4.1. DRAFT HRA MINUTES (2 SETS) 05-01-2023
Closed Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Friday, March 24, 2023
Members Present: Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners Jayme Cannon, Jill Larson-Vito, and Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: Commissioner Nate Ovall
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Specialist Joshua
Mollan, and Sr. Administrative Assistant/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 11:01 a.m. by Chair Chuba.
2. Closed Meeting – MN Statute §13D.05, Subd. 3(c)(3)
The HRA held a closed meeting per MN Statute §13D.05, Subd. 3(c)(3) (the “Act”). The purpose of the
meeting was to develop or consider an offer or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal
property. The properties discussed were: HRA Properties at Main St. and Gates Ave.: PID #75-401-0130,
75-401-0135, 75-401-0140, 75-401-0145, 75-401-0150, 75-401-0115.
3. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Larson-Vito to adjourn the
meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
___________________
Denny Chuba, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April 3, 2023
Members Present: Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners Jayme Cannon, Jill Larson-Vito, and Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: Commissioner Nate Ovall
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Specialist Joshua
Mollan, and Sr. Administrative Assistant/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 Chair Chuba.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Larson-Vito and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to approve the April
3, 2023, HRA meeting agenda as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Cannon and seconded by Commissioner Larson-Vito to approve the
consent agenda as follows:
4.1 March 3, 2023, HRA Regular and March 24, 2023, Meeting Minutes.
4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Balance sheet as outlined in the staff report.
4.4 Revenue/expenditure reports as outlined in the staff report.
4.5. Pay Estimates as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 4-0.
5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6.1 HRA Housing Rehabilitation Loan Update
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report. He indicated there were four loan applications in process: three from
the previous month and one from this past weekend. Only one loan had a finalized amount of around
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April 3, 2023
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$34,000 and the other loans are waiting for bids. He explained the staff report included most of the loan
documents a borrower would be required to sign for a loan closing. Mr. Mollan was open to reviewing these
if the HRA wished.
6.2 Bylaw Updates
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report. He noted in the past there were extensive signature requirements to
update the bylaw document but now approval of the resolution confirms HRA approval of any updates.
Chair Chuba indicated from what he could see, the major changes were in Article VII regarding preference
of professional representation for appointing at-large members, which was not mandated.
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Cannon to approve Resolution
23-01 adopting the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Bylaws as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 4-0.
6.3 General Updates
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report. He updated the HRA on the closeout of the Elk River Meats building
demolition and the change orders as approved in the consent agenda. He discussed the methods for getting
turf installed in the next 2 months and connecting to the irrigation system. He noted the trees were saved
and noticed one root got disrupted but the rest should survive.
Commissioner Wagner asked what ended up happening with the south wall and water shutoff.
Mr. O’Neil explained a locate was done and traced water to King Avenue. However, the shutoff test
indicated water was still going to the building. He stated fortunately, the pipe did indeed go south in a
short distance to the main. Mr. O’Neil explained the wall shored up the surrounding soil and didn’t disrupt
the pavers. He stated a part of the wall is sticking up a bit and will ask the contractor to come out with a
grinder. He stated the turf will likely be placed over the wall and won’t be seen. Future evaluation of the wall
will need to be determined.
Chair Chuba asked what feeds the water line.
Mr. O’Neil stated the water is fed by a line straight west at King Avenue.
7. Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Cannon to adjourn the regular
meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Motion carried 4-0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m. Chair Chuba called the work session to order at 5:47 p.m.
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8.1 724 Main Street
Mr. O’Neil noted the City Council will discuss at a retreat in May the possibilities of the downtown
restrooms. Councilmember Wagner indicated she would like the entire area included in the review including
the Houlton parking property. Commissioner Ovall will join Mr. O’Neil to include Houlton’s participation
in future planning of downtown parking. Mr. O’Neil indicated the parking lot needs some repairs and will
mange those repairs with public works for short- and long-term repairs or a redo. Commissioner Wagner
noted it will be a few months before any repairs can be made.
Commissioner Wagner asked the authority if there were anything the council can do to help staff. Mr.
O’Neil felt it important to find a balance of patience in getting where they want to be and determining
the best outcome by looking at the entire area. Chair Chuba asked that the council looks at everything that
is feasible, either by renting or buying an existing building or space. Mr. O’Neil stated there are many parcels
that could be cleaned up and platted. Commissioner Cannon agreed that it was best to look far out and not
independently at just the meat market site for future improvements.
Mr. O’Neil noted he asked Veit for the breakdowns of costs, materials, and appliances and will
distribute it to the HRA once he receives it.
Commissioner Cannon asked about the community feedback from the demolition. Mr. O’Neil stated there
was a lot of sentimental feelings put forth by the Robeck’s in the video interview created for the public
which answered questions about the demolition, and the Star News also played a good role in explaining the
demolition. Commissioner Larson-Vito suggested to continue publicizing to keep the public aware of what
the downtown could be and the guidance and vision from the Comprehensive Plan.
8.2 Review Housing Study Benchmarks
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report and distributed a handout, explaining the housing addition units added
since 2018 Maxfield Housing Study. The study did not distinguish between market rate versus affordable
options. This document can be used as a guide for the HRA and City Council when requests come in and
whether to support a project.
Commissioner Wagner asked that the City Council also receive this update. She explained how important
an update to the study will be especially after the 169 Redesign and future gravel mining development, and
the desire to bring in more services without raising property taxes.
Chair Chuba noted he felt an update to the study is necessary and felt the 2018 study is no longer relevant
with the conditions changing due to the timing of the pandemic, crime, and other factors.
8.3 Park Land Vacation
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report.
After some discussion, it was the consensus of the commission to decline the park land properties.
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9. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Larson-Vito to adjourn the
meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
___________________
Denny Chuba, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk