6.0 HRSR 03-03-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING WORKSHOP OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CHAMBER OFFICES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2008 Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Farber, Gumphrey, Motin, and Zerwas Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Rusty Fifield of the Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the planning workshop of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing. 2. Consider Council Agenda Rusty Fifield, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., began the planning workshop by reviewing the issues still outstanding from meeting one including gravel mining, park funding, marketing, transportation funding, affordable housing, interim uses, natural resource inventory, landfill, and financial viability. 3. Council Planning Session The Council discussed the natural resource inventory and their desire to increase the number of trees planted including in medians and the importance of having attractive medians that are well maintained and attractive. Staff was requested to present options for the Orono Parkway median at an upcoming meeting. Discussion took place on park funding and the need to develop a source of funding in the absence of park dedication fees. The Council felt that a park referendum was not viable at this time. Staff will bring back a financing plan after the audit is presented. Transportation funding was discussed. The Council expressed concerns that Highways 10 and 169 need improvements now; however, they are not scheduled for improvement by MnDot and no other funding is available. Council stressed the need to stick with the approved design plans once those are completed. The Council discussed affordable housing. The suggested emphasis is to rehabilitate older homes instead of seeking out new affordable housing Council member Motin will inform the HRA of the Council's discussion. Council discussed the landfill, the long-term plan for the landfill, and the fact that a request for an expansion is expected soon. Marketing of the city was discussed including the need for the new community development director to have some marketing background. Discussion continued about what is available to market and what Council wants the focus of that marketing to be.