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City Council Minutes Page 2 <br />June 17, 2020 <br />■ Spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation <br />■ Improved transportation and accessibility <br />"f Ylhat physical amenities changed between 2020-2035? How are we dierent physically?" <br />Council responded: <br />• Transportation <br />• Increased population <br />• Outdoor swimming pool <br />• Additional athletic fields <br />■ Expansion of ERX Motor Park <br />■ More hotels/motels <br />• Retail opportunities along Highways 169 and 10 and in gravel mining area <br />■ Improved connections between Elk River and west Elk River <br />'What did we do over these 1 Syears for us to be recognitied? Wlhat action steps and tasks were <br />accomplished?" <br />Council and staff responded: <br />• The city developed a road map and plan to avoid a patchwork quilt of <br />disparate areas <br />• Correct zoning <br />• Improved internet access <br />• Mobile, bike, and walking transportation improvements <br />■ A range of housing types <br />■ Improved reverse commute on the Northstar Commuter train to bring <br />employees from the Twin Cities <br />■ Increased park amenities including restrooms and running water in more <br />parks <br />• A bike trail from Lion John Weicht Park to downtown Elk River over the <br />railroad tracks <br />• Update plans such as the Parks Master Plan, Trails Plan, Capital <br />Improvement Plan, and the Comprehensive Plan <br />• Consider redevelopment of existing businesses and housing <br />Mr. Portner asked Council about their interest in a solar farm. He also asked if they <br />would be interested in exploring the possibility of annexing Big Lake Township to <br />bring utilities into the area. <br />Mayor Dietz felt annexation, in today's world, may be difficult. There would need to <br />be two willing parties. Solar farms are becoming more prevalent and the Minnesota <br />Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) would likely agree to help with a project. <br />Councilmember Ovall suggested locating a solar farm on the landfill. <br />The Council agreed change is good, but they want Elk River to balance urban with <br />rural. <br />P 0 M E R E 1 1 1 <br />NXi: E <br />