5. HRSR 11-07-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Raymond indicated that the ERAAA was not asking the HRA for financial assistance at this time. On June 6, 2011, the HRA considered a lease extension for the ERAAA.. Mr. Raymond indicated the ERAAA continues to explore their options for relocating and that the First National Bank proposal is still a concept and no formal agreement has been worked out. The HRA authorized a 1-year extension with the ERAAA for the building (lease not signed). Since then, the ongoing maintenance costs have increased and building conditions deteriorated. On July 11, 2011, the Arts Alliance (720 Main Street) experienced significant leaks in the gallery due to the weather. On July 13, 2011, City of Elk River Building Official Bob Ruprecht and building maintenance staff inspected the two buildings to determine the maintenance needs and recommended obtaining an inspection from a structural engineer to determine improvements necessary moving forward. On August 19, city staff and Loukes Associates Building Consulting Group inspected the HRA buildings in addition to the meat market building to review their condition. The inspection determined the center building has failed roof trusses. Because of this condition, Loucks recommends that no one enter this building until a further detailed investigation is complete and either the building is demolished or repaired. They went on to say that snow and/or roof loads have the potential to collapse the roof of the building. The 720 Main Street building was "red tagged" by the Building Department on September 23, prohibiting anyone from entering the building. On October 3, 201.1, the HRA authorized staff to proceed with obtaining proposals for costs to demolish the 716 and 720 Main Street buildings. Inspections from both Building Official Bob Ruprecht and Loucks and Associates show that a heavy rain or snow may cause the roofs to leak or collapse. Both inspection summaries are attached to this memo. In speaking with City Attorney Peter Beck, the city provided notice to the ERAAA vacate 716 Main Street by November 6, 2011. This was made pursuant to the city's police power to abate the threat to the public's health, safety and welfare posed by these buildings. Allowing occupancy within the buildings puts the city at risk and liable for any damage which may occur to the public and/or 716 Main Street (ERAAA) and 724 Main Street (Meat Market). Mr. Beck also voiced his concerns in regard to temporarily repairing 720 Main Street through the remainder of the Arts Alliance's lease. League of MN Cities insurance representative Mary Eberley also advises taking extreme caution in allowing any occupancy of the buildings because of the building's condition. Any damages which may occur may result in a claim against the city. The HRE has a Shared Wall Agreement with the meat market which indicates the HRA is responsible for all/any damage to the meat market which may result from 716 and 720 Main Street. On October 27, Building Official Bob Ruprecht, ERA_AA representatives David Raymond and Ron Touchette, Greg Duerr of Structural Design Associates (on behalf of the ERAAA), Denny Chuba from Chuba construction and I inspected 720 Main Street. The inspection echoed comments from previous inspections (see attached memo dated 10-31-11). N:\Departments\Community Development\Economic Development\lloulton Buildings\Maintenance\10-31-11 building update.doc