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07-16-2007 DTMIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER REDEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TASK FORCE HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, JULY 16, 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, Task Force Chair & Business Representative (Coldwell Banker Vision); Keith Holme, Business Representative (Kemper Drug); Stewart Wilson, HRA Chair; 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 July 16, 2007 Agenda The July 16, 2007 agenda was approved. 2. Approve June 25, 2007 Minutes The June 25, 2007 minutes were approved with one exception suggested by Task Force member Lance Lindberg. On Page 2 in the paragraph above “Draft Goals…”, the text was changed from “it was the consensus of the Task Force” to “the majority of the Task Force agreed”. Staff and the Task Force responded to Task Force member Molly Nadeau’s questions regarding the thth June 25 minutes. Ms. Nadeau was unable to attend the June 25 meeting and had several clarification questions. 3. Recap of Last Meeting & Purpose of July 16th Meeting th Ms. Kvilvang provided a recap of the June 25 Task Force meeting, which was when the Task Force reviewed components of the draft plan. The components reviewed were the Draft Illustrative Land Use Plan and the Draft Goals, Policies and Specific Area Strategies. Ms. Kvilvang added that tonight the Task Force would review their refinements to the draft land use plan and the remaining components of the draft plan, including the Executive Summary and Implementation Priorities. Task Force members discussed the upcoming Property Owners Informational Meeting (Stakeholders th Meeting) on July 24. Task Force member Lance Lindberg requested that staff send Task Force rd members the July 3 letter sent to property owners. Mr. Clark provided an overview of the July 9, 2007 EDA and City Council discussion. He reviewed his memo to the Task Force regarding plan modifications in follow up to the Council direction to re- examine the Highway 10 configuration. He recommended the Task Force meet August 13 to discuss the Highway 10 options and that the outcome would be reviewed and considered by the Council at th its August 20 meeting prior to proceeding with the public participation meetings. He clarified that the Council concurred that the stakeholder’s meeting should proceed acknowledging that the Highway 10 configuration as shown will change based on discussions in August. 4. Review & Consider Acceptance of Draft Plan Executive Summary Community Development Director Scott Clark provided a PowerPoint presentation and discussed with the Task Force the draft plan’s executive summary. Task Force member Molly Nadeau stated a concern that paragraph #3 entitled “History” does not emphasize saving Elk River’s “history” but mentions the importance of creating a “new history”. Much discussion ensued regarding whether or not the “West Bluff Block” (the two blocks extending from west of the Bluffs building) in the core downtown should be preserved. The majority of the Task Force agreed that although they would not oppose redeveloping these buildings, the buildings should be relabeled on the draft land use plan to state “no proposed changes”. In addition, the Task Force discussed the definition of “market driven” with the majority of the Task Force agreeing that “market driven” is defined by a developer submitting an unsolicited development or redevelopment proposal to a community, which may or may not include a request for public financing. Implementation Priorities Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich continued the PowerPoint presentation and discussed with the Task Force the short-term, mid-term and long-term implementation priorities of the draft plan. The Task Force particularly discussed one of the short-term implementation priorities, which states ‘work with State Historic Preservation Office to determine structural and financial feasibility to preserve the “Brick Block”.’ Staff and Ms. Kvilvang stated that the reason the “Brick Block” was specifically mentioned in this section is because the Task Force had discussed the issue at length at their last meeting and voted in favor of specifically stating in the draft plan that the “Brick Block” be preserved. Task Force member Dave Rymanowki added that tonight’s discussion is “going against what we have already said”. Ms. Nadeau suggested that a study be completed to test the structural feasibility of preserving the “West Bluff Block” buildings in addition to the “Brick Block”. Mr. Rymanowski commented that the financial feasibility of preserving buildings is also important. Ms. Kvilvang asked each Task Force member to explain his/her thoughts on this issue. The majority of the Task Force agreed to Ms. Nadeau’s suggestion with the caveat that the results of the study not preclude any property owners from redeveloping their property. Larry Toth suggested the access points for St. Andrew’s Church be reconsidered as it affects the school. Stacie Kvilvang clarified that the Task Force keep in mind this is a concept plan and not a construction plan. After much discussion the majority of the Task Force concluded that the plan be modified to include narrative allowing for the evaluation of historic and financial feasibility of the “West Bluff Block” (the two blocks extending from west of the Bluffs building). It was clarified that the feasibility study would only determine if restoration was feasible or not, and does not require that the buildings be saved or not, and that redevelopment of the two blocks is not precluded. The Task Force also concluded that majority of the narrative of the plan remain “as is” with respect to the Brick Block remaining as a priority area for preservation and restoration. 5. Final Comments A. Stacie Kvilvang summarized what staff heard as the Task Force directed modifications including: - Address access issues on Irving Avenue and Church for the Task Force Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes Page 3 July 16, 2007 ------------------------------------------ - Understanding Highway 10 configuration will change - Allow for rehabilitation assistance for two blocks west of the Bluffs th B. John Anderson reported several properties currently for sale on the 4 Street realignment area and suggested that the Task Force consider noting that in the plan and reconsidering as a priority. Ms. Kvilvang asked each Task Force member to vote to accept or not accept the draft plan. MOVED BY MEMBER DAN TVEITE AND SECONDED BY MEMBER JEAN LIESER, THAT THE TASK FORCE ACCEPT THE DRAFT REDEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK PLAN WITH THE MODIFICATIONS AGREED UPON TONIGHT, JULY 10, 2007. THE MOTION CARRIED 12-1. MEMBER LANCE LINDBERG OPPOSED. The next meeting will be held on August 13, 2007 with the primary issue of discussion as highway 10 options. Submitted by, Heidi Steinmetz Assistant Director of Economic Development MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER REDEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TASK FORCE HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, JULY 16, 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, Task Force Chair & Business Representative (Coldwell Banker Vision); Keith Holme, Business Representative (Kemper Drug); Stewart Wilson, HRA Chair; 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 July 16, 2007 Agenda The July 16, 2007 agenda was approved. 