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Special Meeting of the Elk River City Council <br />Held at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) <br />Wednesday, June 17, 2020 <br />Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Garrett Christianson, Nate <br />Ovall, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner <br />Members Absent: None <br />Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Fire Chief Mark Dickinson, City <br />Clerk Tina Allard, Community Development Director Suzanne <br />Fischer, Chief of Police Ron Nierenhausen, Planning Manager Zack <br />Carlton, Finance Director Lori Ziemer, Economic Development <br />Director Amanda Othoudt, Parks and Recreation Director Michael <br />Hecker, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Justin Femrite, and <br />Records Specialist Katie Porath <br />1. Call Meeting to Order <br />Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council <br />was called to order at 2:07 p.m. by Mayor Dietz. <br />2. Council/Staff Annual Retreat <br />Mr. Portner reviewed the results of the "telephone" exercise staff and Council <br />members went through, demonstrating messages can get modified through multiple <br />senders. <br />Mr. Portner reviewed information on healthy conflict and good communications. <br />Visioning "2035" <br />Mr. Portner asked Council to envision Elk River in 2035 and answer a few questions. <br />`The year is 2033 and the City of Elk Diver has been named the greatest place to live in <br />Minnesota. News outlets are asking what the city did to achieve this. Wlhat does this look like?" <br />Council responded: <br />■ Residents don't have to leave Elk River to find what they're looking for <br />■ Elk River remains rural, yet suburban <br />■ More industrial, commercial, and retail businesses that would increase jobs <br />and the tax capacity <br />■ Rid of the "bedroom community" stigma <br />■ Retail and development along Highway 169 <br />■ Emphasis on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation <br />