03-12-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . City Council 11inutes March 12, 2007 Page 3 Ms. Steinmetz stated redevelopment will most likely occur west of downtown on the south side of the highway. Ms. Mehelich stated the redevelopment plan should acknowledge that the market will naturally progress to the west of downtown and not ignore the north side of the highway but at the current time there is no draw for it. Councilmember Motin stated the Taskforce should focus on "historic character" being a sense of place and not building specific. Mayor Klinzing suggested looking at a policy laying out the criteria and funding for property acquisition by the city. Mayor I<Jinzing thanked the Taskforce for their efforts. 5.3. Discuss Energy City Designation-(Energy City Commissioners Present) Mayor I<Jinzing stated there is a bill in the legislature to consider designating Elk River as Energy City. She explained the significance and impact this will have on the city for more programming. She stated Elk River would need to focus on completing projects here that are different and unique compared to other city accomplishments. Ms. Johnson stated this designation may result in more staff and funding commitment from the Council for the Energy City budget. Commissioner Steve Rohlf stated the Commission has many great partnerships. He stated the city will get recognition, credibility, and economic development PR in return. Commissioner Vance Zehringer stated Elk River is known as Energy City statewide but a goal of the commission is to educate local citizens. Commissioner Bratlie stated he has seen national interest with the school district's projects and the designation will benefit the city in indirect ways. The Council concurred in their support of the city pursuing the Energy City designation. Councilmember Gumphrey directed staff to look at the structure of staff to work on Energy City and to review the budget and for the Commission to come back to Council with how the process will work in more detail. Councilrnember Farber concurred. 5.4. Public Works Master Plan Update Ms. Johnson stated the budget for this project has come in high at $6.5 million. She stated Public Works needs space now and staff is looking at interim options for temporary office space. She stated the Master Plan needs to be more realistic and the city may need to consider another architect. She stated staff received the proposal late in the week and didn't have time to review it prior to this meeting.