2. Approve June 25, 2007 Minutes The June 25, 2007 minutes were approved with one exception suggested by Task Force member Lance Lindberg. On Page 2 in the paragraph above “Draft Goals…”, the text was changed from “it was the consensus of the Task Force” to “the majority of the Task Force agreed”. Staff and the Task Force responded to Task Force member Molly Nadeau’s questions regarding the June 25th minutes. Ms. Nadeau was unable to attend the June 25th meeting and had several clarification questions. 3. Recap of Last Meeting & Purpose of July 16th Meeting Ms. Kvilvang provided a recap of the June 25th Task Force meeting, which was when the Task Force reviewed components of the draft plan. The components reviewed were the Draft Illustrative Land Use Plan and the Draft Goals, Policies and Specific Area Strategies. Ms. Kvilvang added that tonight the Task Force would review their refinements to the draft land use plan and the remaining components of the draft plan, including the Executive Summary and Implementation Priorities. Task Force members discussed the upcoming Property Owners Informational Meeting (Stakeholders Meeting) on July 24th. Task Force member Lance Lindberg requested that staff send Task Force members the July 3rd letter sent to property owners. Mr. Clark provided an overview of the July 9, 2007 EDA and City Council discussion. He reviewed his memo to the Task Force regarding plan modifications in follow up to the Council direction to re-examine the Highway 10 configuration. He recommended the Task Force meet August 13 to discuss the Highway 10 options and that the outcome would be reviewed and considered by the Council at its August 20th meeting prior to proceeding with Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes Page 2 July 16, 2007 ------------------------------------------ the public participation meetings. He clarified that the Council concurred that the stakeholder’s meeting should proceed acknowledging that the Highway 10 configuration as shown will change based on discussions in August. 4. Review & Consider Acceptance of Draft Plan Executive Summary Community Development Director Scott Clark provided a PowerPoint presentation and discussed with the Task Force the draft plan’s executive summary. Task Force member Molly Nadeau stated a concern that paragraph #3 entitled “History” does not emphasize saving Elk River’s “history” but mentions the importance of creating a “new history”. Much discussion ensued regarding whether or not the “West Bluff Block” (the two blocks extending from west of the Bluffs building) in the core downtown should be preserved. The majority of the Task Force agreed that although they would not oppose redeveloping these buildings, the buildings should be relabeled on the draft land use plan to state “no proposed changes”. In addition, the Task Force discussed the definition of “market driven” with the majority of the Task Force agreeing that “market driven” is defined by a developer submitting an unsolicited development or redevelopment proposal to a community, which may or may not include a request for public financing. Implementation Priorities Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich continued the PowerPoint presentation and discussed with the Task Force the short-term, mid-term and long-term implementation priorities of the draft plan. The Task Force particularly discussed one of the short-term implementation priorities, which states ‘work with State Historic Preservation Office to determine structural and financial feasibility to preserve the “Brick Block”.’ Staff and Ms. Kvilvang stated that the reason the “Brick Block” was specifically mentioned in this section is because the Task Force had discussed the issue at length at their last meeting and voted in favor of specifically stating in the draft plan that the “Brick Block” be preserved. Task Force member Dave Rymanowki added that tonight’s discussion is “going against what we have already said”. Ms. Nadeau suggested that a study be completed to test the structural feasibility of preserving the “West Bluff Block” buildings in addition to the “Brick Block”. Mr. Rymanowski commented that the financial feasibility of preserving buildings is also important. Ms. Kvilvang asked each Task Force member to explain his/her thoughts on this issue. The majority of the Task Force agreed to Ms. Nadeau’s suggestion with the caveat that the results of the study not preclude any property owners from redeveloping their property. Larry Toth suggested the access points for St. Andrew’s Church be reconsidered as it affects the school. Stacie Kvilvang clarified that the Task Force keep in mind this is a concept plan and not a construction plan. After much discussion the majority of the Task Force concluded that the plan be modified to include narrative allowing for the evaluation of historic and financial feasibility of the “West Bluff Block” (the two blocks extending from west of the Bluffs building). It was clarified that the feasibility study would only determine if restoration was Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes Page 3 July 16, 2007 ------------------------------------------ feasible or not, and does not require that the buildings be saved or not, and that redevelopment of the two blocks is not precluded. The Task Force also concluded that majority of the narrative of the plan remain “as is” with respect to the Brick Block remaining as a priority area for preservation and restoration. 5. Final Comments A. Stacie Kvilvang summarized what staff heard as the Task Force directed modifications including: - Address access issues on Irving Avenue and Church for the Task Force - Understanding Highway 10 configuration will change - Allow for rehabilitation assistance for two blocks west of the Bluffs B. John Anderson reported several properties currently for sale on the 4th Street realignment area and suggested that the Task Force consider noting that in the plan and reconsidering as a priority. Ms. Kvilvang asked each Task Force member to vote to accept or not accept the draft plan. MOVED BY MEMBER DAN TVEITE AND SECONDED BY MEMBER JEAN LIESER, THAT THE TASK FORCE ACCEPT THE DRAFT REDEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK PLAN WITH THE MODIFICATIONS AGREED UPON TONIGHT, JULY 10, 2007. THE MOTION CARRIED 12-1. MEMBER LANCE LINDBERG OPPOSED. The next meeting will be held on August 13, 2007 with the primary issue of discussion as highway 10 options. Submitted by, Heidi Steinmetz Assistant Director of Economic Development