11-27-2000 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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HRA Minutes Page 2 November 27, 2000 Michele McPherson, Director of Planning showed photos of the proposed sidewalk design and color. The HRA discussed the difference between the proposed design and the design originally proposed by the developers of the King and Main Project. Michele stated that staff has agreed with the design proposed by the developers. City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that staff is exploring options to purchase the materials and bid the labor separately to get a better price. He indicated that a number of suppliers would be explored for their match, quality, and product price. Issues of concern discussed by the HRA included sidewalk cost, funding of the sidewalk, and timing of the project. The city administrator stated that the project is proposed to proceed in 2001 so as to coordinate with Elk River Utilities project of electric line relocation. He noted that the sidewalk project roughly includes 30,000 square feet.The cost of the sidewalk is estimated at $8-$9 per square foot totaling approximately$275,000. The city administrator noted that the city owns some of the property included in the project and stated that the city may pay its share of the project. He suggested that the HRA pay the balance of the project. He reviewed the funds that the HRA has available. The city administrator stated that property owners are currently paying for the 1988 sidewalk assessment because it was a 15-year assessment that was included with a street and utility assessment. • Discussion was held regarding whether it was fair to assess downtown property owners for the proposed sidewalks. Commissioners Motin and Thompson suggested that property owners pay a small portion of the project, such as the difference between a "regular" sidewalk and the proposed sidewalk. Following this discussion, the HRA concurred that staff research the 1988 assessment and report back to the HRA. 6. Downtown Redevelopment Plan Catherine Mehelich noted that staff was recently authorized by the HRA to complete a downtown redevelopment plan. Catherine indicated that staff has completed an outline for the plan. She reviewed the components of the plan. The identified project area was taken from the Theresa Washburn study in 1999 with the Central Business District area being extended to include the riverwalk area. The process for the redevelopment plan will be completed in three phases to include Information Gathering, Visioning for Future Development, and Implementation. Catherine indicated that staff is recommending to hire a consultant to complete the market study component of the plan. She indicated that staff would be prepared to present costs for this component at the next HRA meeting. 7. Other Business There was no other business. 411)