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City Council Minutes Page 8 <br /> February 21,2017 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Mr. Portner added this legislation is not in the best interest of tax payers and it is <br /> important for Council and staff to tell Elk River's story about franchise fee success <br /> with legislators. <br /> The Council recessed at 7:18 p.m. in order to go into work session. The meeting reconvened <br /> at 7:26 p.m. <br /> 9.1 Concept Review for the Saxon Motors Property, Elk River Lodge and <br /> Residential Suites, LLC <br /> Councilmember Ovall recused himself from this discussion as he represents the <br /> lender for this project. <br /> Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. He noted this project appears to be consistent <br /> with the city's visioning and plans for the area adding the Department of Natural <br /> Resources will also need to review the plan because the project is within a Wild and <br /> Scenic area. <br /> Mayor Dietz questioned which agency determines floodplain encroachment. Mr. <br /> Carlton explained minimal improvements can be made without obtaining state <br /> approval. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard indicated the rendering appears to be consistent with the <br /> city's vision for the area. He noted he has no issue with vacating the current right-of- <br /> way to support this project. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard indicated it would be good to have the Parks and <br /> Recreation Commission review the plan for trail connectivity from downtown Elk <br /> River to downtown Ramsey. Mr. Briggs stated he is open to trail discussion noting <br /> the type of surface could have a significant impact on cost. <br /> Mr. Briggs indicated improvements to Elk River Lodge would be phase 1 including a <br /> new garage and exterior painting. He plans to complete phase 1 in 2017 with phase 2 <br /> started in 2018. He noted additional phasing would depend on market demand. <br /> By consensus, the Council was in support of this project moving forward. <br /> 9.2 International Student Internship Direction <br /> Mr. Portner stated the city has an opportunity to host an environment engineering <br /> intern from Germany this May through September. He indicated many of the <br /> student's interests are compatible with our Energy City program and there are many <br /> tasks he could complete related to ClientSmart Municipalities. <br /> He explained there is a maximum cost of$6,500 associated with hosting the student <br /> but noted the city is not responsible for the entire amount and the city's contribution <br /> P 0 W I R I U 9 Y <br /> itm§A UREJ <br />