10-27-2003 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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HRA Minutes Page 2 October 27,2003 • 5. Housing Work Plan—Follow Up to Housing Stock Inventory/Analysis Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz noted that the HRA accepted a Housing Work Plan in March 2003. As part of this process, a housing stock inventory/analysis was presented by the Planning Department in September. By the HRA's direction,a survey was sent to Elk River manufacturers regarding housing availability and affordability issues. The results of the survey will be presented at the November HRA meeting. Commissioner Motin suggested looking at other areas that may be blighted or poorly utilized for possible rezoning or rehabilitation for additional housing opportunities. Chair Toth stated that Suburban Northwest Builders Association would have been interested in the housing stock presentation. Ms.Steinmetz stated that staff could provide the information to them. Commissioner Motin stated that he felt that commercial businesses should be surveyed as well. The Commission directed staff to send the survey to approximately 50 businesses, which should include a range of sizes of businesses. Commissioner Motin asked that the survey be more specific regarding where employees live/commute time. Ms.Steinmetz stated that a survey to commercial businesses will be sent out as soon as possible and staff will try to provide those results at November meeting also. 6. Downtown Revitalization Project Update Ms. Steinmetz introduced LaVerne Hanson of Metro Plains. Mr.Hanson stated that Metro Plains is requesting that the HRA continue to work with MetroPlains Development under the spirit of the Preliminary Redevelopment Agreement,but now including Jackson Block, for a period up to January 30,2004. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE AN EXTENSION OF THE PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO JANUARY 30,2004. COMMISSIONER LIESER SECONDED THE MOTION.THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. City Administrator Pat Klaers noted that there will be contingencies in the Development Agreement whether the Small Cities Development Program(SCDP) grant is approved or not. Mr.Hanson stated that they are working with the City's Attorney Peter Beck and Bond Consultant Jim O'Meara on the Jackson Block financing and title issues. Commissioner Motin asked that MetroPlains move as quickly as possible to resolve the outstanding issues. Ms. Steinmetz noted that the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency(MHFA) financing application was approved. The City's SCDP application will be submitted to Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED) at the end of October and the grant award will be announced in early March 2004. Ms. Steinmetz stated that staff recently hosted a group of 25 St.Cloud State University students from a Downtown Development class. Students started with a field trip to downtown Elk River and participated in a panel discussion with representatives from the