03-07-2022 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2 March 7, 2022 6. Public Hearings There were no public hearings. 7.1 HRA Rehabilitation Loan Update Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. He updated the Commission on boosting marketing in the Elk River Star News with a monthly feature in print and a corresponding banner on their website with a cost of around $200 per month. He indicated he is relying on updating older content with the help from the Star News until internal staff is hired in communications. He noted CEE sends out stock pieces occasionally and those can also be pushed out on social media. He asked the Commission if they would like a work session to discuss their ideas on improving the loan program and promoting the available funds. Commissioner Ovall stated he felt he would prefer some guidance and direction from Mr. O'Neil who has a fresh set of eyes and ideas, and if there's things in this policy that he sees worth changing to please feel free to bring them to the Commission. He felt the Commission has spun their wheels on this loan program in the past and would welcome direction from Mr. O'Neil. Commissioner Wagner agreed and felt the city's website could also use an update. 7.2 Main and Gates Redevelopment Update Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. Acting Chair Chuba noted the site plan has changed since the last iteration was presented to the HRA. Mr. O'Neil stated the plans are a work -in -progress and parking has again been modified along with stormwater mitigation plans. The commercial layout was lowered to 4,000 sq. ft. and units increased to 55,000 sq. ft. Commissioner Ovall asked if there were any other interested parties in this parcel. Mr. O'Neil stated another party had contacted this development group and contacted them regarding a potential partnership, but this group wants to work solely on its own. Commissioner Swenson commented on the decrease in parking and how would snow removal/storage be handled. Commissioner Wagner stated one of the issues with this site is there is no street parking available. She stated that part of the parking struggle comes with the one remaining parcel and once that spot is available, parking design would be redrawn and unsure if it would meet ordinance requirements but would improve.