7. HRSR 10-02-2006ITEM ~ 7.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development ~.~~/~
DATE: October 2, 2006
SUBJECT: Formalize Requests to Council for Completion of a Downtown
Redevelopment Plan
Background
At its September work session the HRA discussed options for completing a downtown
redevelopment plan. It was the consensus of the HRA that the redevelopment plan includes
the "greater" downtown area rather than studying its individual parts, and that the plan be
prepared by utilizing a taskforce made up of various representatives.
Taskforce Composition
The HRA is asked to formalize its requests to the City Council for authorizing preparation
of the redevelopment plan and appointment of a taskforce. The HRA discussed the
following 13-person taskforce composition, of which several individuals who have expressed
interest in serving are noted:
- 4 HRA Commissioners
• Stewart Wilson
• Larry Toth
• Jean Lieser
• Louise Kuester
- 1 Heritage Preservation Commissioner
• Lance Lindberg
- 1 Planning Commissioner
• Dana Anderson
- 1 Park & Recreation Commissioner
• Dave Anderson
Formalize Requests to Council for Completion of a Downtown Redevelopment Plan
October 2, 2006 HRA Meeting
Page 2 of 2
- 1 Economic Development Authority Commissioner
• Dan Tviete
- 2-3 Business Representatives
• Dave Rymanowski (First National Bank of Elk River)
• Keith Holmes (Kemper Drug)
• Mark Urista (Coldwell Banker Vision)
- 2 Resident Representatives
• Molly Nadeau
Taskforce Facilitation
Staff recommends that the HRA consider utilizing Ehlers & Associates to facilitate the
taskforce discussions. City staff would prepare the redevelopment plan and background
supporting materials. The 2006 and 2007 HRA budgets included funding for retaining
professional services necessary to complete the downtown redevelopment plan. Staff
estimates it will cost $7,500 for Ehlers & Associates to facilitate up to 8 meetings of the
taskforce, not including preparation of financial feasibility analysis.
Requested Actions
• Request that the City Council authorize that a redevelopment plan be prepared for
the "greater" downtown Elk River area.
• Request that the City Council appoint a taskforce with the composition listed above
for the purpose of preparing the redevelopment plan.
• Authorize staff to contract with Ehlers & Associates for facilitation of the
redevelopment taskforce meetings.
Next Steps
Staff will forward the HRA's requests to Council for appointment of the taskforce at its
October 9`h meeting. Staff will work with Ehlers to prepare a work plan outline for the
taskforce. It is anticipated that the taskforce meetings will begin in early November, and
meet monthly until the plan is completed in the next 6 to 7 months.