10-03-2011 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes October 3, 201 ] Page 4 participating); and (5) online education to be available in 2012 so that participants don't have to drive • long distances to complete the required education. Mr. Nelson stated that their website offers all kinds of resources for homeowners at w~w.hocmn.org and their phone number is 862/462-6466. Commissioner Lieser asked how many of the 18 households were able to participate in the mortgage assistance "lottery" program offered this summer. Mr. Nelson stated drat unfortunately only about ten percent actually qualified because of the strict criteria. Downtown Plan Discussion Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart stated that staff is ready to reopen the downtown plan. He explained that the plan was put on hold until the Highway 10 was complete. He stated that the City Council will determine if the task force will reconvene. Mr. Barnhart noted that it is not the intent to start the process over and instead, pick up where it left off. He stated he anticipates it will take 4 - 5 months to complete the plan. Commissioner Toth asked for clarification on the status of the task force. Mr. Barnhart explained that the City Council will decide if a task force is necessary, and that decision has not yet been made. Mr. Barnhart stated that the HRA will receive updates on the process. 8. Branding Update Clay Wilfahrt stated that the final brand plan was presented to the EDA on September 12 and the • EDA authorized staff to move forward with implementing the brand. He stated that there were no surprises in what the consultant, Chandlerthinks, uncovered; that Elk River is a small, friendly, outdoorsy community. He stated that a steering committee has been assembled and has meet several times to determine standards for the brand as well as strategies for implementation in materials such as email signatures, letterhead, business cards, and other marketing materials. The group is also exploring trademarking the logo. Mr. Wilfahrt noted that staff is working to promote the brand in the community and has given presentations to the Two Rivers Referrals Group, River's Edge Business Group, and has met with local manufactures, businesses. and the Chamber of Commerce regarding brand implementation. Additional presentations are scheduled with non-profits such as the Rotary, Library Board and YMCA. 9.1. Other Business Mr. Wilfahrt noted that the 2nd annual River's Edge Art Craw is scheduled for October 20 from 5 - 9 pm. Vice Chair Toth asked about the status of the NAPA building. Ms. Deckert stated that the demolition permit was released today and the building may akeady have been taken down. Ms. Deckert stated that staff will continue to provide foreclosure prevention updates and initiatives to community groups for distribution. 10. Adjournment •