04-05-2021 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3 April 5, 2021 Commissioner Ovall noted the cost Mr. Sevcik quoted includes the hourly rate for equipment that includes depreciation and use. Commissioner Swenson asked what kind of baskets were used last year and would they be used again this year. Ms. Fischer stated 12' pots with no reservoir. She stated they will not use those again this year because of last year's high fatality rate on the north side of the street. She stated she will try planting one herself to determine if they will succeed in Minnesota. She said if the plants need the water, they will water themselves through the wicks, with the company noting they are meant to withstand heat up to 240 degrees. Chair Toth noted the north side of the street gets full sun. Ms. Fischer stated Mr. Sevcik suggested flowers on south side and banners on the north side to reduce the basked fatality rate. Chair Toth asked what the downtown association group's interest was in these flowers. Ms. Fischer stated they were very interested and wanted to know how to best help and what the most viable, affordable options were available. Commissioner Chuba stated with the plants and labor, this is a lot of money for downtown businesses to support but perhaps the HRA can provide funding. Chair Toth asked if the city will foot the whole bill or will the downtown group help with the funds. Ms. Fischer stated she had not spoken to the downtown group directly, but she knows the members are very excited to hear the city is working on financially supporting beautification efforts. She stated that is why she included in her presentation other financial source suggestions that have worked for other cities for Elk River to consider. Commissioner Wagner provided some history on the downtown business association's involvement and support for beautification efforts. She explained the downtown association budget, which is funded by some business, has always paid for the downtown flowers, noting last year they purchased 24 pots for $75 each. She stated the group worked with ERMU when the light poles were replaced to also replace the sidewalk planters with the hanging baskets and banners, which also allowed more sidewalk space. She stated the downtown association has always had a huge ownership in the downtown beautification and while not every business belongs to the downtown association, the $100 annual membership fee is paid by a few businesses to benefit the entire downtown. The association also pays for the winter plantings. She stated she and Tamara from Avalon Salon tried to locate some affordable lights for wintertime but found they were too expensive to be funded out of the budget. She stated everyone learned a lot about flower basket maintenance in 2020 and are still interested in using them for 2021 but with changes so the baskets survive the summer. Commissioner Wagner stated she personally feels, along with feedback from some of the other downtown business, that the city should put funds towards the downtown public