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City Council Minutes <br />April 28, 2025 <br />--------- <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />and senior center. Mr. Stremcha reviewed how the department is trying to standardize the timeframe <br />and price of dasher boards to achieve consistency. Councilmember Beyer asked that the council be <br />kept to date on the status of contract renewals. <br />Draft a Cost Participation Policy for Trail and Street Improvement Projects <br />Mr. Femrite stated that the goal of drafting a Cost Participation Policy for Trail and Street <br />Improvements Projects would depend on some legislative changes. <br />Commercial Development Hotel/Hospitality Growth <br />The Council discussed locations for a hotel. Councilmember Wagner was in favor of a hotel in the <br />downtown area as that would increase foot traffic. She asked if a parking ramp could be connected <br />across Highway 10 to Spike's parking lot with a skyway. <br />Understand Obligations for Capped Landfill <br />Mayor Dietz asked for the timeline on closure of the landfill and progress with relocating into Livonia. <br />The landfill will be closed by the end of 2030 and as early as 2027. <br />Oak Knoll/Hale's Field Improvements - Collaboration with ISD #728 <br />Mayor Dietz asked about the collaborative Oak Knoll/Hale's Field project with ISD #728. Will the <br />school district renovate the area without the city if the buildings in the area are not removed? Mr. <br />Portner stated it was too early in the plan to know. <br />Gravel Mining Closure <br />Mayor Dietz asked if any of the gravel mines are close to being reclaimed as residential or commercial <br />land. Mr. Carlton responded that a piece along Highway 169 is close and has a buyer. Mr. Femrite added <br />that the water and sewer is not currently sized for the gravel mine area and would need to be <br />upgraded. <br />Fairground Property <br />The Council discussed the future of the fairground property. Councilmember Calva stated the fair <br />seems to be declining in attendance. <br />Downtown Plan <br />Mr. Carlton reviewed the plan for downtown Elk River. The Council discussed zoning of properties, the <br />loss of addition of parking, potential bathroom locations, returning to restrictions on parking hours, <br />one-way streets, and locations for a parking ramp. <br />Mayor Dietz stated that the process of eliminating parking spaces while a ramp is built may cause <br />businesses to suffer or go under. He is against losing any parking spaces. <br />Councilmember Wagner asked about discussing with The Bank of Elk River to use their parking lot <br />after hours and on weekends or to partner with Dare's funeral home to use their parking lot when not <br />needed by their business. <br />Councilmember Grupa was against putting money into sidewalk upgrades if the downtown <br />configuration will be changing in the future. <br />Councilmember Beyer asked about past plans for parking in the downtown when parking was lost due <br />Page 5 of 197