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<br /> <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes <br />May 6, 2024 <br />--------- <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />during the 2024 summer season, conditional on a written memorandum or agreement <br />between the HRA, PT, FT and DERBA in a form approved by the city attorney. Motion <br />Carried 5-0. <br /> <br /> 6.5 General Updates <br /> Mr. Mollan discussed the placement of temporary signage to support the local businesses impacted by <br />the Main Street closure due to the 169 construction. He stated the Together Elk River Committee is <br />placing a 4x8 double-sided changeable copy sign temporarily at the HRA Main and Gates property from <br />now until at least the end of June and will work with Ron Touchette to remove the sign once the <br />property closes. He stated the potential is to keep the sign throughout the summer encouraging <br />travelers to visit the businesses impacted during road construction. <br /> <br />Mr. Mollan provided an update on the downtown flower baskets, noting the baskets will be placed the <br />week of May 20. He discussed the 3-year contract ending, and wanted to note the current company, <br />YardWorx, offered to do a 3-year extension at the same price as the current contract. Mr. Mollan <br />asked if the HRA had feedback on either placing an RFP for bids or extend the current contract for an <br />additional 3 years. <br /> <br />The HRA discussed the RFP and timeline, noting the need for a decision was by mid-July whether to <br />renew the current contract or go out for bids. Commissioner Wagner felt that decision would be based <br />upon their performance this year and felt it was very nice of them to extend the contract, but in her <br />opinion, she wants to ensure they have good product this year. <br /> <br />Commissioner Caswell felt that at the price of plants, he was surprised they would extend the contract <br />for another 3 years. <br /> <br />Mr. O’Neil noted YardWorx provided this offer today so he has not had time to review the public bid <br />requirements and was not sure if they can even accept the offer. <br /> <br />Chair Chuba felt they had an incentive to provide good product this year. <br /> <br />Commissioner Ovall inclined go out for bids to keep things honest and competitive. He noted he was <br />Impressed with Yardworx's ability to identify and fix issues, but felt an RFP was a good way to go. <br /> <br />Chair Chuba asked how many bids were received last time. Mr. O'Neil stated he would check on that. <br /> <br />Mr. Mollan provided an update on the Duffy Coachman II project, and is still working wtih them on a <br />general letter of support of the project, which was not a commitment to funds. He stated the letter <br />should be ready for next month ahead of their mid-July deadline for the HRA to review. It was the <br />consensus of the HRA to support the letter and review at the June meeting. <br /> <br />Mr. O’Neil explained the downtown small area plan process, noting the RFP is posted and the Planning <br />department will be leading that project. He provided detail about the project area and discussed the <br />two capital components: street reconstruction of Jackson and Main, and resurfacing and some <br />replacement of parking lots. Timeline was as soon as next construction season with the planning <br />piece/engineering piece done this year. Funding is coming from the city’s budget. Mr. O'Neil stated the <br />various aspects of other items will be discussed as part as the capital improvement process. He stated <br />there would be some amenities that would require alternative funding sources such as grants, and DRAFTPage 5 of 65