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City Council M. inutes <br />June 23, 2003 <br /> <br />4. HRA Downtown Revitalization Project <br /> <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that the Housing and <br />Redevelopment Authority has been working with MetroPlains for the past six months to <br />redefine the downtown redevelopment plan. Ms. Mehelich stated that as directed by the <br />HRA, MetroPlains held an open house for the public to view the proposed downtown <br />designs. Ms. Mehelich stated that at this time, MetroPlains is seeking Council input and will <br />seek formal approval at a later date. <br /> <br />Vern Hanson of MetroPlains, Michele Mongeon of JLG Architects, and Jim Prosser of <br />Ehlers & Associates provided the City Council with a presentation which included an <br />overview of the City's project goals, a presentation of redevelopment concepts, and an <br />overview of the financial and market feasibility issues regarding the project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dietz questioned if MetroPlains has held discussions with the property <br />owners that will be affected by the redevelopment and whether they have an agreement on <br />sale and price. Mr. Hanson stated that they have had discussions with property owners but <br />that purchase agreements are contingent on a development agreement with the HRA. <br /> <br />Councilmember Tveite asked how the cridcal mass of businesses would be preserved during <br />the two years of construction. Mr. Hanson stated that there would be ample displacement <br />parking and access to businesses would remain open during construction. <br /> <br />Catherine Mehelich stated that staff received comment forms back from residents and <br />business owners and the major concerns seem to be parking and the use of the Jackson <br />block. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff will be reporting on the results of the comment forms <br />to the HRA Monday, June 30 at their special meeting. <br /> <br />Mayor Fdinzing stated that she likes the plan, has heard support for the plan from <br />downtown business owners, and that the project is needed to keep Elk River competitive <br />with neighboring communities. <br /> <br />City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that MetroPlains will be applying for a once a year <br />grant from the MN Housing Finance Agency. Mr. I~aers stated that the grant must be <br />submitted by July 24, 2003 and MetroPlains will come before the Council on July 14 with a <br />memorandum of understanding that the city is committed to the development of Jackson <br />Square and the downtown and is willing to form a partnership with MetroPlams. <br /> <br />Vern Hanson indicated that the local banks will be asked to display the model of the <br />proposed downtown redevelopment in their lobbies for everyone to view. <br /> <br />5. Open Mike <br /> <br />No one appeared for open mike. <br /> <br />6.1. Transitional Housing Program <br /> <br />City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that the city will be taking possession of a house <br />near the library soon and the Mayor has asked the city to consider allowing this house to be <br />used for the Love Elk River transitional housing program. Mr. Kdaers stated that the city <br />currently owns a house north of the golf course that is leased to Harvest Evangelism dba <br />Love Elk River for use with the transitional housing program. The city receives $300 a <br /> <br /> <br />