3.1. TER DRAFT MINUTES 08-21-2023
Special Meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Together Elk River Subcommittee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 17, 2023
Members Present: Jennifer Wagner, and Debbi Rydberg
Members Absent: Charlie Blesener
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Specialist Joshua
Mollan, and Senior Communications Coordinator Starr Sorheim
Guests Present: Molly Nadeau-Peterson, Joanna Arbic, and Chris Berg
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority
Together Elk River Subcommittee was called to order at 5:04 p.m. by Jennifer.
2. Consider Agenda
Moved by Debbi and seconded by Jennifer to approve the agenda. Motion carried 2-0.
3. Consent Agenda
Moved by Debbi and seconded by Jennifer to approve:
3.1 June 20, 2023, Meeting Minutes
Motion carried 2-0.
4. General Business
4.1 Committee Structures and Introductions
The committee, staff, and guests introduced themselves.
Josh suggested that the guests use this meeting to determine if they would be interested in joining the
committee. If interested, the members would be approved at the August 7th EDA meeting.
4.2 Billboard Content Feedback
The committee was in favor of moving forward with proposed billboards with minor changes to text and
color.
Together Elk River Subcommittee Minutes Page 2
July 17, 2023
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4.3 169 Construction Update
Josh shared an update of the Highway 169 construction.
Starr has remained in contact with MnDOT regarding business access signage, however, no signage has
been installed yet.
Jennifer suggested adding this item on the council agenda for tonight’s meeting.
4.4 Downtown Banners
Josh shared five draft banners featuring city colors and themes discussed in previous meetings.
The committee suggested utilizing a call to action regarding downtown.
Josh will coordinate with Klara (communications coordinator) to present the next round of draft banners. It
is anticipated that these will be emailed out for feedback prior to next month’s meeting.
4.5 Additional Marketing Strategy
Josh shared that staff was interested in running a full-page ad for the Star News to feature a “support local”
theme and allow businesses to have a small ad within the full-page ad. A single full-page ad would cost
$1,581.30 and Josh advised that staff propose Together Elk River pay for roughly three quarters and
businesses would split the remainder reducing the cost barrier to advertising.
The committee was open to moving forward with an ad.
4.6 General Business and Upcoming Activities
Due to lack of time to review this item, it was not discussed.
5. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Debbi and seconded by Jennifer to adjourn the meeting of the Elk River Economic
Development Authority Together Elk River Subcommittee.
The meeting adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Joshua Mollan.
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Jennifer Wagner, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk