3.1. DRAFT EDA TER MINUTES 11-20-2023Special Meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Together Elk River Subcommittee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, October 16, 2023
Members Present: Charlie Blesener, Jennifer Wagner, and Molly Nadeau-Peterson (pending EDA approval on
October 16)
Members Absent: Joanna Arbic, Debbi Rydberg
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil
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 5:01 p.m. by Jennifer.
2. Consider Agenda
Moved by Charlie and seconded by Molly to approve the agenda. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Minutes
Moved by Charlie and seconded by Molly to approve September 18, 2023, Meeting Minutes. Motion
carried 3-0.
4.1 Billboard Approval and Update
Brent provided billboard proofs for the committee’s review to be placed after the 169 Redefine season and
into December. The committee’s feedback was supportive of using the banners as presented.
4.2 Downtown Banner Update
Brent indicated the banner concept approved at the last meeting is moving forward, and that staff has
coordinated with Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) about ways to pursue all rectangles. The only
method of using all rectangle-shaped banners is to rotate the banners 180 degrees on the pole so they are
oriented on the interior side of the curbs. The committee asked about the cost of purchasing additional
bracket arms for rectangle banners. Staff said they are $250 each and 11 more would need to be ordered.
Jennifer asked about the orientation of the holiday wreaths. Brent explained that staff was working with
ERMU on this, and that recommendation was to rotate them 90 degrees from parallel to the curb to
perpendicular to make them more visible when looking down the streetscape.
Following discussion the consensus was to move the banners to the inside with all rectangle, and to leave
the wreath orientation as it was in 2022. Brent and Jennifer said they would discuss with DERBA at the
upcoming meeting as well.
4.3 169 Construction Update
Brent said construction is still planned to be completed for traffic reopening by November first. Charlie
commented that it also appears the potential issue with the School Street ramp delay won’t be delayed.
4.4 General Updates
Charlie said he will be absent next month. Molly asked for a future agenda item about the growing number
of visitors attending events in Elk River and opportunities to drive customers to local businesses.
5. Motion to Adjourn
Meeting adjourned by order of the chair.
The meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Brent O’Neil.
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Jennifer Wagner, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk