11-24-2003 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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I-IRA Minutes Page 2 November 24,2003 4110 Chair Toth asked if staff was able to determine who completed the surveys and if the employees were part-time or full-time. Ms.Steinmetz stated that companies faxed the surveys to staff and the only way staff was able to identify the businesses was if the business had fax return address identifiers on their machines. Ms.Mehelich added that the survey was meant to be anonymous. Ms.Steinmetz stated that the survey did not specify full or part time employees. Commissioner Motin noted that if there were a shortfall in housing for the retail/service business employees,the situation would likely not escalate,since there is very little commercial land available for development. Ms.Steinmetz stated that the HRA needs to determine what is an acceptable balance in housing for the City of Elk River. Commissioner Wilson stated that he would like to try the survey one more time,in order to get a better response from the retail/services businesses. He felt that if they still are not interested,the HRA will not pursue the housing issue further, and concentrate on the downtown issues. The Commission directed staff to re-send the survey to the retail/service businesses,with a note indicating that they do not need to respond if they already have. Staff will report on the results at a future meeting. 6. Downtown Revitalization Project Update Executive Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that staff • continues to work with the project attorney and the developer to prepare a Development Agreement for the HRA's review and consideration. She noted that language will include firm commitments for redevelopment of both the Jackson and Bluff Blocks. Ms.Mehelich also noted that staff continues to work with City Attorney Peter Beck to research the tide and ownership of the Jackson Square property. The abstract has been created,and a legal description has recently been prepared in order to prepare a tide commitment. Ms.Mehelich noted that City Engineer Terry Maurer is researching the following: • Cost estimate for removal of Municipal Utilities building. • King Avenue and rear"Brick Block"parking lot layout,costs,timetable and number of stalls. • Cost estimate for a parking ramp structure in the rear of the"Brick Block". • Contact the bank,school district and MnDot regarding parking layout and access issues. • Options for safe pedestrian crossing the intersection of Highway 10 and Jackson Avenue. Staff recommends that the HRA consider directing the development team to meet with businesses and identify parking concerns,issues and potential solutions. After the information is prepared,a separate facilitated public meeting would be held with the stakeholders regarding parking options. Staff suggests that this process begin after the development agreement is approved. Commissioner Motin asked why the process would . begin after the development agreement is approved,since the agreement is contingent upon viable parking. Ms.Mehelich stated that the language for the development agreement