03-07-2005 HR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2005
Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Lieser, Toth, and Motin (5:05 p.m.)
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Parks and
Recreation Director William Maertz, Planner/Park Planner Chris
Leeseberg, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller
1. 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 5:00 p.m. by Chair Wilson.
2. Consider March 7, 2005 HRA Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
LIESER TO APPROVE THE MARCH 7, 2005 HRAAGENDA. MOTION
('.ARRIED 3-0.
(Commissioner Motin arrived 5:05 p.m.)
Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
LIESER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. CONSIDER JANUARY 3, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. JANUARY 2005 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
3.4. JANUARY 2005 BALANCE SHEET
3.5. FEBRUARY 2005 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
3.6. FEBRUARY 2005 BALANCE SHEET
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one present for Open Mike.
5. Downtown Revitalization Project Update
Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that at the end of last year,
the city entered into a development agreement with MetroPlains Development and since
that time staff has been working closely with MetroPlains to make progress on a number of
activities leading up to the anticipated summer project construction.
Krug Azenue Parking Lot bn~~ozara~nt
Ms. Mehelich indicated that Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz
has been working closely with the King Avenue Parking Lot Taskforce to provide input on
Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 2
March 7, 2005
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the parking lot design and enforcement options. Ms. Mehelich noted that the taskforce will
continue meeting until May or June.
Commissioner Toth questioned if the taskforce's parking concerns will be addressed prior to
construction. Ms. Mehelich indicated that they would. Ms. Mehelich indicated that City
Engineer Terry Maurer will be providing the taskforce's comments to the City Council for
their consideration.
Ms. Mehelich noted that Jackson Square will remain open during construction of the parking
lot and will not be sold to MetroPlains until after the parking lot is completed.
Chair Wilson questioned is parking would be enforced during construction. Ms. Mehelich
indicated that the parking is not currently being enforced and that parking enforcement will
continue to be discussed.
River's Edge ins Improzernpnts
Ms. Mehelich stated that the March 2, 2005, edition of the Star News featured an article on
the schematic improvement plans for the River's Edge Commons located between the
Cinema building and the Sunshine Depot. Ms. Mehelich indicated that the Parks and
Recreation Commission recently recommended plan approval and the Council will consider
the plan in March or April.
Parks and Recreation Director William Maertz and Planner/Park Planner Chris Leeseberg
provided the HRA with an overview of the proposed plan for the River's Edge Commons.
Commissioner Lieser questioned if the gazebo will be moved to the River's Edge Commons
area. Mr. Maertz indicated that the gazebo is grandfathered in at its current location but
would need to meet all current building codes if moved which would be difficult. He stated
that a new gazebo will be constructed and some of the historical details of the old gazebo
will be incorporated into the new one.
6. Update on Two Properties for Sale on Main Street
Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that in August of 2004, the
HRA indicated an interest in three properties for sale on Main Street downtown north of
Highway 10. Ms. Mehelich indicated that in September of 2004, the HRA delayed further
action since one of the properties (426 Main Street was not for sale at the time.
Ms. Mehelich stated that the properties at 414 and 420 Main Street are still for sale with
similar listing prices as last Fall. She indicated that the status of the property located at 426
Main Street is unknown due to the passing of the previous owner. Ms. Mehelich noted that
the property at 430 Main Street was sold last Fall and is currently being remodeled into
office space.
Commissioner Moon indicated that he is handling the probate for the property located at
426 Main Street and believes the property will be for sale again soon.
Ms. Mehelich stated that staff has not received any inquiries on the properties for
redevelopment opportunities but since the properties are located within the Study Area
Boundary defined by the HRA, staff will continue to provide updates regarding activity and
other opportunities in the area downtown north of Highway 10.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
March 7, 2005
7. Discuss 2005 HRA Official Depositories
Page 3
Commissioner Toth stated that he would like to clarify the reason for him voting against
having Riverview Community Bank as one of the official HRA depositories. Commissioner
Toth submitted a letter to the HRA regarding his opinions on the depositories. He indicated
that he believes that Riverview Community Bank is an asset to their community but that the
city should select financial institutions that directly benefit the citizens of Elk River and ones
that are not in direct competition with the banks in Elk River.
Chair Wilson indicated that the HRA designated the same official depositories as the City
Council and the EDA.
Commissioner Motin stated that Riverview Community Bank was approved as an official
depository and that not all banks listed are actually used as depositories. He stated that
Riverveiw Community Bank does a lot within our city and provides funding within our city.
Chair Wilson expressed concern with the message that the city is sending if we don't chose a
bank simply because it isn't in Elk River. He stated that Riverview Community Bank serves
the Elk River community eventhough their physical building is in Otsego.
8. Other Business
There was no other business.
9. Adiournment.
There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
l %L.~!/~
essica Miller
Recording Secretary