01-10-2005 EDA MIN - JOINT - Laserfiche WebLink

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JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2005 EDA Members Present: President Gongoll, Commissioners Farber, Gumphrey, Dwyer, Klinzing, Tveite and Motin HRA Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Kuester, Toth, Lieser and Motin HPC Members Present: Jeff Gongoll, Cliff Lundberg, Bud Houlton, Cindy Olson, Pat Dwyer, Lance Lindberg and Kurt Kragness Staff Present: Building & Environmental Administrator Stephen Rohff; Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz, City Administrator Pat Klaers, and Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner Historic Districts Desiertation Discussion Mr. Rohlf explained that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss a possible project to engage downtown businesses in restoring and rehabilitating their buildings with financial incentives. He felt communication between the HPC, EDA and HRA was important to prevent conflicts in plans for the downtown. Mr. Rohlf stated incentives would need to be provided if an overlay district were created for a project. He noted that there is very little outside money available for such a project, and that most of the financing would be local (private, banks, etc.) Mr. Rohlf explained that creating a historic district would require a zoning overlay of the existing zoning. He stated that standards would be established for restoration, and the buildings permits would be reviewed by the HPC. He proposed that Tax Rebate Financing would be a possible incentive. Commissioner Klinzing (EDA) asked how large of an area would a district cover. Mr. Rohlf stated that it could be one building or an entire block. Mr. Rohlf noted that by placing a building in a historic district, the property owner could still do what he wanted with the building, but if he accepted the financing incentives, the historic preservation standards would be applied. He stated that no property owner should be forced into being part of a historic district. City Administrator Pat Klaers asked if the EDA could provide incentives without the designation. Mr. Rohlf stated yes. Mr. Rohlf stated that he would like the HPC to meet with the Downtown River's Edge group to discuss the issue. Commissioner Motin (EDA/f-iRA) asked what the benefit would be of the Historic District versus the Old Town District. Mr. Rohlf stated that the Old Town District does not speak to restoration.