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Housing & Redevelopment Authority February 6, 2012 Page 4 to the sidewalk, and possiblybenches. For example, someone could get an ice cream and go across • the street to sit and eat it. Interest was also expressed in having the Farmer's Market and Art Soup activities. He stated theywere interested in being able to provide a place for people to sit and mingle. Conunissioner Koester stated that the concept was to maximi~p the parking while providing some space for public use. Cornriussioner Toth stated that parking should be their maul concern, and still provide some space that can be utilized bythe businesses to get people downtown. Chair Wilson stated he felt the space could provide a combination of both uses. It was the consensus of the HRA to authorize staff to begin working with a landscape architect to obtain design concepts and cost estimates. 8. Farmers Market Request -Parks and Recreation Steve Benoit, Parks & Recreation, stated that theywould like to relocate the Farmers Market from Westbound Liquor Store parking lot to the newly developed parking area, formerly 716 and 720 Main Street. He noted that the Bank of Elk River has provided financial support for the Farmers Market and Riverfront Concert series. Reasons for relocation include: 1) adequate parking; 2) visibilityto Main Street; and, 3) safety aspects for parking access and patron shopping. Commissioner Koester questioned whether there was adequate parking, and asked where vendors would park She suggested requiring the vendors to unload and park somewhere else. Mr. Benoit stated that they would look at this option. Commissioner Motin stated that he felt the Farmer's Market would complement the Riverfront • Concert series. He did not feel there would be a conflict, since the two events would not be running at the same time. Or theycould be on different days of the weekto prevent conflict or overlapping. Mr. Benoit stated that if the dates and times were changed, it could confuse the public. He felt they needed to be consistent throughout the season. Chair Wilson asked if there could be a potential problem for vendors if theymade scheduling changes. Mr. Benoit stated that it could impact some vendors, but that they do end up turning away vendors. He explained that they don't want too many of the same type of vendors. Discussion followed regarding timelines for advertising the Farmer's Market and notifying vendors, as well as the possibility of expanding the Farmer's Market further into the cityparking lot. Commissioner Toth asked if the parking area was not ready, could the Farmer's Market start at Westbound and move to the downtown when it was ready? Mr. Benoit stated that could look at that option. Commissioner Lieser stated that she felt the Farmer's Market would complement the downtown. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER TO AUTHORIZE THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMEN TO RELOCATE THE FARMER'S MARKET TO THE DOWNTOWN PARKING SPACE AT THE FORMER 716 AND 720 MAIN STREET HRA SITE, UPON COMPLETION OF THE IMPROVEMENTS. •