08-13-2007 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 4 August 13, 2007 Commissioner Tveite stated that the plan is very comprehensive and he believes communication with the public is an integral part of the plan. Commissioner Motin stated that he is concerned with the approach that has been taken at the meetings. He stated that most people are focusing on Main Street and the river trail and that other issues and concerns have been raised. He indicated that he thinks if the plan is presented to the public with so much garbage in it people will continue to focus on those issues rather than the big picture. Commissioner Zerwas indicated that he believes a majority of those affected were brought into the plan at the appropriate time but that communication with those gready affected could have been handled differendy. He explained that some residents received a mass mailing which included a map in which their home had been replaced by a street. He stated that people affected this gready should have been afforded a more personal form of communication by the Task Force. He stated that he feels like the plan includes two red hemngs: one being the river walk path and the second being Highway 10 at grade and Main Street dead-ending. He explained that including these two issues in the plan directs all comments, criticism, and scrutiny to them and other issues or concerns may be overlooked. He indicated that what has received the least amount of comment is most likely to become part of the Final draft of the plan. He stated that if items that most likely will not make it through the process were weeded out, concentration could be focused on the plan as a whole. Commissioner Tveite stated that he objects to the language "garbage" and "red herring" in referring to the plan. He stated that he explained at the last EDA meeting why the Task Force included the river walk and why Highway 10 was left at grade. He explained that he is hopeful that both issues will be discussed again at the Task Force meeting later tonight so they can be addressed in the plan. He further explained that the goal of the Task Force was to have a plan that allows for flexibility, which he believes this one does. Commissioner Farber stated the possibility of keeping Highway 10 at grade still concerns him and that the Council was very specific, 5-0, about lowering it to below grade. Commissioner Tveite stated that MnDot has no plans through Elk River for the next thirty years. He indicated that it makes economic sense for Highway 10 to remain at grade and feels it would be shortsighted to not consider that alternatives exist besides raising or lowering Highway 10. 9. Other Business There was no other business. 10. Adjournment There being no other business, President Gongoll adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority at 6:15 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.