03-06-2023 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing and Redevelopment Minutes March 6, 2023 Page 4 The Housing and Redevelopment Authority recessed the meeting at 6:02 p.m. to go into work session. The meeting reconvened at 6:05 p.m. 0 7.1 724 Main Street Mr. O'Neil stated he received some follow up with First Bank and John Houlton regarding the'easement agreement for the parking stall easement agreement between First Bank and the city, and noted Mr. Houlton is willing to talk with HRA representatives to partner with and discuss options as they determine the future of this space. Mr. O'Neil suggested an HRA board member join in those discussions with Mr. Houlton. Mr. O'Neil noted as the HRA looks at sites other than the Elk River Meats site for a public bathroom, he spoke with Craig Murphy, owner of the Cinema building owner, the Houlton building, and the Occasional Fling building, and he also said he would also be open to discussions with the HRA. Mr. Mollan then presented some bathroom options for the HRA to review. One was a prefab drop -on site bathroom which include a plethora of add-ons to completely customize for the use. Some perks: can be moved somewhere else if another development happens in the future; uses sewer/septic system. Could have family -style, large enough for clothing or diaper changing. The legality of the HRA possibly funding this has some limitations, noting there is capital cost up -front and needs to secure a future funding cost. The city attorney suggested the EDA may be a better fit to fund as it would be considered a city benefit, for city functions and increase tourism. Mr. O'Neil stated more conversations would be needed to determine which entity to take that on. He suggested a coordination with both the EDA and the City Council. Commissioner Cannon asked about the downtown area being on a Mississippi River Trail system. Staff will research this and bring that information to the next meeting. Commissioner Ovall noted the HRA mission is redevelopment and because the HRA cited the 724 building as a blighted property, he felt it important to staying the course of their mission in preparing this development and then selling it off to the EDA, or having Parks and Recreation take over to be more consistent with their missions. He doesn't feel the HRA should oversee coordinating bathrooms. Mr. O'Neil stated having insufficient bathroom facilities is one angle for the HRA to look at and would have HRA powers with a possible fit as a downtown beautification line item and a possible Mississippi Connections Plan. They also discussed whether it is more in line of Parks and Recreation's functionality. Commissioner Wagner commented that the GRE fund could be a partial funding source. She also understands the consideration of a future redevelopment could affect the placement of permanent bathrooms. She suggested looking at the entire parking area as an opportunity of a blank slate to offer a green space, restrooms, break up the blacktop, and could be gaining parking spots if reconfigured correctly. 0