12-03-2012 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing&Redevelopment Authority Page 3 December 3,2012 Commissioner Kuester asked what the cost is for using Burlington Northern's railroad lines. • Commissioner Motin stated that the cost is per minute using the rails and it is very high. He added that Burling Northern is in favor of allowing the second rail,but cost is the issue. Commissioner Kuester asked if the Transportation objective identified in the plan is only for vehicular traffic,or if it includes pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Ms.Deckert state that the focus was more toward vehicles,but pedestrian/bicycle improvements could be included if the HRA wanted to add them. Commissioner Motin noted that the Planning Division is in charge of street planning. Commissioner Kuester asked if the issue of adding bike trails is brought up when the County is planning road improvement projects,especially near schools. Commissioner Motin stated it was his understanding that several are being looked at at this time. Ms. Deckert stated that staff could look at what plans are in place and where the gaps are in pedestrian/bicycle trails. Commissioner Motin asked if the Strategic Plan was both the HRA's and EDA's plan. Ms. Deckert stated yes. Commissioner Motin asked if strategies to attract Class I restaurants could be included in the plan. Ms.Deckert stated staff could look at this issue. She explained that there was a push for this type of marketing by the EDA back in the early to mid-2000s and were put in place,utilizing the website and marketing brochures. She reviewed the existing restaurant recruitment activities and indicated this could be reflected in the plan if the Commission desired. Commissioner Motin stated that he did not feel there is a need to change what is in place and he just wanted to be sure this item was included in the plan somehow. Ms.Deckert stated that the#1 Strategy—Industrial Development, could be changed to Economic Development with Commercial and Industrial included under this • topic. Chair Wilson suggested adding Business Development,adding both Commercial and Industrial under this heading. Commissioner Motin suggested under II.Rehabilitation and Redevelopment,the same strategy"enhance downtown commercial district through business recruitment and people generating activities"could also be utilized for the commercial development. Commissioner Motin asked if the EDA would be made aware of the HRA's comments on the plan. Ms.Deckert stated that she will note the HRA's comments in her staff report to the EDA. She noted that the plan will be presented to the HRA again after the EDA review. 7. Great River Family Promise Commissioner Lieser explained that Great River Family Promise is an organization which provides emergency shelter for families with children in Sherburne and Wright Counties. She stated that approximately 12 area churches will open their doors to provide meals and shelter beginning in February 2013. Elk River United Methodist Church has donated the use of a home for a day center. Commissioner Lieser stated that many items are needed as well as volunteers to assist at the Day Center with light office work and van drivers. Those interested in donating or volunteering may contact Maggie Parrish at 612-810-5607 or email GR.FamilyPromis e @gmail.co m. 8. Resolution 12-03 Recognizing Contributions of HRA Commissioner Jean Lieser Chair Wilson stated that Jean Lieser's HRA appointment will expire and she is not seeking reappointment. He stated that she will be greatly missed and that she was a tremendous • asset on the Commission. He stated that Resolution 12-03 recognizes the contributions of