4.1. HRA DRAFT MINUTES 05-02-2022
Regular Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April 4, 2022
Members Present: Chair Larry Toth (via Zoom), Acting Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners
Nate Ovall, Jayme Swenson, and Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: none
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil and Recording Secretary
Jennifer Green
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 5:30 p.m. by Acting Chair Chuba.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider April 4, 2022, Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Swenson to
approve the April 4, 2022, HRA meeting agenda as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Swenson and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to
approve the consent agenda as follows:
4.1 Regular and Closed Meeting Minutes from March 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 5-0.
5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
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April 4, 2022
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6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearings.
7.1 HRA Housing Rehabilitation Loan Update
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report and was proposing to run a Star News newspaper ad
once a month for April and May, as well as a banner ad on the Star News website, which
they indicated would have a minimum of 8,000 views.
Chair Toth asked if there was more discussion on any changes on the loan application.
Mr. O’Neil stated it is still being considered and will be discussed at a future meeting.
Commissioner Wagner asked about how many more times the ad will run in the Star News,
preferring to run ads consecutive weeks in a row to generate more interest instead of once a
month.
Mr. O’Neil stated he is initially running the ad monthly, securing April and May and will
evaluate after determining the number of impressions. He stated he was hoping to work with
our in-house marketing staff for assistance. He asked if running the ad consecutive weeks
was more effective.
Commissioner Wagner stated it would be more effective and reach more readers to run the
ad consecutive weeks while also being mindful of the budget, in addition to other marketing
attempts.
Commissioner Ovall asked about Google and Facebook analytics, running keywords and
geofencing, as he too was concerned about cost effectiveness getting those banners on social
media to drive awareness. He suggested working with our in-house communications staff for
obtaining those analytics. He stated we are fortunate to have the Star News and would like to
continue including them along with social media.
7.2 Main and Gates Redevelopment Update and 2022 Maintenance
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report and indicated he spoke with the proposers of the Main
and Gates development project on Friday afternoon, and they have decided to take a pause
on the project and will be submitting a formal letter stating such. Mr. O’Neil stated the HRA
will continue to market the site, noting they did receive 3 interested parties when the RFI
was presented last fall and has also received 2 other soft interest calls.
Commissioner Ovall asked if there were any other communication from surrounding
homeowners.
Mr. O’Neil stated he has received questions regarding making the site larger; he also received
email comments from a neighboring residential property owner with suggestions and
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April 4, 2022
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concerns. He stated he has not had contact with the remaining property owner or from any
surrounding commercial properties.
Mr. O’Neil stated the 2022 maintenance agreement with Super T’s to mow the site either
weekly or every two weeks dependent upon the weather and the need for mowing. He stated
the cost is $200/mowing, which remained the same as 2021.
Commissioner Swenson asked if the site would need additional attention other than mowing
or increased need for mowing.
Mr. O’Neil stated any additional needs could be addressed on a case-by-case basis and felt
Super T’s or city staff could handle any additional attention including more mowing.
Commissioner Ovall wondered if the HRA could approve the maintenance agreement
without a set dollar limit but under the maximum $5000.00 limit.
Mr. O’Neil stated the $200/service would be monitored and stated the budget is set at
$2,000. He stated staff will monitor the costs of mowing to stay within the budget.
Moved by Commissioner Ovall and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to approve
the maintenance agreement with Super T’s Lawn Care service for $200 a time for
mowing and maintenance of the Main and Gates site, in an amount up to $2,000 for
the year 2022.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.3. General Updates
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report. He noted the TIF proposal for the Jackson Street
Apartments, LLC project would be heard at the council for consideration later tonight.
8. Adjournment
Acting Chair Chuba adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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Denny Chuba, Acting Chair
Housing & Redevelopment Authority