7.4. HRSR 04-01-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 Community meeting to discuss downtown Elk River fixtures 3.20.2019 Attendees: • Amanda Othoudt, Economic Development Director, City of Elk River • Fay Niederhaus, Owner of Olive a Day Plus More, Secretary for Downtown ER Business Association • Julia Schreifels, Assistant Vice President of The Bank of Elk River, Treasurer for Downtown ER Business Association • Karen Wingard, Farmers Market and Events Coordinator, Parks and Recreation • Nathan Mugass, Pastor of Elk River Lutheran and Member of Downtown ER Business Association • Tamara Ackerman, Owner of Avalon Salon, Chair for Downtown ER Business Association • Tim Sevcik, Streets and Parks Superintendent, City of Elk River • Troy Adams, General Manager, Elk River Municipal Utilities Meeting summary: The collective group met today for the purpose of having the appropriate people in the room to discuss and plan for the new lighting that is being installed in downtown Elk River and applicable options for banner and plant holders as well as the use of HRA funds for 2019 and 2020. There has been an approved allocation of $5,000 for 2019 and the Downtown Elk River Business Association (DTERBA) to make decisions on what they would like to add as permanent fixtures. The DTERBA researched and found that a warm and welcoming downtown, invites visitors. Additionally, with the significant investment in our parks and our #1 Farmers Market in the State of MN, they felt it prudent to work towards downtown beautification on a permanent basis that aligns with the installment of the light fixtures with Elk River Municipal Utilities. Looking at the streetscapes of Anoka and Maple Grove during the summer months with banners and hanging baskets are what they are suggesting to emulate. Ongoing watering was the topic that was discussed in detail. Tim added that it would be of great benefit to his department to permanently remove the cement planters for snow removal and maintenance. Tim discussed to water the plants a truck and staff member would be needed and be budgeted in the 2020 year. He feels this is feasible and can be worked in vs installing irrigation which would mean tearing up the pavers and could cost over $100,000. Tim will look into bids for this. Troy mentioned the cost savings Elk River municipal is saving the city due to them picking up the cost of the lights. Amanda discussed different watering systems through her research that could hook up to the irrigation system. This is also an option. Amanda reviewed her research of other cities with the group and shared data on ownership and costs. The group discussed flower basket arms be purchased (initial recommendation is 24 for every other pole) and 24 banner arms for the other poles where the city could add signage drawing in traffic to downtown. Troy discussed that Elk River Municipal Utilities can save on costs by purchasing these in bulk now and could bill the HRA however they needed to be billed to make it work. Amanda requested she needed to let HRA know what the discussion was before Troy moved forward with purchase. Banner arms – Troy recommends smaller banner arms based on research. Troy recommended we present this as a tri-ownership proposal – ER Municipal, City and Business approach for: • Flowers – DTERBA and look at finding businesses buy and sponsor • Irrigation – City • Municipal Utilities – Light fixtures All agreed and thought a great idea. Troy discussed the safety hazard of the height of the baskets of having volunteers doing the watering.