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Housing & Redevelopment Authority <br />August 7, 2006 <br />Page 3 <br />during the current construction phase and staff will proceed with anticipated activities unless <br />otherwise directed by the HRA. <br />Commissioner Kuester questioned if staff has received any feedback on their <br />communication efforts. Ms. Mehelich indicated that she has not heard any negative <br />feedback. She stated that staff did not receive the cooperation they had hoped for on the <br />coupon insert so it will not be repeated. <br />Keith Holme, property owner Kemper Drug — thanked staff for attending the Rivers <br />Edge meetings and for their communication efforts. <br />Chair Wilson thanked Mr. Holme for allowing the "Open for Business" banner to be hung <br />on his building. <br />5.3. Consider Making Contribution toward Downtown MarketLm Special Event <br />Ms. Mehelich indicated that staff has been working with the River's Edge Downtown <br />Business Association to assist in additional marketing of the downtown businesses during <br />construction. She stated that the group is planning a sidewalk sales event and downtown <br />block party to be held Saturday, August 26, 2006. She explained that staff has been meeting <br />with Fred McCoy of McCoy's Pub to discuss details of the event, city application and <br />approval process, and to discuss street staging and signage needs. It is anticipated that the <br />City Council will consider approval of the special event request and liquor license extension <br />at its August 14 meeting. <br />She indicated that the group has requested the city's contribution for some city services such <br />as police security, barricades/signage/street cleaning, and portable bathrooms. She estimated <br />that the cost for these items would be approximately $1,700. She stated that in accordance <br />with the HRA's goal to assist in marketing the downtown businesses during the construction <br />phase, staff is recommending that the HRA consider making a contribution toward the <br />block party of up to $2,000. Ms. Mehelich indicated that staff is also recommending that the <br />HRA authorize up to $2,000 towards a grand opening event to be held in 2007 upon <br />construction completion. <br />MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY <br />COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OF UP TO $2,000 <br />TO THE RIVER'S EDGE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TO BE <br />USED TOWARDS THE DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY SPECIAL EVENT TO <br />BE HELD SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. <br />6. Update on Acquisition of Properties Described as 716 and 720 Main -Street <br />Ms. Mehelich stated that per the HRA's direction, staff commissioned for an appraisal to be <br />completed on properties located at 716 and 720 Main Street. She stated that the appraisals <br />are expected to be back later this week. She indicated that based on the results of the <br />appraisal, staff will undertake negotiations with the property owner, Houlton Investment <br />Company. It is anticipated that a draft proposal will be brought to the HRA at its September <br />meeting. <br />Commissioner Toth questioned if staff is getting ahead of themselves by beginning <br />negotiations as depending on what the appraisal comes in at, the HRA may chose to not <br />pursue the properties. Mr. Clark stated that staffs goal is to begin negotiations if the <br />