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Housing & Redevelopment Authority July 5, 2005 Page 3 bring in business and residential and that he believes the buildings will be a nice addition to the downtown area. Chair Wilson indicated that it appears that the developer is listening to the Council's and the HRA's comments and hopefully they will continue to make modifications to the buildings. Ms. Mehelich stated that she will pass these comments onto MetroPlains. ackson Sc~ua~re Flag Pole and Gaze&~ Ms. Mehelich stated that at their June 6, 2005 meeting, the City Council approved the transfer of the flag pole to the school district for its office located downtown. Ms. Mehelich indicated that staff has been working with the school district to identify a site and obtain a quote for the relocation. She noted that the HRA had indicated willingness to contribute toward the cost of relocating the pole. Ms. Mehelich also indicated that the Council approved the transfer of the gazebo structure to Guardian Angels of Elk River for relocation of the roof portion to the senior center but since that time, Guardian Angels has determined that the cost to relocate the roof is more than the cost to purchase and install a new gazebo structure and has declined the city's offer. She stated that Meadowvale School has indicated an interest in relocating the gazebo to the school and staff is exploring that option. Const~uceion StagmgPlari/Public Safety Ms. Mehelich stated that construction will be disruptive at times for the downtown and that an area of concern for the city is public safety for pedestrians, vehicle traffic, and the construction site and workers. Ms. Mehelich indicated that another concern is keeping the downtown open for business with as little inconvenience as possible. Ms. Mehelich explained that Fire Chief Bruce West has been designated as the lead public safety contact for the construction project and will be the liaison between the city and the developer's contractor on public safety issues. She noted that staff is currently reviewing preluninary construction staging plans and Chief West will present the staff recommended public safety plans to the City Council prior to construction commencing. Ca~v~nrnicatzons Ms. Mehelich indicated that the latest project Q&A newsletter was distributed in early June and primarily focused on the King Avenue parking lot improvement project. She stated that the next edition of the newsletter is planned for August and will cover issues related to construction. Ms. Mehelich explained that in addition, a vision piece is being developed that will be a full-color glossy four-page brochure highlighting the project goals, description, schedule, and graphics. The purpose is to remind the public of the big picture purpose for the redevelopment, how the goals set forth by the city will be achieved, information on timing, and will help the community focus on an attractive and desired end result during the construction period. Ms. Mehelich noted that the Mayor's Show currently airing on the city's cable channel focuses on the downtown project and features Vern Hanson of MetroPlains, HRA Chair Wilson, as well as herself. 5.1. Call Special HRA Meeting for J~ 11, 2005 for Joint Worksession with City Council to Discuss Refined Design Options with MetroPlains MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR MONDAY, JULY 11, 2005 AT 6:30 P.M. FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING A JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS REFINED DESIGN OPTIONS WITH METROPLAINS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.