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Downtown Redevelopment Plan Taskforce Minutes Page 2 November 6, 2006 ------------------------------------------ of the taskforce, the reasons why a plan is needed and the expected results of the plan. Staff provided an example mission statement for the taskforce to modify. After much discussion, the taskforce mission statement evolved into the following: “To develop a comprehensive plan that will redefine the “greater downtown area” to preserve its historical character while promoting the future viability of the community. Maximum public input will be gathered to create and assess alternatives resulting in a formal redevelopment plan with a combination of a master vision, working policies, specific area recommendations and implementation priorities.” Ms. Steinmetz mentioned that the taskforce is welcomed to rename the redevelopment area. She also asked them to think about the mission statement until the next taskforce meeting when it will be finalized. 5. Redevelopment Area Boundary Planner Chris Leeseberg presented the taskforce with a draft area boundary based off of the 2001 Maxfield Research Market Analysis of the downtown area and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s recent redevelopment planning for north of Hwy 10 downtown. The taskforce discussed minor changes and why certain residential neighborhoods were included. Ms. Steinmetz indicated that including the housing stock within the boundary will better incorporate it into the plan and that redevelopment is not solely about the removal of homes or buildings. Restoration and rehabilitation is also a component of redevelopment. Ms. Steinmetz asked the taskforce to think about the boundary until the next taskforce meeting when it will be finalized. 6. Downtown Overview Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich provided an overview of the City’s downtown planning efforts over the past thirty years. Staff also presented general information about how property value is determined in addition to specific downtown Elk River property and land value trends. Ms. Steinmetz presented traffic and public safety information obtained by Police Chief Beahen and City Engineer Terry Maurer. 7. Elk River in the Next 10 Years Community Development Director Scott Clark presented figures regarding predictions for demographic and development changes ten years from now. 8. Homework Staff distributed the following reading materials to the taskforce: the Downtown Planning & Project History, the 2002 Historic Contexts Study and 2001 Downtown Market Analysis. Ms. Kvilvang asked that the taskforce send Ms. Steinmetz the answers to the following questions within two weeks: What does downtown Elk River mean to you? and What are the components of a successful downtown? 9. Final Comments Each taskforce member stated what he/she thought about the first meeting. Most members indicated that they are proud to be part of the taskforce and that they expect the redevelopment plan to be implemented rather than “just another plan for the shelf.”