07-21-2025 BPA MIN
Meeting of the Beautification and Public
Art Committee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 21, 2025
Members Present:Committee Member Deb Hjermstad, Committee Member Melissa McAlpine,
Committee Member Ryan Hardin, Committee Member Nic Hahn,
Councilmember J. Brian Calva, Councilmember Cory Grupa
Members Absent:
Staff Present:Economic Development Specialist Josh Mollan, and Senior Planner Chris
Leeseberg
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 4:34 p.m. by Josh.
2.INTRODUCTIONS
There was no need for introductions due to lack of guests or new members.
3.CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Ryan and seconded by Melissa to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4.CONSIDER MINUTES
4.104-21-2025 BPA Minutes
Moved by Ryan and seconded by Melissa to approve the April 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
5.GENERAL BUSINESS
5.1Garden Gem Awards
Josh shared that the Garden Gem Awards nomination period is live, and six nominations have been
received.
(Nic joined at 4:36 p.m.)
Josh advised that the program will continue to be marketed but requested the committee to consider
nominating noteworthy gardens and landscapes.
Josh asked the committee if any members were willing to judge Jill Varty's prairie early as well as
gauging interest in being on the judging panel for the remainder of the gardens in August.
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July 21, 2025
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Deb advised that two additional Sherburne County Master Gardeners are willing to volunteer their
time to help judge.
The committee was in favor of judging on a non-meeting night. They were also in favor of a smaller
group consisting of Deb, J. Brian, and Josh to judge Jill Varty's property.
Josh shared that he had met with Julia Gustafson from Two Rivers Monuments with regard to a
personalized garden keepsake. He will gather more information and share relevant details.
The committee was comfortable with Josh finalizing details on the personalized garden keepsake over
email ahead of the next meeting.
5.2Beautification Award
Josh shared that the Beautification Award nomination period is still live, and only one nomination has
been received. He also shared that the committee should consider nominating a business.
Josh advised that he is still marketing the program and would consider an ad in the Chamber
newsletter.
J.Brian asked if representatives from the Heritage Preservation board for the water tower would be in
attendance at Elk Riverfest.
Ryan asked if Thunderstruck Exteriors submitted a nomination.
Josh shared that Thunderstruck has not been nominated yet.
Mel shared that her mother is an antique dealer at Antiques Downtown and may suggest them to
nominate.
Chris confirmed that the Heritage Preservation board will be in attendance at Elk Riverfest.
5.3General Updates
Josh shared that staff were approached by Wild Botanical Atelier, a local creative studio, proposing an
artist-in-residence program as well as requesting a dedicated studio space.
Mel and Nic gave context to the former Arts Alliance and Art Soup organizations.
J.Brian asked what an artist-in-residence position would look like.
Josh advised that it would be up to the committee and board to determine the terms of a potential
contract.
Josh asked if the committee was in favor of proposing a budget increase for public art from $10,000 to
$15,000 to support future initiatives such as a potential public art grant and artist-in-residence program.
The committee was in favor of the budget increase request.
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July 21, 2025
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6.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Josh adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Josh Mollan.
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Josh Mollan, Recording SecretaryTina Allard, City Clerk