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The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community <br />engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br /> <br />Request for Action <br /> <br />To <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority <br />Item Number <br />6.1 <br /> <br />Meeting Date <br />September 2, 2025 <br />Prepared By <br />Joshua Mollan, Economic Development Specialist <br /> <br />Item Description <br />Presentation - Garden Gem Awards <br />Reviewed by <br />Brent O'Neil <br />Cal Portner <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Recognize the 2025 Garden Gem Award winners, Tracey Sando, Sarah Quesenberry, and Handke Center, <br />with a photo and presentation of the award by Chair Chuba. <br /> <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />During the inaugural Garden Gem Awards, the Beautification and Public Art Committee received 12 <br />nominations for 10 properties. <br /> <br />In August, the volunteer judging panel visited and scored participating properties and recommended the <br />following highest scorers to win their respective categories: Tracey Sando (single family/before 2000), Sarah <br />Quesenberry (single family/2000 or later), and Handke Center (neighborhood). <br /> <br />In the following weeks, the winners will be presented with a personalized garden stone and a winner's sign to <br />be temporarily displayed at the property. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />Program expenses are under $500. <br /> <br />Mission/Policy/Goal <br />The Garden Gem Awards aim to recognize exceptional gardens and landscaping in Elk River thereby <br />supporting the beauty of the neighborhood and the community as a whole. <br /> <br />Attachments <br />1. Garden Gem Award Winners Presentation <br /> <br /> <br />Page 11 of 65