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that the area could be split to add a fifth area. Housing & Redevelopment Authority February 6, 2006 Page 3 �L. Commissioner Kuester questioned how the study boundaries compare with the HRA, Planning Commission and HPC form -based zoning discussion that took place on January 24th. Ms. Mehelich indicated that form -based zoning should not guide this plan at this point because form -based zoning is an implementation tool of the plan. Ms. Mehelich and Ms. Steinmetz reviewed the goals and strategies of the plan as outlined in the staff report and asked the HRA for comments or suggestions. Staff noted the HRA's changes and both staff and the HRA will continue to review and refine this draft work plan, along with other relevant boards and commissions. Other Business There was no other business. 8. Adjournment. There being no further business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting. The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:03 p.m. 4ca-a.C,-`t iller Recording Secretary J