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3.0 HRSR 04-07-2008of ver MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor & City Council Housing & Redevelopment Authority FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development DATE: April 7, 2008 SUBJECT: Joint Work Session Discussion Regarding Future Work Projects Attachments • December 3, 2007 Staff Report to HRA re: Goals & Projects for 2008 • December 3, 2007 HRA Meeting Minutes Issues for Discussion At its December 2007 meeting the HRA indicated interest in holding a future work session with the City Council to discuss future goals, projects and direction. A copy of the staff report outlining the 2008 Proposed HRA Goals and Projects is attached as a starting point for discussion. The HRA requests the City Council's direction on goals and projects as it relates to addressing the housing and redevelopment needs in the city. City E 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) MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2007 Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Kuester, Toth and Motin Members Absent: Commissioner Lieser Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Wilson. Consider December 3. 2007 HRA Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 3, 2007, HRA AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: 7.1. -UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT 7.2. -UPDATE ON ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POSITION MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Consider Consent Agenda Commissioner Toth had a question regarding the 2007 property taxes for the 716 Main Street property. Ms. Mehelich stated that she would research the issue and report back to the HRA. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1. NOVEMBER 5, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3.2. CHECK REGISTERS DATED 11/2/07,11/16/07, AND 11/30/07 3.3. BALANCE SHEET -OCTOBER 2007 3.4. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT -OCTOBER 2007 MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4. Oben Mike There was no one present for Open Mike. IJIk River Housing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2 llcccmber 3, 2007 Consider Lease Agreement with Elk River Area Arts Alliance for 716 Main Street Ms. Mehelich explained that the lease agreement for the use of the 716 Main Street building has been reviewed and generally accepted by Patrick Grace, Executive Director of the Elk River Area Arts Alliance (ERAAA), subject to approval by its board of directors. She noted that the Arts Alliance has requested that the lease term start December 15, 2007, so that they may begin making some improvements in the building. She requested that the HRA accept and approve the lease agreement as proposed. Commissioner Motin stated that the lease term was incorrectly stated in the memo to the HRA as ending in 2010 and should be 2009. Chair Wilson asked how much the taxes were on the 716 Main Street property. Ms. Mehelich stated the taxes were $8,000 in 2007, and that there will be no tax in 2008, since the property is now tax exempt. Commissioner Toth stated that there is a discrepancy in the rent and asked if it was $1.00 a year or $1.00 for the term of the lease. Ms. Mehelich stated that it is $1.00 for the term of the lease to keep it simple. Commissioner Kuester asked if the HRA was responsible for the taxes for the entire 2007 year. Ms. Mehelich stated she would check to see how the agreement was negotiated with the Houltons. Commissioner Motin stated that he continues to have concerns with the city leasing property for $1.00, but that in this situation, they have no other use for the property at this time. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO MOVE APPROVAL OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE ELK RIVER AREA ARTS ALLIANCE AS DISCUSSED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Discuss HRA Goals and Projects for 2008 Ms. Mehelich reviewed the proposed list of goals and projects for 2007 for the HRA as listed in the staff report dated December 3, 2007. Commissioner Kuester asked when the geometric study is expected to be completed. Commissioner Motin stated that it will be completed by June or July of 2008. Discussion followed regarding the housing study, and housing redevelopment and rehabilitation programs. Ms. Mehelich provided an explanation of how the Small Cites Grant program works and the fact that it is very competitive. She noted that a portion of funding was provided for the Jackson Place project, and that there are income eligibility standards which need to be met. She explained that 70 - 100 applications are received by the State and the program funds approximately 40 of them. Applications are made annually in October with funding received in March of the following year. Ms. Mehelich stated that she felt this program is a good tool for the HRA to pursue. Chair Wilson felt that this topic warranted a workshop session. It was the consensus of the HRA to preliminarily accept the list of goals and projects as proposed for further discussion at a future workshop session. Elk River Housing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 3 December 3, 2007 7.1. Update on Downtown Redevelopment Project Chair Wilson stated that it is his understanding that the principal mortgage holder, MnWest Bank is having some difficulty with the Bluff project. He explained that the City has a development agreement for the project but that the agreement is not jeopardized by what is going on. City Administrator Lori Johnson stated that the city has no financial exposure and that the developer is not in default of their agreement with the city. Chair Wilson stated that the issue is a result of what is happening with the real estate market. Commissioner Motin stated that the Jackson Square building is filled. He noted that that the real estate market is being impacted by delinquencies and foreclosures. Commissioner Toth asked if there is any concern with MetroPlains. Ms. Johnson stated that she is not aware of any problem. She stated that the city will do everything it can to help the project be successful, but that most of what is going on is out of their control. She noted that these transactions are private business deals. 7.2. Assistant Director of Economic Development Ms. Mehelich stated that she will be requesting that the City Council authorize staff to fill this position within the next three months. She noted that this position deals with business retention, micro loan programs, and provide administrative support to the HRA. Chair Wilson asked when the Community Development Director position will be filled. Ms. Johnson stated that she anticipated it would be filled in the next few months. Commissioner Motin stated that they want to take the time to hire the right person for the job, and therefore, are not in a hurry to fill the position. 8. Adjournment There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 5:59 p.m. Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner. Tina Allard Ciry Clerk 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 2. 