02-25-2002 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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HRA Minutes Page 3 February 25,2002 S Chris reviewed the common concerns which included preservation of historic Elk River, utilization of the riverfront,parking, existing business owners, and housing. Heidi Hall reviewed the progress report on the Historic Context Study. She noted that a presentation of the Phase I and Phase II study findings should be prepared for the HRA in April. The HRA discussed the results of the Comment Forms. The HRA indicated its concern that the results of the comment forms only represent 39 opinions,which is a small percentage of the Elk River population. Commissioner Motin indicated his concern regarding results of study being given to the developers as they may give too much weight to the small number of people who responded. Commissioner Thompson stated that it is important to let people know that the results represent a small percentage of residents. Chair Toth stated that the information received is good,but the public must know that these are only some of the issues facing the downtown. Councilmember Tveite noted that the people who responded will be the most directly effected by the redevelopment. Mayor Klinzing stated that the responses are important but maybe more so for the HRA than the developers. Councilmember Kuester noted her concern of an arts building being close to the highway or railroad tracks. Councilmember Kuester questioned whether there could be underground parking in any project. Councilmember Tveite indicated he is not comfortable with level of change proposed • because many of the downtown residents and business owners do not see a big problem downtown.Jim Prosser indicated that the fundamental question of, "is there a problem?" is something that must be determined by the HRA. He noted that HRA should also consider whether a problem could evolve in the future in 5-10 years. Jim Prosser indicated that the next steps in the process include submitting RFP's to over 100 developers.He noted that there would be a preproposal meeting in mid April at which time community concerns and concepts will be discussed. Mr. Prosser indicated that proposals will be received at the end of April at which time they will be evaluated and following the evaluation a summary will be provided to the HRA. Following HRA review,project components will be identified. The HRA will determine which developers it wishes to interview and following the interviews the HRA will choose a developer and a predevelopment agreement will be put together. 6. Adjournment There being no other business, COMMISSIONER WILSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Q.-, • Sandra Peine City Clerk