4.1. DRAFT HRA MINUTES 02-05-2024
Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Members Present: Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners Mel Beaudry, Lynn Caswell, Nate Ovall, and
Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Specialist
Josh Mollan, and Sr. Administrative Assistant 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:
Chair Chuba led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Chair Chuba introduced and welcomed Mel Beaudry to the HRA Commission.
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Ovall to approve the
January 2, 2024, HRA meeting agenda as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Ovall and seconded by Commissioner Caswell to approve the
consent agenda as follows:
4.1 December 4, 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.
Motion carried 5-0.
5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2
January 2, 2024
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6.1 HRA Housing Rehabilitation Loan Update
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report. He explained the reasoning for staff recommending
continuation of a 1-year amendment to the original agreement loan origination agreement with CEE
until December 31, 2024, and explained the value behind continuing to allow them to administer the
loan program.
Commissioner Ovall stated he felt CEE’s offerings sustain the goal of the loan program and has no
problem with the program. He asked about the Finance staff and if they were comfortable with the
renewal.
Mr. O’Neil stated the Finance staff had no complaints and appreciated CEE handling administration
of the loans.
Chair Chuba clarified the only change is the increase in the annual processing fee. Mr. Mollan
concurred.
Commissioner Wagner agreed and felt it made sense to continue the contract with CEE.
Moved by Commissioner Ovall and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to approve the 2024
Loan Origination Amendment with Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) as
outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 5-0.
6.2 Annual Meeting Items
Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report. He asked if a member of the HRA would be interested in
serving on the Finance Committee as Jill Larson-Vito was no longer a commissioner.
Commissioner Caswell volunteered to serve on the Finance Committee.
Commissioner Wagner moved and Commissioner Ovall seconded to appoint Lyn Caswell to
Motion carried 5-0.
Mr. O’Neil indicated he had no proposed changes to the bylaws and asked if the Commission and
suggested the commission may want to consider changing the annual meeting month to January to
align with EDA.
Commissioner Ovall stated he was indifferent but explained that historically it’s been a staff decision
to hold the annual meetings in two different months due to staff working on annual reports for each
commission meeting.
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3
January 2, 2024
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6.3 General Updates
Mr. O’Neil asked for a new photo of the HRA commissioners to be taken after this meeting.
Mr. O’Neil provided an update on the Main and Gates properties and noted Ron Touchette continues
to work towards a sale.
7. Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Ovall and seconded by Commissioner Beaudry to adjourn the
regular meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
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Denny Chuba, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk