06-25-2007 DTMIN
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
REDEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TASK FORCE
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007
Members Present: Louise Kuester, HRA Commissioner; Jean Lieser, HRA Commissioner; Lance
Lindberg, Heritage Preservation Commissioner; Dan Tveite, EDA Commissioner;
Mike Niziolek, Parks & Recreation Representative; Dave Rymanowski, Business
Representative (First National Bank); Mark Urista, Business Representative
(Coldwell Banker Vision); Keith Holme, Business Representative (Kemper Drug)
and Stewart Wilson, HRA Chair
Members Absent: Larry Toth, HRA Commissioner; Dana Anderson, Planning Commissioner; Molly
Nadeau-Peterson, Resident Representative and John Anderson, Resident
Representative
Staff Present: Community Development Director Scott Clark, Director of Economic
Development Catherine Mehelich, Assistant Director of Economic Development
Heidi Steinmetz and Planner Chris Leeseberg
Others Present: Stacie Kvilvang of Ehlers & Associates, Inc.
1. Approve June 25, 2007 Agenda
The June 25, 2007 agenda was approved.
2. Approve June 4, 2007 Minutes
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The June 4, 2007 minutes were approved with one correction to a typo on Page 1 under item 3 (3
paragraph) from “property” to “properly” and another change on Page 3 under item 5 (Louise
Kuester’s comment) from “Concerned that the Task Force has not discussed historic preservation
issue enough” to “Concerned that the Task Force has not discussed how to balance the area’s
historic context with the economic feasibility of redevelopment.”
3. Recap of Last Meeting & Purpose of June 25th Meeting
Community Development Director Scott Clark distributed and provided an overview of the Task
Force planning process chart entitled “Council Action to Create Task Force, October 2, 2006”. As a
reminder to those involved, the chart helps to visually describe the Task Force planning process and
can also be used as a tool to inform the public of the process.
Mr. Clark also mentioned that comments in the form of an e-mail submitted by Task Force member
John Anderson regarding his review of the meeting packet were distributed at the beginning of
tonight’s meeting.
4. Review Components of the Draft Plan
Draft Illustrative Master Plan
Planner Chris Leeseberg provided a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the Illustrative Master
Plan, June 25, 2007, which is a visual map illustrating new land uses for the redevelopment area,
which were developed and refined by the Task Force discussions since May. He provided close up
images of each component of the Illustrative Master Plan and provided visual examples to help
Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes Page 2
June 25, 2007
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describe some of the goals and specific area strategies (the text that describes the Illustrative Master
Plan).
Task Force member Stewart Wilson indicated that the draft plan does not include water based
activities (just land based activities) for better utilizing the Mississippi River. Discussion ensued
regarding this issue and the Task Force agreed that both water and land based activities should be
specified within the Plan.
Member Lance Lindberg reiterated his position, as he has done throughout the Task Force planning
process, regarding his wishes and the Heritage Preservation Commission’s wishes, to preserve the
“Cinema block” through the “Sunshine Depot block”. He added that he is concerned about the
Main Street realignment as shown on the draft Illustrative Master Plan.
Member Keith Holme asked for clarification that the draft Illustrative Master Plan shows that the
buildings located along Main Street west of The Bluffs of Elk River to Lowell Avenue will all be
redeveloped. Ms. Kvilvang stated that the Task Force had discussed this issue over time and that
their preference has been to save the Brick Block. Director of Economic Development added that
the Plan was drafted based only on Task Force’s discussion and direction.
Member Louise Kuester stated her concern that the Task Force has not discussed how to balance the
area’s historic context with the economic feasibility of redevelopment.
Mr. Clark responded that the draft goals, policies and specific area recommendations (the text that
describes the Illustrative Master Plan) address the issue of preserving the historic character of the
area. Assistant Director of Economic Development added that the plan is supposed to be a 20-year
vision and that any changes to the area would not happen overnight. Members Stewart Wilson, Jean
Lieser and Chair Mark Urista stated that the Task Force should not limit the plan and that a 20-year
vision is meant to provide opportunities for redevelopment in the future. Member Wilson added an
example that the Brick Block was built with a long-term vision in mind because the buildings were
built with higher quality design and materials.
After much discussion, the majority of the Task Force agreed that any new buildings along the river
should not be taller than The Bluffs building and that of the existing buildings downtown, only the
Brick Block should be saved.
Draft Goals, Policies and Specific Area Strategies
Mr. Clark and Ms. Mehelich presented the draft goals, policies and strategies document, dated June
25, 2007, for each specific area (as listed below) in detail.
Recreational Opportunities
Core Downtown
Highway 10 Corridor
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North of Hwy 10− Jackson Avenue and 4 Street Corridors
Residential Neighborhoods (Single and Mutli-Family)
Proctor & Quinn Avenues
The items were drafted based on Task Force discussion over eight meetings. Staff asked the Task
Force for feedback on the draft document. The Task Force provided input on clarification to several
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items to be included in the next draft version for Task Force review at its July 16 meeting.
Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes Page 3
June 25, 2007
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The discussion also led to consensus on the following points:
Redevelopment in the core downtown shall be market driven.
A Geometric Design Study must be completed for Hwy 10.
The potential for single-family homes to be converted to commercial uses must be
eliminated.
The area between Morton & Lowell on Main Street shall remain as currently zoned. This
block will serve as the buffer between existing and new developments.
Mr. Clark emphasized that the strategies will help achieve the goals, that the goals will not be
achieved all at once because they will be prioritized. The Task Force will discuss phasing priorities at
the next meeting.
5. Final Comments
Ms. Kvilvang asked each Task Force member to talk about his/her concerns or comments regarding
the discussion this evening. The comments are listed below:
Dave Ryamowski − The process has been exciting and it must have taken staff a long time to draft
both the Illustrative Master Plan and text to go along with it.
Mike Niziolek − The process and progress has gone very well.
Louise Kuester − She is glad that the Task Force discussed balancing the area’s historic context with
the economic feasibility of redevelopment. She feels that all points regarding this issue have been
considered.
Stewart Wilson − Significant issues were discussed tonight and he is excited for the public open
houses.
Keith Holme − He thinks the process is going well and that the Task Force has played a more active
role during this process as opposed to previous study groups. He is optimistic that this plan will not
sit on the shelf.
Dan Tveite − He appreciates the openness of the group and that the discussions have remained civil.
He is also excited for the public open houses.
Lance Lindberg − He is satisfied with the process overall but maintains his preference for the utmost
historic preservation.
Mark Urista − He appreciates the process, thinks there has been good discussion and is glad
everyone got their views out in the open.
Jean Lieser − She thinks the process has been great, appreciates the groups open mindedness and is
glad that the “iffy” details have been discussed.
The next meeting will be held on July 16, 2007.
Submitted by,
Heidi Steinmetz
Assistant Director of Economic Development