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Economic Development Authority Minutes <br />June 3, 2020 <br />Ms. Othoudt stated she could invite them to participate. <br />Page 4 <br />OR <br />Commissioner Blesener asked about the best way to include Parks and Recreation <br />Commissioners, the HRA, and staff. Would there be additional meetings with them <br />or should the EDA get a list of priorities from them? <br />Mr. Leighton stated it could be a mix. He suggested having them sit in on the <br />meeting or having an internal conversation with them. It may be better to get <br />Planning involved once they are at the point of determining what belongs in certain <br />locations. <br />Commissioner Ovall stated a strategic plan and vision needs to stick to the "long <br />game". <br />Mr. Leighton stated the EDA is the implementer. Different commissions or staff <br />could help to flesh out certain aspects of the plan. <br />Mr. Blesener was intrigued by how the EDA could assist with tourism. <br />Mr. Leighton explained tourism and marketing may be narrowly defined and they <br />may want to broaden them. Are there other aspects of tourism and marketing that <br />may be opportunities? <br />Commissioner Wagner added the Multipurpose Facility as a destination. <br />Commissioner Westgaard added a physical barrier could be the river. In addition, <br />when talking about marketing and tourism, should we leverage our city as being a <br />waterfront community? <br />Mr. Oeher asked if there was a trail system or amenities near the river. <br />Commissioner Westgaard said there were some options to expand the trail system by <br />the river. Perhaps Elk River should put focus on capturing the river as a physical <br />amenity. <br />Mr. Leighton asked if Active Elk River included trail expansions on the river. <br />Commissioner Wagner responded citizens have been looking into putting a dock <br />downtown. Active Elk River will address joining some disconnected trails in single <br />family home areas. <br />Mr. Leighton commented that, at this stage, the EDA does no have to sort out who <br />would do what. The purpose is just to generate ideas and discuss them again in the <br />future. <br />Commissioner Christianson addressed retail vibrancy. He often hears Elk River <br />needs more restaurants and local "mom and pop" retail. It would be useful to <br />identify areas to target expansion in Elk River. <br />MATURE <br />