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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 <br />November 21, 2022 <br />----------------------------- <br />6. Public Hearings <br /> <br /> There were no public hearing items. <br /> <br />7.1 Beautification Committee Award Recommendation <br /> <br /> Mr. O’Neil presented the staff report. <br /> <br />The commission felt the committee made a good selection and thanked them for <br />their work. President Tviete is hoping there could be an expansion of the program. <br /> <br />Moved by Commissioner Hartwig and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to <br />approve Three Rivers Montessori as the Beautification Award winner. <br /> <br />Motion carried 6-0. <br /> <br />7.2 General Updates and Discussion Items <br /> <br /> Mr. O’Neil provided updates on various matters outlined in the staff report. <br /> <br />He stated the social media campaign for the 169 Redefine project was positive <br />overall. He noted the project next year would most likely have more challenges due <br />to the amount of work to be done over the summer and the Together Elk River <br />Committee would be meeting soon to discuss a game plan. <br /> <br />He discussed the upcoming redesign with Golden Shovel slated in 2023 for the <br />EDA/HRA website. He stated there may be some efficiencies with combining this <br />site into the city website and there should be an evaluation of the pros and cons of <br />keeping the current site. Commissioner Wagner noted there are questions that can be <br />asked regarding traffic to determine whether to keep the site and she could assist Mr. <br />O’Neil. <br /> <br />Mr. O’Neil discussed the MNCAR Expo and staff’s focus on promoting the county <br />data center and the Nature’s Edge Business Center Third addition properties. He <br />stated there is interest in Elk River for new restaurant development but noted <br />challenges with available locations in desirable areas. Commissioner Westgaard noted <br />the Comprehensive Plan outlines the idea of revitalizing commercial areas, such as <br />taking large parking lots and turning them into smaller developable lots. Mr. O’Neil <br />stated there is interest in this from restaurant groups but noted there could be <br />challenges in drafting agreements with current property owners about the use of the <br />parking lots. Commissioner Wagner asked if the movie theater building is still for <br />sale. Mr. O’Neil noted it is and he needs to do more follow-up on it. <br /> <br />He noted the annual meeting is coming up and asked the commission to think about <br />things they’d like to discuss or change. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />