05-01-2006 HRA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 5 May 1, 2006 addressed and that parking issues are not always a negative thing because it means that people are visiting downtown. Commissioner Toth indicated that he doesn't believe the HRA is happy with the closing of Main Street but that there are some things that have to be done to accomplish the overall goal. Commissioner Motin expressed his disappointment that during the planning and building permit processes, that no one realized that the closure of Main Street would be necessary. Mr. Clark indicated that staff was not made aware of the bank's contractor's request to have Main closed until last week. 5.2. Construction Communications & Business Marketing Plan Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz indicated that the purpose of the Construction Communications Plan that the HRA accepted in 2005 is to provide a structure and organization for communications efforts with target audiences throughout the construction of the downtown revitalization project, which is projected to last from spring 2006 through fall 2007. Ms. Steinmetz stated that a component of the Communications Plan is to consistently inform residents and non-residents of construction, parking, and traffic issues downtown so they feel comfortable traveling downtown She stated that the proposed Business Marketing Plan specifies proposed marketing tools to help achieve this goal. She presented the Business Marketing Plan to the HRA. Ms. Steinmetz explained that the 2006 HRA budget includes $12,500 for publishing purposes that has been used in the past to cover the cost of writing, design, printing, and distributing the Q&A newsletters and other communication pieces. She stated that staff is evaluating advertising options with the Elk River Star News for the duration of construction. Staff is also evaluating downtown marketing signage options. She explained that the HRA's publishing fund balance will accommodate the remainder of this year's Q&A newsletters, this summer's "vision piece", and the implementation of the Business Marketing Plan. Commissioner Kuester indicated that an event such as a medallion hunt would get people interested and keep people coming downtown to check its progress. Chair Wilson suggested that maybe city staff could work together with the River's Edge Downtown Business group to plan an event. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO ADOPT THE BUSINESS MARKETING PLAN AS PRESENTED AND AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURES RELATED TO THE PLAN NOT TO EXCEED THE 2006 BUDGETED AMOUNT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Commissioner Toth questioned if the parking for the Bluff project would be strictly for residents or if visitor parking would be included. Vern Hanson, MetroPlains — indicated that all of the parking is below grade. Mr. Hanson explained that there are two levels of parking for the homeowners and for employees of the commercial spaces. Commissioner Toth questioned if the commercial employee spots would be available for visitors on nights and weekends when the commercial spaces were closed. Mr. Hanson stated that it would be the decision of the Homeowner's Association. 0