06-15-2026 BPA MIN
Meeting of the Beautification and Public
Art Committee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, June 15, 2026
Members Present:Committee Member Deb Hjermstad, Committee Member Melissa McAlpine,
Committee Member Ryan Hardin, Councilmember J. Brian Calva, Councilmember
Cory Grupa
Members Absent:Committee Member Nic Hahn
Staff Present:Economic Development Specialist Josh Mollan
Guests Present:Connie Beckers
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m.
Josh reintroduced Connie Beckers and advised that her appointment to the committee is up for
consideration at the subsequent EDA meeting.
2.CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Ryan and seconded by Melissa to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
3.CONSIDER MINUTES
3.105-18-2026 BPA Minutes
Moved by Deb and seconded by Ryan to approve the May 18, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
4.GENERAL BUSINESS
4.1Beautification Award
Josh shared concept art for the Chamber's Beautification Award stone. He advised that Plaisted
Companies is donating the stone and Stoneworks is donating the engraving.
J.Brian inquired on if the stone should feature Plaisted Companies or Stoneworks logo or name. Josh
said that he could connect and see what the companies would think.
The committee liked the stone and design.
Ryan suggested pulling building permits to become aware of local projects if there are limited nominees
Beautification and Public Art Committee MinutesPage 2 of 2
June 15, 2026
---------
by the next committee meeting.
4.2Garden Gem Awards
Josh shared that there have been seven nominations received, and he expects at least five more.
Josh advised that the Garden Gem Award judging would be in lieu of a regular committee meeting in
July.
The committee will connect back with Josh with their availability.
4.3Public Art
Josh shared the draft utility box art program outline as mentioned at last month's meeting.
J.Brian suggested thinking of other words than 'distracting' and 'discriminatory' from the list of
prohibited content.
Connie shared that she could connect staff with Mary Altman from Minneapolis who was on the arts
commission there which ran a similar program.
Ryan asked if permissions would need to be received from utility companies. Josh agreed.
Connie suggested looking into the library for a future mural project.
5.OPEN DISCUSSION
Josh shared that the Open Discussion section replaces the former General Updates item.
Josh also shared that staff does not plan to host a regular committee meeting in July.
6.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Josh adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Josh Mollan.
____________________________________________________
Josh Mollan, Recording SecretaryJustin Dunford, City Clerk