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4.1. EDA DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 12-21-2020 City of Elk Meeting of the Elk River River Economic Development Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, November 9, 2020 Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Garrett Christianson,Nate Ovall,Jennifer Wagner,Jeff Hartwig, and Charlie Blesener Members Absent: Commissioner Matt Westgaard Staff Present: Economic Development Specialist Colleen Eddy ity Administrator Cal Fortner, Zack Carlton,Planning Manager 1. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, ' e meeting of the Elk Rive"r Economic Development Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Tveite. 2. Strategic Plan Tom Leighton,Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., asked the Authority which topics they would like to focus on and what they found interesting in the report. The Authority noted the following: ■ Highway 169 and gravel mining area combined. ■ Downtown Elk River. ■ Business Friendly. ✓ If hold people to design` tandards need to explain the why. ✓ Better segmentation of zoning and business districts. Menu of options for differing need levels. ■ Energy City branding has gotten muddy over the last few years. Confusion over where power comes from and why reliable. ■ Supporting local businesses through Covid 19 and the upcoming Highway 169 Redefine. ■ Land availability. ■ Have a plan/vision for future development of the Great River Energy site (17845 Highway 10) area. ■ Wayfinding/advocacy/communication. Commissioner Ovall questioned what made Elk River Municipal Utilities energy more reliable than elsewhere. He thought Great River Energy (GRE),who is leaving Elk River,was a reason. Mr. Portner clarified the city does not get energy from GRE. He explained the RP3 program and rating system. He further explained how ERMU purchase power from Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. He noted GRE has stated they will continue to operate at their site and maintain the facilities. He stated the parcel with the sorting facility (off 165"'Avenue) recently sold to Malark Logistics. Mr. Leighton stated they will create a workplan for each topic discussed and wants to focus the Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 November 9,2020 ----------------------------- conversation on what the Authority feels is important Highway 169 Redefine John Shardlow, Stantec Consulting Services,LLC.,reviewed the following: ■ Transportation projects. Two competing interests: mobility and local access. ■ City's aspirations for the highway. ■ Design enhancements and buffering. The Authority discussed the following: ■ Perception is the city's ability to drive changes into the design is somewhat limited and how do we get a seat at the table. ■ Not sure if useful to be at the table unless we have a unified view and consistent message. Mr. Portner noted MnDOT is bringing design standards and cost es es to the city for input soon. Commissioner Ovall feels the Authority's foc ould be staying ahead of construction by focusing on the following: ■ Messaging ■ Impact to businesses ■ What Authority can/wants to do, such as signage, accessibility, marketing, and infrastructure ■ Access to other programs ■ Funds to help businesses Mr. Shardlow stated MnDOT has nfrastruc resources to maintain communications and will be required to maintain local access., Mr. Leighton summarized a draft policy statement as follows: "Go cares about enhancements, mitigating iVacls to existing businesses,providing temporary effective avayfinding during construction and physical access." There was Authority consensus on the statement with the addition of having permanent wayfinding for area businesses after the project is completed. Commissioner Bleseer expressed concern with the word "enhancement" and whether it would imply additional funding from the city. Commissioner Wagner noted initial design concepts were discussed at previous Council meetings and MnDOT would be assisting with permanent wayfinding once construction is completed. She expressed more concern with signage and access during construction. Gravel Minim Mr. Leighton stated the gravel mine phasing plan must be updated noting the city needs more industrial land and the market has changed so a review of land uses would be beneficial. He suggested a focused master plan for the area,noting part of attracting developers to land is to show UREI Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3 November 9,2020 ----------------------------- it is ready for build out by teeing up road alignment,zoning,utilities, etc. Mr. Shardlow stated because of the large investment in the Highnvay 169 Redefine project he would have the mining company assist as they have successful experience with end use plans. He suggested inviting Tiller Corporation in as a partner because they would have a mutual interest/benefit to maximize the site for development. Ms. Eddy noted staff has begun some initial discussions to get the conversation started with Tiller and they seem receptive. President Tveite stated the actions and strategies in the Plan are accurate. Commissioner Ovall stated it is like the chicken and egg with all the plans and projects the city has happening and questioned which comes first. He questioned if city staff would develop recommendations to bring forth on the comprehensive plan. Mr. Carlton discussed the phases, community feedback, and timeline for the comprehensive plan. He stated the Economic Development Strategic Plan will be submitted to the comprehensive plan consultants. He stated this will not be a plan created by staff,but rather a community developed plan with final review and approval of the City Council. Consensus of the Authority on the policy statement outlined in the Plan in regard to gravel mining. Downtown Elk River Mr. Leighton reviewed the policy statement ; Commissioner Wagner noted the Mississippi River Connections Plan is 10 years old and there is a parking perception problem. She questioned the est way to address parking concerns in messaging. Mr. Leighton stated the plan should show there are a lot of opinions about parking and the city is open to discussion. He agreed the answer is not to create more parking but to consider how to accommodate peak parking times. He further stated the plan should outline how much parking is wanted,where and why,noting there is no perfect solution,but rather a balance of needs. Mr. Shardlow stated this is a common concern among all downtowns. He suggested thinking of it as a parking management issue versus a parking shortage issue. He further suggested a coordinated effort on the parking policy, such as agreement that employees and business owners park in back, having shuttles for larger events,which would cost less than a parking ramp. He further noted a parking ramp will not have the Elk River quaint feel to it. Commissioner Christianson questioned the consultants on what they perceive for Item 8a in the plan which calls for creating a plan for downtown that honors a special role. Mr. Leighton stated it is the heart of the town. Mr. Shardlow stated it is the antithesis of the big box stores and more about being local and P 0 W I R I U 9 Y itm§A UREJ Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 4 November 9,2020 ----------------------------- walkable. President Tveite disagreed on it being the heart of the city but felt it meant a quaint,intimate,niche type space. Commissioner Ovall stated he struggles with the location of downtown as it is shoehorned between Highway 10, the railroad, and the river. Why can't western Elk River improve and be included. He noted Main Street on the north side of the railroad tracks is ripe for redevelopment and will be challenged to have the downtown connection because of the tracks. Mr. Leighton feels adding more housing adds more vibrancy and use to the area. He stated this location may always be a struggle for Elk River. Commissioner Wagner stated a plan for downtown will be complicated and require a lot of feedback. She noted there is currently a developer who wants to move forward quickly. She stated it should be broken into short- and long-term plans. She stated in the short term the city should review Jackson Avenue as a one-way or permanent closure,which would add more parking and help businesses on the east side of the street. The Authority concurred with Commissioner Wagner's statement. Commissioner Blesener further noted there are some policy changes that could happen ..... concurrently. Land Availability Mr. Leighton outlined four action steps in the"p an Mr. Shardlow stated his son,who works for government relations in Cargill, reached out to others in the company who said they would be eager to meet with the city. He stated his daughter also works for Cargill and they have several significant initiatives which may have some synergies to Elk River programs, and he would be willing to set up a meeting. Mr. Leighton stated the discussion Cargill can go beyond land acquisition noting there could be partnership opportunities for other initiatives. Commissioner Blesener stated it would be an exciting opportunity to explore. Commissioner Christianson feels development of the mining area is quite a few years down the road and it may be too early to update the mining plan because there are a number of other items to vet out,noting it can be expensive to expand city services. He stated the needs of the city can change quite a bit in 8-10 years. Mr. Leighton noted the first gravel plan was completed in 2015 and it stated the first phase would be completed in 2020. This did not occur but could be needed as early as 2022 and the city should plan for it. Mr. Shardlow stated it is never too soon to create a long-range use plan. He stated basic P 0 W I R I U 9 Y otmaA UREI Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 5 November 9,2020 ----------------------------- infrastructure and funding can be complicated and take some time to determine. Mr. Portner stated property owners requested the initial plan to understand what would happen around them. He stated the original plan was meant to be flexible because the timeline was far out but noted the recent sewer extensions creeping closer. Next Stens Mr. Leighton stated based on everything compiled to date he would draft an economic development strategy for the city He stated the intent for the document is to be simple and not have a lot of explanation for the policies. He stated it will be a struggle balancing with the policy detail. Commissioner Blesener stated the consultant is experienc. 1.: ows best practices and would expect honest commentary on what is needed. 3. Adjournment There being no further business, President adjourned the meeting of lk River Economic Development Authority at 7:34 p.m. Dan Tveite,EDA President Tina Allard, City Clerk UREJ VA City of Elk Meeting of the Elk River River Economic Development Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, November 16, 2020 Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Matt Westgaard, Nate Ovall,Jennifer Wagner,Jeff Hartwig, and Charlie Blesener Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator Cal Portner,Economic Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, and Deputy Clerk Jessica Miller I. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereo , `'e meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Tveite. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance was recitedt 3. Consider Agenda ' Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard to approve the agenda. Motion carried 7-0. 4. Consider Consent Agenda Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig to approve the following consent agenda: 4.1 Minutes ■ September 21, 2020 ■ October 19, 2020 4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report. 4.3 Balance sheet as outlined in the staff report. 4.4 Revenue/expenditure report as outlined in the staff report. 4.5 EDA Loan Report. 4.6 Transfer of EDA-owned property to the City of Elk River. Motion carried 7-0. Economic Development Authority Unutes Page 2 November 16,2020 ----------------------------- 5. Open Forum No one appeared for Open Forum. 6. Public Hearings There were no public hearing items. 7.1 2020 EDA Beautification Award Ms. Eddy presented the staff report. Tamara Ackerman, Chair of the Beautification Committee,reviewed the recommendation of why Dr. Hunter was recommended for the 2020 Beautification Award. Moved by Commissioner Hartwig and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to approve the recommendation from the Beautification Committee and recognize Dr. Hunter, Elk Plaza Dental, as the 2020 Beautification Award recipient. Motion carried 7-0. 7.2 Together Elk River Campaign Update Ms. Eddy presented the update. Commissioner Wagner provided an update on the last meeting of the Together Elk River Brand Ambassador group. 7.3 EDA Update: Ms. Eddy provided the update. 8. A �ournment There being no further business, President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority at 5:40 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller. Dan Tveite,EDA President Tina Allard, City Clerk p 0 W I R 1 9 8Y NATURE