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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3 December 5,2016 9.1 Worksession— Mississippi Connections Plan Discussion Ms. Othoudt provided background information on the Mississippi Connections Plan and related streetscape improvements along the Main Street corridor. She stated that staff has discussed with the Downtown Rivers Edge group opportunities to utilize the budget funds in making the improvements. She stated that the Downtown River's Edge Group's list of desired streetscape improvements includes:permanent benches in the downtown, flower pots,permanent bike racks,and a mural on the back side of Pompeii Pizza building. Chair Toth suggested a mural could be done on the side of the Elk River Meats building,if the owners were open to it. Ms. Othoudt reviewed options for the benches ranging from$254-$730,depending upon length and number of armrests. Fred McCoy suggested locating a bench by the dental office and by the park area along Main Street,on the east side of downtown. Councilmember/Representative Wagner stated they are proposing brightly colored benches, such as turquoise,orange,pink or yellow. She noted there are five spots where it would make sense to place benches,to start with. She noted that there are a couple in the downtown already. Chair Toth asked who placed the existing benches. Wagner stated that the businesses purchased the benches. Chair Toth stated he felt it might be better for the businesses to buy the benches themselves,if they are going to be in front of their business. Fred McCoy stated that the new benches would not be placed in front of specific businesses, just in good locations for people to congregate. Chair Toth suggested the Downtown group could pool resources to purchase the benches. Wagner stated that not all businesses are members. She asked if the allocated funds were just for 2016,or if there would be an annual implementation in the budget. Ms. Othoudt explained that there is currently an annual allocation for 2017 and$20,000 budgeted for implementing the Mississippi Connections plan,but not specifically for just the downtown. She stated it is the discretion of the HRA how much they are willing to put forward for these improvements. She noted that they should be permanent structures that would help bring people into the downtown area. Commissioner Chuba stated that since not all businesses pay dues,he suggested an artistic element for the bike racks, or adding other types of sculpture. Wagner stated that the hope was to partner with local artists to add an element of art. Commissioner Eder asked who would maintain the flower pots. Wagner stated that the association put money toward enhancing the pots,both for the spring/summer and fall/winter,recently coordinating with Green Valley. She explained that he pots currently in front of businesses where paid for by the businesses themselves. Wagner noted that it was the consensus of the downtown group to use some of the association's funds to enhance the planters,adding value and creating a unified look.