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 Motin 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 fox 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 Motin 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 Mx. Adams to draft a black dirt ordinance to be brought back for Council approval. / ~ 5.5. HRA Projects from City Council Ms. Johnson explained that Councilmember Moon is requesting input from the Council on any projects they would like to see brought back to the HRA. Councilmember Motin 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 fox 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 giants are available. Ms. Johnson indicated that the city has not applied for the small cities grant in quite some time but that she will have Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich check into options. 5.6. Toint 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 Open Forum Councilmembex 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 INFORMATION WESTERN FACILITIES SERVICE OFFICE ~'' UNITED ST/~TES ~POSTI.1 L SERVICE March 24, 2008 Stephanie Klinzing Mayor, City of Elk River, MN 13065 Orono Parkway NW Elk River, MN 55330-5600 Dear Ms. Klinzing: This is written as a follow up to my previous letter dated February 20, 2008 concerning the selection of a new location for the new Elk River, MN Post Office. After reviewing other sites, the Postal Service has decided to select the Elk Park Center site located in the Target Center on Freeport Avenue. We believe this new site will provide the community with an upgraded, modern facility that offers a safe working environment for our employees and a level of service expected by our customers. As provided in postal regulations, your office may appeal the decision to select this location within the next 30 days. As appropriate, your appeal should be directed to Vice President, Facilities, and addressed to my attention at the address shown in this letter. A response will be provided within 15 days. Sincerely, ~~ Garry Matto -- Real Estate Speci ist Cc: Postmaster 1601NVERNESS ~R W STE 400 ENGLEWGOD, CO 80112-5005 City E K~ver MEMORANDUM TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development DATE: April 7, 2008 SUBJECT: INFORMATION -River's Edge Meeting Minutes Attachment • River's Edge Meeting Minutes -February 13, 2008 Attached is the February 2008 River's Edge meeting minutes. A meeting was not held in March. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Apri19, 2008. Staff continues to attend the monthly meetings as city staff liaison. S:\EDA\HRA\AGENDA\Year 2008\4.7.08 downtown update.doc Rivers Edge Meeting Minutes February 13, 2008 The meeting was called to order at 8:07AM. Present were Jim Rudolph, John Anderson, Terry Mauer, Roger Hebeisen, David Rymanowski, Bill Houlton, Fred McCoy, Karen Attia, Wendy Simenson Treasurers Report: Jim reported that there is $1811.16 in the treasury. Secretary's Report: Minutes from the December 12th meeting were accepted (moved by Jim, seconded by Roger) Old Business: City Update: Parking Update: Terry told us about the parking study that was done Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the 2°a week of December between the hours of 8AM and SPM. License plates were recorded for stalls in the King Ave Lot and the monitored street parking areas downtown. It was found that most of the three hour parking spots turned over in less than three hours and that there was more than amble parking available. The goal of the study was to give a point in time overview of downtown parking. The information will be available in Elk River City Council packets and a history is being built of stall occupancy levels so that it can be monitored over time. New Street Lights on Highway 10 in Downtown. The City is looking at replacing the existing street lights on Highway 10. MnDot has to approve what the City puts up on the highway. Bryan Adams is the point person for the downtown light poles and power to trees. We are interested in getting banners that could be hung from the light poles to welcome people to downtown or announce events. We need to check with Bryan about whether the poles would be compatible with banners and if we can use them for that. Main and Jackson Intersection Timeline and Plans: The intersection at Jackson Ave and Main Street in downtown will be closed from a Monday through the weekend and opening on the following Friday. The time of the closing is tentatively set at the Monday after Mother's day (May 12, 2008). In April, prior to the closing of the intersection, the cache basins and corners at the intersection will be reconfigured. Traffic will continue through the intersection at this time. There will not be flower pots put on the corners as originally planned because of the challenge of irrigating them. There will be trees planted near the intersection. The City Council said that they would like to see more trees in town. The only loss of parking will be 1 Motorcycle parking spot in front of the Sunshine Depot. They are also looking at putting in a bike parking rack in that area. When the intersection is closed: Concrete will be poured to edge the brick pavers in the crosswalks and may be poured in a diamond pattern in the middle of the intersection. Brick pavers will go all the way to the pavers in the alley next to the Sunshine Depot. Parking spots will be made at 90 degree angles on Main Street during the road closure to increase the availability of street parking. Room will be left for cars to turn around and go back out. Community Service officers will be available to help guide traffic. Signs will go up a week before the intersection closure to make drivers aware of what dates the road will be closed between. The Resurfacing: After the intersection is reopened, it will be protected while Main Street from the Parrish Bridge to Lowell Ave and Jackson Ave between Main Street and Highway 10 are resurfaced. The Edges of the road will be ground down and fresh blacktop will be put on. They will not be applying gravel. The streets will be open while the resurfacing is taking place. Street Parking maybe unavailable on the parts of the streets that they are working on at the time. Jackson Ave may need to be closed for part of one day. The plan is to be done with the intersection work for the Killer Hayseed concert in the Park on Thursday June Stn The Members present at the meeting voted to support the City's plan to improve the intersection at Main and Jackson. It was suggested that Terry send out information on the intersection closing to all of the building owners and business owners in downtown Elk River. New Business: Flowers/Art/Music/Lights: Terry is the point person for more flower pots downtown. The Jackson Place apartments look like they have planters next to the railing. Wendy will contact the MetroPlains leasing agent to see what their plans are for flowers. We discussed having the music from the park spill out into the street when there is entertainment in the park. (Speakers on light poles or at top part of park) Can't always hear the music if you are away from the River. We wouldn't want to do it all of the time, but it would help let people know that there was something happening in the park. With the Arts Alliance moving downtown there is an opportunity to look for getting more "ART" downtown. Possibly have a bench contest like a snoopy contest where people paint benches to look like paintings or ??? Businesses would have to make sure that they were aesthetically pleasing and kept in good condition. The meeting was adjourned at 9:OSAM