4.1. HRA DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 09-05-2023
Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, August 7, 2023
Members Present: Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners Jill Larson-Vito, Nate Ovall, and Jennifer
Wagner
Members Absent: Commission Jayme Cannon
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Specialist
Joshua Mollan, and Deputy City Clerk Jolene Richter
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 Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Ovall to approve the
August 7, 2023, HRA meeting agenda as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Larson-Vito and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to approve the
consent agenda as follows:
4.1 June 5, 2023, HRA Regular Meeting Minutes.
June 5, 2023, HRA Closed Meeting Minutes.
June 20, 2023, HRA Regular 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.
Motion carried 4-0.
5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2
August 7, 2023
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6.1 HRA Housing Rehabilitation Loan Update
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report.
6.2 General Updates
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report which included the following:
He stated Sherburne County recently indicated it will be conducting an updated housing study and
that staff intends to reach out to them regarding the study; they will provide an update to the
commission.
The City Council did proceed with a letter of support for the Duffy project. Duffy Development
submitted an application and is anticipating hearing the final decision around December 1.
Staff is looking at the website redesign and would like to look at some updates during the
September meetings. Mr. O’Neil asked the question of whether the HRA would like to continue
with separate websites from the city or to integrate back to the city site. Commissioner Wagner
asked if they can tell you how people get to the EDA/HRA website whether it be via directly the
HRA site or do they go to the city website first. She stated that this information would be helpful
to answer the question. Mr. O’Neil will report back with more information.
They are working towards a September closing for the Main and Gates project and should have an
update regarding the closing at the September meeting.
7. Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Larson-Vito and seconded by Commissioner Ovall to adjourn the
regular meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jolene Richter.
___________________
Denny Chuba, Chair
___________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Special Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, August 7, 2023
Members Present: Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners Jill Larson-Vito, Nate Ovall, and Jennifer
Wagner
Members Absent: Commissioner Jayme Cannon
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Specialist
Joshua Mollan, and Deputy City Clerk Jolene Richter
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 4:37 p.m. by Chair Chuba.
2. 2024 HRA Budget and Goals
Mr. O’Neil presented the goals and budget staff reports.
Commissioner Ovall asked if there had been any correspondence with Sherburne County regarding
tax-forfeited properties. Mr. O’Neil answered and stated not yet; however, that it is an opportunity to
develop that relationship.
Mr. O’Neil asked the commission the question of what area would be the goal to acquire properties in
the future. The commission agreed Main Street East would be an area to investigate as well as the
downtown Main Street area.
Commissioner Ovall asked to look at the balance sheet, specifically the Land Held for Redevelopment
line item, and asked if that included Main and Gates and the Elk River Meats properties. Mr. O’Neil
stated it should include just the Main and Gates; however, he will confirm with the Finance
Department regarding this number.
Commissioner Ovall also brought up the HRA Rehab program and the CEE Administrative Fee. He
wondered how the loans and fees were reflected on the balance sheet. Mr. O’Neil will confirm these
numbers with the Finance Department as well.
Commissioner Ovall suggested adding a little extra to the legal fees line item due to future legal needs.
The commission discussed the lawn/snow removal item. Mr. O’Neil stated there could be potential to
adjust that cost down, due to wrapping that into public works taking care of the Elk River Meats
property with their other routes.
Commissioner Wagner asked how the Placer Analytics software is being utilized and if they could see
reports from the software regarding Elk RiverFest and/or the Farmer’s Markets regarding where
people are coming from, how long are they staying, and where are they going after. Mr. O’Neil stated
that staff would give a presentation at the September HRA meeting.
Special HRA Meeting Minutes
August 7, 2023
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Commissioner Larson-Vito suggested adding to the goals of the commission to meet with Sherburne
County twice a year and the building department quarterly regarding their reports and trends.
The commission discussed if there is any guidance for recommended budgets for cities per Elk
River’s size. Mr. O’Neil stated there are standard city-wide budgets and they have researched other
cities' EDA budgets and stated we are currently in a good position with the budget.
The commission decided to move forward with the discussed suggestions for the proposed budget
and would like to see the changes at a future meeting.
3. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Larson-Vito to adjourn the
special meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jolene Richter.
___________________
Denny Chuba, Chair
___________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk