5.1. SR 05-14-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transmittal Letter ftrR 23_2001 GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE. LOCAL ECONOMIC CONDITION AND OUTLOOK Elk River is agrowing river City located omthe Mississippi River hnsoutheastern Sherburne County and serves amthe county seat for Sherburne County. Elk River islocated between two major growing metropolitan areas, Minneapolis -St. Paul and St. Cloud. Although there are several new commercial districts, the City retains e historic downtown area. The City has a large land area of approximately 44 square miles of which around 40 percent is developed with the majority of the undeveloped, rural properties in the northern and eastern areas of the City. The east central part ofthe City is developing rapidly now that municipal services are available. A new four -lane road, Twin Lakes Road, runs through this area connecting two major highways. Much of the area between these major highways and along the new Twin Lakes Road has recently become available for commercial and business park development, Residential, commercial and business park development iewell underway, The0S.CenausBuneau|iotedtheCity,s3OODpopu|aUonet1@.447;thisiaenincr*aseof476 percent over the 199Ocensus. The City has experienced steady and moderate growth ofabout five percent each year. Similar growth iaexpected inthe future until all nfthe Urban Service Area is developed. The City was originally incorporated in 1880 and consolidated with the Township of Elk River in 1878� |toperates under the VVeok-PNayor-Counoi|form nfgovernment. The Council consists of four council members elected byward bofour-year terms, and the Mayor, who is also elected toa four-year term. Two council seats are upfor election each even year. Redistricting will occur prior to the next election based on current census data. The City Council is responsible for adopting the City's budget and tax levy, passing resolutions and ordinances, all hiring and firing decisions, growth planning, policy making, and overall direction of the City. Increasing and diversifying the City's tax base are high priorbiem, and inorder tmaccomplish those goals, the City and Economic Development Authority have worked difigently to that end. The City's efforts to attract businesses to the new business parks became a reality in 2000. Construction occurred in three industrial/business park areas; several new light industrial manufacturing and bay buildings were started in 2000 and were completed in early 2001 . To improve and expand efforts tuattract light industrial business tothe City, a Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan was adopted in: June 2000. This ieathree year plan that guides the City's marketing efforts. Along with the marketing plan, a Communication Strategy, and Siting and Expansion Process Plan were started in 2000 and will be completed by late spring 2001. These projects involve numerous departments and are a continuing effort to improve our relationship with developers and businesses. The historic downtown continues tobe afocal point especially now that mCentral Business District Work Plan is in place. As m result ofthese planning efhorts, o sidewalk improvement project has beenapproved for the downtown area and will becompleted in2OO1. |naddition to new sidewalks, overhead electric lines will beburied, new trees and flowers will beplanted, and other beautification improvements will bemade. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority also started aDowntown Redevelopment Plan and isworking with the Heritage Preservation Commission to complete a review of the historic significance and viability of each of the downtown buildings. When completed this information will be used to guide future development and redevelopment ofthe downtown business district. Both residential and commercial/industrial building in 2000 were brisk; permits were issued for over $72,0O0.OQOofnew construction. Commercial construction had arecord year with permits totalling $3D.945.29Obeing, issued, Some ufthe major projects inc|udaVVal-KQartandHonne Depot withaoornbinedva|uenf$12,OOO.UOO,hwo|ightinduethe|bui|dingav*ithauumbinedva|ue of$3.000.BQO.and anoffice building valued at$2.DOO,OOD. Residential construction also increased in2O80with 284units constructed otovalue of$41.11B.528. The average home value IV