04-06-2026 HRA MIN
Meeting of the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April 6, 2026
Members Present: Commissioner Nate Ovall, Commissioner Lynn Caswell, Commissioner Mel
Beaudry, Mayor John Dietz, Commissioner Dave Klutch
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Specialist
Joshua Mollan, and Recording Secretary Katie Porath
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Caswell and seconded by Commissioner Beaudry to approve the
agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Dietz and seconded by Commissioner Klutch to approve the
following consent items as outlined in their respective staff reports. Motion carried 5-0.
4.1 DRAFT Minutes - March 2, 2026
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Balance Sheet
4.4 Revenue/Expenditure Reports
5. OPEN FORUM
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April 6, 2026
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No one appeared for open forum.
6. GENERAL BUSINESS
6.1 Downtown Winter Light Pole Fixtures
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report. He continued the discussion of the winter light pole fixtures cost
share with the Downtown Elk River Business Association (DERBA) from the March HRA meeting. Since
the last meeting, DERBA has negotiated a price reduction in the total cost as well as received a $500
anonymous sponsor donation toward the project.
The proposed city contribution would now total $5,932. At the last meeting, the proposed city
contribution was closer to $8,000.
Commissioner Dietz stated he was not in favor of a pattern where the downtown area asks the city for
financial contributions. He asked if there could be a policy where costs would be split 50/50 on
everything.
Moved by Commissioner Caswell and seconded by Commissioner Beaudry to approve a
$5,932 contribution toward downtown light pole fixtures in partnership with the
Downtown Elk River Business Association (DERBA). Motion carried 5-0.
6.2 Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Update
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report. No new loans have been issued since last month. In addition,
based on work session discussion from the March 2026 meeting, staff is not proposing any changes to
the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program at this time.
Mr. Mollan also stated that the city will be placing an ad in the upcoming home improvement section of
the Star News.
7. OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr. O'Neil stated that the city continues to work with the Habitat for Humanity. Independent School
District #728 has been moving forward with a space to assemble Habitat for Humanity homes and
move them onto a lot.
Commissioner Beaudry asked if a piece of land has been secured for use by Habitat for Humanity. Mr.
O'Neil stated not at this time. He added that the city has shared 8-10 potential sites and Habitat for
Humanity has asked about an additional 3-4 sites but have not yet chosen a location for the house. Mr.
Beaudry asked if the preference was for city sewer and water. Mr. O'Neil stated it was not mandatory
but preferred.
Mr. O'Neil added that staff met with developers who are interested in bringing a modular-style
development to Elk River. Mr. O'Neil will share more information on this development with the HRA
members.
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Mr. O'Neil informed the HRA that the City Council has passed a one-year moratorium on all multi-
family housing developments.
8. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Commissioner Beaudry and seconded by Commissioner Klutch to adjourn the
meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Chair Ovall called the closed meeting to order at 5:49 p.m.
9. CLOSED MEETING
HRA Members Present: Chair Nate Ovall, Commissioners Dave Klutch, Mel Beaudry,
Lynn Caswell, and John Dietz
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development
Specialist Josh Mollan, and Recording Secretary Katie Porath
Others Present: Ryan Hardin, Hardin Companies
Chair Ovall read the following statement:
9.1 Statement to be read by the Chair:
"The Housing and Redevelopment Authority will be holding a closed meeting per MN Statute
13D.05, subd. 3(c)(3) to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of
real property. The properties being discussed are within The Village of Elk River plat:
▪ PID 75-00405-1110, 365 Jackson Ave NW
▪ PID 75-00405-1115, unaddressed
▪ PID 75-00405-1155, 618 Railroad Dr NW
▪ PID 75-00405-1120, 616 Railroad Dr NW
▪ PID 75-00405-1135, 612 Railroad Dr NW
▪ PID 75-00405-1150, 600 Railroad Dr NW
9.2 Motion Calling Closed Meeting
9.3 Hold Closed Meeting
9.4 Motion to Adjourn Closed Meeting
Commissioner Dietz left at 6:20 p.m.
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Moved by Commissioner Klutch and seconded by Commissioner Beaudry to adjourn the
meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Katie Porath.
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Nate Ovall, Chair
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Justin Dunford, City Clerk