03-16-2026 BPA MIN
Meeting of the Beautification and Public
Art Committee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, March 16, 2026
Members Present:Committee Member Deb Hjermstad, Committee Member Melissa McAlpine,
Committee Member Nic Hahn, Councilmember J. Brian Calva, Councilmember
Cory Grupa
Members Absent:Committee Member Ryan Hardin
Staff Present:Economic Development Specialist Josh Mollan
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 4:01 p.m. by Josh.
2.CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Nic and seconded by Deb to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
3.CONSIDER MINUTES
3.110-20-2025 BPA Minutes
Moved by Deb and seconded by Melissa to approve the October 20, 2025, Meeting
Minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
4.GENERAL BUSINESS
4.1Beautification Award Policy Review
Josh offered the committee the opportunity to review and recommend changes to the Beautification
Award policy. He advised that he will update the policy document to match the format of the Garden
Gem Awards.
Nic asked if nominees could re-nominate themselves in subsequent years. She suggested the award
consider projects completed in the last two years.
The committee was in consensus on that change.
Josh shared that the 2025 Beautification Award winner, Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce,
inquired about an alternative prize due to their property not being laid out in a way that a bench would
make sense.
J.Brian suggested looking into an engraved stone.
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Josh shared that he will price out some alternatives and bring to the committee at a future meeting.
4.2Garden Gem Awards Review
Josh offered the committee the opportunity to review and recommend changes to the Beautification
Award policy. He recommended changing the timeline to have the nomination period end on June 30,
garden evaluations in July, and recognition of winning gardens in August to better align with the growing
season of landscape plants. He also suggested removing the mention of an additional award.
J. Brian suggested adding a 'rural' category. He was also in favor of allowing previous winners to win in
subsequent years.
Nic suggested implementing a 'nominee' sign to be installed on all nominee's properties.
The committee was in consensus with the recommended changes to the policy.
4.3Public Art Planning
Josh shared that Wild Botanical Atelier had disbanded, but he had been approached by one of the
members to continue to look for ways to partner.
Josh shared a potential public art opportunity by Mural Mosaic, which features community painted tiles
that complete a larger mural. An 8' x 12' America 250 project is $7,500. He also shared a potential
location on the Highway 10-facing wall at Professional Karate Studios (PKS).
Nic shared that she would be willing to assist further on a project like this.
The committee was mixed on the PKS location but supportive of this type of project and suggested
getting more information. The committee also preferred a custom mural, not one that would be in
another community.
Josh shared that there would be an opportunity to apply for a Central Minnesota Arts Board grant in
2027 to help fund this project.
4.4General Updates
Josh shared that DERBA is looking to partner again on a downtown cleanup event on Earth Day, April
22nd.
J. Brian suggested looking into another time of the day for the event to garner more interest. He also
suggested looking into food or drink options for the participants.
The committee was open to partnering again.
Melissa suggested discussing committee activity and event promotion at a future meeting.
5.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Josh adjourned the meeting at 4:54 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Josh Mollan.
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March 16, 2026
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Josh Mollan, Recording SecretaryJolene Richter, Deputy City Clerk