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<br /> <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes <br />April 1, 2024 <br />--------- <br />Page 2 of 6 <br /> Jim Stenglein, 14199 202nd Ave. NW, stated he was a 50-year resident of Elk River and offered <br />suggestions to improve the green space in downtown Elk River. He explained his contact with Deanna <br />from Waterfall Salon, who talked with Steve Hickman of Furniture and Things. Mr. Hickman offered the <br />downtown area free use and delivery of temporary seating (benches, chairs) in the green space for <br />people visiting the concerts and Farmers Market this year. He offered to help make that happen. He <br />also felt the downtown streets and sidewalks are not ADA compliant, and the lack of restrooms, <br />including handicapped restrooms, was disappointing. <br /> <br />The HRA noted they would be discussing the topic during the work session and thanked Mr. Stenglein <br />for voicing his support and concerns. <br /> <br />6. GENERAL BUSINESS <br /> <br /> 6.1 Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Update <br /> Mr. Mollan presented the staff report. He stated with the arrival of Spring, he will send out loan <br />program marketing materials to residents. <br /> <br />Commissioner Caswell asked what the process would be to allow a home to take advantage of a loan <br />that wasn’t in the urban service district. He stated there are needs beyond the urban service district. <br /> <br />Mr. Mollan stated this was considered last year to expand beyond the urban service district. The HRA <br />decided to focus on the boundaries of the urban service district. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wagner asked if the HRA should have another conversation at a future meeting <br />regarding expanding the boundaries. <br /> <br />Commissioner Beaudry asked for more details about the loan program guidelines and how the <br />boundary was determined. Mr. Mollan explained the program details are available on the city’s website <br />and more information will redirect you to CEE’s site. He stated he would email some information to <br />the HRA members for them to review. <br /> <br />Chair Chuba stated a line has to be drawn and initially the established line was used for this. There will <br />always be someone on the other side of a boundary and the HRA is limited to a small amount of money <br />for each loan. <br /> <br /> After some discussion, it was the consensus of the HRA to discuss this topic at a future work session. <br /> <br /> 6.2 General Updates <br /> Mr. O’Neil updated the commission regarding the Main and Gates properties with Ron Touchette and <br />noted documents were sent to the title company. He stated he would be discussing the possibility of <br />TIF being pursued for reimbursement at tonight's City Council meeting. He stated that the demolition <br />of the homes on these properties was not intended to create a TIF district but rather create the <br />opportunity for reimbursement of demolition costs if there was a large project requesting TIF, and then <br />a district could be created. The city’s financial advisor suggested tax abatement was another method to <br />seek reimbursement of demolition costs. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wagner recalled the discussion about a possible housing TIF project when a developer