06-20-2023 TER MINSpecial Meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Together Elk River Subcommittee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Members Present: Jennifer Wagner, Charlie Blesener, and Debbi Rydberg
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil (until 4:56 p.m.), Economic Development
Specialist Joshua Mollan, and Senior Communications Coordinator Starr Sorheim
I . 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 4:34 p.m. by Jennifer Wagner.
2. Consider Agenda
Moved by Debbi and seconded by Charlie to approve the agenda. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consent Agenda
Moved by Charlie and seconded by Debbi to approve:
3.1 April 17, 2023, Meeting Minutes
Motion carried 3-0.
4. General Business
4.1 Billboard Content Plan
The committee was in favor of the proposed "Eat Local" and "Elk RiverFest" pieces.
4.2 169 Construction Update
Starr shared that in mid July there will be a shift from head -to -head on the southbound lanes to the
northbound lanes. Starr also explained that MnDOT agreed to put up business open signage without
specific locations determined.
The committee suggested Starr to communicate to MnDOT to sign traffic changes appropriately.
Brent noted that through Anoka's Highway 10 project, business signage was made available.
Jennifer advised that she has been asked if the project is on schedule.
Starr advised that MnDOT is ahead of schedule but more publicly shares that they are on schedule.
4.3 Downtown Banners
Josh advised that he has been working with staff and the Beautification Committee of the Downtown Elk
River Business Association (DERBA) to gather feedback on the direction of the update to the downtown
banners. He advised that there is a hope to transition to rectangle banners to reduce the chances for ripped
banners.
Josh summarized the banner feedback to focus on "Our Downtown", and themes of exploring and
experiencing downtown. He also questioned whether the Together Elk River should still be included in the
new design.
All committee members suggested keeping the logo as it is still relevant with the current campaign.
Josh advised that staff had talked about certain new banners being on rotation to highlight different seasons,
or seasonal event that are held downtown. He advised that staff will work to draft new banners based on the
collective feedback.
Jennifer supported updated messaging focused on downtown specific.
4.4 General Business and Upcoming Activities
Debbi asked about the status of additional members.
Brent advised that he had feedback but needed to leave for a subsequent meeting.
(Brent left at 4.56 p.m.)
Josh advised that staff will work with the previously suggested candidates.
Jennifer reminded the committee that her suggestions were Joanna Arbic, and Molly Nadeau -Peterson.
Debbi will confirm her suggestion soon.
S. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Charlie and seconded by Debbi to adjourn the meeting of the Elk River Economic
Development Authority Together Elk River Subcommittee.
The meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
Mollan.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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NATURE