03-07-2022 HRA MINRegular Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, March 7, 2022
Members Present: Acting Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners Nate Ovall, Jayme Swenson, and
Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: Chair Larry Toth
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil and 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 5:30 p.m. by Acting Chair Chuba.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider March 7, 2022, Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Swenson to
approve the March 7, 2022, HRA meeting agenda as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Swenson to
approve the consent agenda as follows:
4.1 Meeting Minutes from February 7, 2022.
4.2 Check registers as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Balance sheets as outlined in the staff report.
4.4 Revenue/ expenditure reports as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 4-0.
S. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2
March 7, 2022
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearings.
7.1 HRA Rehabilitation Loan Update
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. He updated the Commission on boosting marketing in
the Elk River Star News with a monthly feature in print and a corresponding banner on their
website with a cost of around $200 per month. He indicated he is relying on updating older
content with the help from the Star News until internal staff is hired in communications. He
noted CEE sends out stock pieces occasionally and those can also be pushed out on social
media. He asked the Commission if they would like a work session to discuss their ideas on
improving the loan program and promoting the available funds.
Commissioner Ovall stated he felt he would prefer some guidance and direction from Mr.
O'Neil who has a fresh set of eyes and ideas, and if there's things in this policy that he sees
worth changing to please feel free to bring them to the Commission. He felt the
Commission has spun their wheels on this loan program in the past and would welcome
direction from Mr. O'Neil.
Commissioner Wagner agreed and felt the city's website could also use an update.
7.2 Main and Gates Redevelopment Update
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report.
Acting Chair Chuba noted the site plan has changed since the last iteration was presented to
the HRA.
Mr. O'Neil stated the plans are a work -in -progress and parking has again been modified
along with stormwater mitigation plans. The commercial layout was lowered to 4,000 sq. ft.
and units increased to 55,000 sq. ft.
Commissioner Ovall asked if there were any other interested parties in this parcel.
Mr. O'Neil stated another party had contacted this development group and contacted them
regarding a potential partnership, but this group wants to work solely on its own.
Commissioner Swenson commented on the decrease in parking and how would snow
removal/storage be handled.
Commissioner Wagner stated one of the issues with this site is there is no street parking
available. She stated that part of the parking struggle comes with the one remaining parcel
and once that spot is available, parking design would be redrawn and unsure if it would meet
ordinance requirements but would improve.
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3
March 7, 2022
Mr. O'Neil stated the need for renewal of the property maintenance agreement for 2022
which will come back for approval by the HRA at the April meeting.
Commissioner Wagner stated the market trends graphic and noted the City Council
discussed those trends for 1 -and 3 -bedroom rentals in Elk River.
Commissioner Ovall asked when the Maxwell Study will be updated as he was curious with
the number of rentals coming available soon and especially with senior housing.
Mr. O'Neil stated he has done someone follow-up on the active permits and pipeline
projects, and he stated Elk River will be approaching or at the amount recommended in the
Maxwell Study. He stated Elk River's study horizon was through 2025. He stated Sherburne
County recently did a housing study that extends to 2030 and shows a more expansive need
for housing. He has asked for a recommendation from the Maxwell Study contributors on
updating our study and they indicated we have a few more years left before doing a new
plan.
Commissioner Wagner stated the City Council shares the same concerns especially when it
relates to TIF as the members will want to have a good handle on the need for housing, the
number of units available, the vacancies, etc., to make an informed decision.
7.3. General Updates
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. He updated the Commission on the former Saxon site
and the development and planned unit development agreements going before the City
Council that evening for approval. He noted the developers of the property at Twin Lakes
Road and 175th Avenue have applied for and received state funding. He stated the second
phase of the Jackson Hills project will likely be heard at the April City Council meeting to
consider an agreement.
8. Adjournment
Acting Chair Chuba adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m.
Minutes 3r ar by Jennifer Green.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
De ny Chuba, Aci-Ing Chair
H using & Redeveiopment Authority