6. HRSR 12-03-2007ITEM # 6.
Citv of
ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development
DATE: December 3, 2007
SUBJECT: Discuss HRA Goals and Projects for 2008
Attachments
• City Council Meeting Minutes -November 13, 2007
Issues for Discussion
Staff requests the HRA's feedback and direction on the priority goals and projects for 2008.
The attached minutes from the November 13, 2007 City Council meeting indicates the input
that Councilmember Motin recently received with regard to direction on HRA projects.
Following is a preliminary list of goals and projects for HRA discussion:
2007 HRA Projects
• Initiated strategic planning process for a comprehensive Downtown Redevelopment
Plan.
• Provided consistent communications to the public during the construction of the
MetroPlains Downtown Revitalization project and related projects downtown,
including coordination of Downtown Parking Focus Group and recommendations.
2008 Proposed HRA Goals and Projects
• Coordinate completion of an Elk River Housing Market Study to be used to identify
issues and gaps in current and future housing inventory.
• Explore need and partnership opportunities for housing rehabilitation programs.
• Explore need and partnership opportunities for a selective housing redevelopment
program (voluntary acquisition/removal and replacement of blighted homes).
• Resume planning process for the comprehensive Downtown Redevelopment Plan
(following completion of Highway 10 Geometrics Study)
City Council Minutes
November 13, 2007
5.4. Black Dirt Ordinance
Page 4
Elk River Municipal Utilities General Manager Bryan Adams presented a PowerPoint
outlining monthly water usage and statistics in Elk River. Mr. Adams also explained Elk
River's water source. He stated that on an annual basis, lawn irrigation accounts for
approximately 45% of Elk River's water use. He explained that the DNR is urging
communities to implement water conservation programs and reducing lawn irrigation is one
of them. He stated that surrounding communities were surveyed and a majority have a black
dirt policy in place. Mr. Adams indicated that the Utilities Commission is recommending the
City Council adopt a black dirt ordinance in order to foster water conservation. He
recommended the ordinance contain the following four principles:
1. 4" of black dirt shall be tilled into the top approximate 8" of existing soil
4' of black dirt shall have the approximate following make-up by volume:
^ 61% sand
^ 12% clay
^ 12% silt
^ 15% organic
3. areas that naturally contain this approximate soil make-up shall be classified as meeting
the black dirt policy
4. inspection as part of the certificate of occupancy process by building inspections
Councilmember Morin questioned if the ordinance would apply to existing lots or only new
lots. Mr. Adams indicated that the recommendation is for the ordinance to govern all new,
urban lots.
Councilmember Gumphrey stated that Elk River is Energy City and this would be an
excellent opportunity for a conservation effort. Ms. Johnson indicated that staff agrees with
implementing conservation efforts but has concerns regarding enforcement.
Mayor Klinzing indicated that she believes it is worth a try and she would like to be
consistent with surrounding communities and require 4" of black dirt.
Councilmember Morin questioned how acreage lots in urban districts will be handled. Mr.
Adams indicated that staff will need to review that and added that it may depend on how
much lawn the homeowner intends to mow.
It was the consensus of the Council for Mr. Adams to draft a black dirt ordinance to be
brought back for Council approval.
_~ ~
5.5. HRA Projects from Cites Council
Ms. Johnson explained that Councilmember Motin is requesting input from the Council on
any projects they would like to see brought back to the HRA.
Councilmember Morin indicated that the HRA will be working on the housing study in 2008
but has an otherwise light schedule.
City Council Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 5
Councilmember Farber stated that there are certain houses that are eye sores that tend to
come up for sale often. He questioned if there is a way for the HRA to purchase the houses,
tear them down and have something else built in its place. Mayor Klinzing indicated that
there used to be a resident in town that provided that service but not any longer. She stated
that funding to purchase the homes is an issue. She questioned if small cities grants are
available. Ms. Johnson indicated that the city has not qualified for the small cities grant in
quite some time but that she will have Director of Economic Development Catherine
Me lich check into options.
5.6. Joint County Board Discussion Items
The following items were suggested additions to the joint County Board agenda:
^ Fairgrounds
^ Transportation
^ Government Center property
^ Landfill
^ Legacy Grant
^ Northstar Corridor (public transit)
^ Communication Issues (notification to cities)
5.7. Council Omen Forum
Councilmember Motin provided a NCDA update. He stated that Benton County dropped
out of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority as they did not see it as enough of a
benefit to its residents.
6. Other Business
There was no other business.
7. Council Updates
There were no council updates.
8. Staff Updates
Ms. Johnson stated that she received the resignation of Parks Maintenance Supervisor Terry
Bye. She noted that Parks Maintenance employee Rodney Schreifels will serve as acting
Parks Maintenance Supervisor.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 8:47 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Tina Allard
City Clerk