09-03-2019 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2 September 3,2019 6. Public Hearings • There were no public hearings. 7.I HRA Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Update Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. Commissioner Eder asked if loan payments are reported to credit reporting agencies and if so,which agencies. Ms. Othoudt stated CEE reports loan payments to one credit reporting bureau,TransUnion. 7.2 2020 HRA Budget and Resolution Establishing HRA Levy Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. She asked the Authority for direction regarding inclusion of funds for the watering and maintenance of hanging planters in downtown Elk River beginning in 2020. She indicated the estimated cost received from Parks and Recreation staff totaled$8000 and includes staff maintenance of the planters for 24 weeks at 2 hours a day for weekdays at a rate of$14.00/hr., and a weekend rate of$46.05/hr. Ms. Othoudt asked if the HRA would consider including an additional$8,000 to cover this cost and include it in the 2020 budget. Chair Toth asked who is paying for the hanging planters, the city or the Downtown Association. 4111 Ms. Othoudt indicated the Downtown Association will be raising funds to purchase the hanging planters. Commissioner Ovall explained the thought process and context of the HRA adding these funds to the HRA budget in support of maintaining the downtown hanging planters. He explained events held downtown, such as concerts and the Farmers Market, draw people into Elk River from outside the community, and part of the culture they want to incorporate is having a vibrant and well-maintained downtown. He stated it also aligns with elements in the Mississippi Connections Plan. He stated he has heard discussion from the downtown group and while Elk River Municipal Utilities recently helped with installation of the light poles,it was asked if the city can also help out with the cost of maintaining the planters. He stated the second concern is inconsistent maintenance of the planters and placing that burden on the downtown businesses. He also feels it is for the betterment of the entire city and not just the downtown. Commissioner Ovall stated he is supportive of including funds in the HRA budget for 2020 and asked the Authority to consider it since it seems to fall into their authority. Chair Toth thinks the downtown would benefit from this and likes seeing well-maintained hanging planters in other downtowns. Commissioner Eder agreed with Commissioner Ovall's comments and asked questions • regarding the breakdown of the cost of maintaining the planters,wondering if the hanging