Attendance:

Mayor John Dietz, Council Members: Mike Beyer, Matt Westaard, Garrett Christianson, and Jennifer Wagner, City Administrator Cal Portner, Commissioners Danielowski, Fobbe and Burandt, Commissioners Dolan and Schmiesing were present via WebEx

Raeanne Danielowski, Barb Burandt, Lisa Fobbe, Commissioners Dolan and Schmiesing attended via WebEx. County Engineer Andrew Witter, Solid Waste Administrator David Lucas, Elk River Star Editor Jim Boyle, County Administrator Bruce Messelt, Assistant County Administrator Dan Weber, Elk River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbi Rydberg, Elk River Public Engineer Justin Femrite, Parks & Recreation Member Dave Anderson, Elk River Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, and County Board Clerk Keisha Erickson

I.

Welcome meeting called to order at 6:00pm by Chairperson Danielowski

Hon. Raeanne Danielowski, Chair Sherburne County Board of Commissioners

II.

Moment of Silence & Pledge of Allegiance

Hon. John Dietz, Mayor Elk River City Council

III.

Introductions & Chair’s Comments

Hon. Raeanne Danielowski, Chair Sherburne County Board of Commissioners

IV.

Introductions & Mayor’s Comments

Hon. John Dietz, Mayor Elk River City Council

V.

Solid Waste Management

a.      Elk River Landfill Issues, CON/Expansion

Mr. Dave Lucas, Sherburne County

Mr. Lucas provided the group with a presentation on the Elk River Landfill and displayed a map to further explain the different areas of the landfill. Discussion was had the and future of the site, expansion, and how to better the usage in the future. Lucas also provided a recap of what lead to the closure of GRE which proceeded to the increase of Elk River Landfill.

b.     Elk River Composting

Mr. Justin Femrite, P. E., Elk River

Mr. Femrite spoke on Elk River Compost site and how they are doing this year. Highlighted topic was some recent rule changes that had been implemented, specifically commercial and residential usage of the site. Options on how to better regulate the usage of the site as far as partnerships and technology was also discussed.

VI.

Area Transportation Projects

a.      TH 10 & TH 169 Projects

Mr. Justin Femrite, P. E., Elk River

Mr. Femrite provided the group with a status update on the Highway 10 construction project and discussed the 169 Redefined Project. A construction map was displayed and updates and progress reports for current and future construction was provided. Mr. Fermite explained out they are actively working on communication and maps for the residents to keep them updated on the construction progress.

b.     CR 33 Turnback

Mr. Andrew Witter, P.E., Sherburne County

Mr. Witter started off by thanking Mayor Dietz and council for their continued support of the 169 project. Witter provided the group with a schedule for the US 169 and CSAH 4 road construction project, history of CSAH 33 turnback, current statistics, future opportunities and what will be coming with the turnback. Other discussion was had on how the CR33 and 169 road projects will intersect, schedule wise.

VII.

ARPA Funding Projects

a.      City of Elk River Priorities

Mr. Cal Portner, City Administrator

Mr. Portner provided an ARP Fund Use Options of $2.6 million handout to the group. Items covered based off of the handout were Infrastructure, Pay/COVID Revenue Operational Impacts, and Economic/Community Development.

b.     Broadband and Other County Priorities

Mr. Dan Weber, Sherburne County

Mr. Weber provided a map displaying the broadband expansion that qualify for ARP funds and reviewed the Preliminary Utilization Plan for the County. Weber will provide the Business Subsidy Plan to the city council.

VIII.

Other Topics/Open Discussion

Cal Pornter introduced Brent O’Neil to the group. Mr. O’Neil is the new Economic Development Director for the City of Elk River. O’Neil provided the group with a brief bio of himself.

Mayor Dietz requested an update on the County Fair Grounds regarding the 10 year agreement and reevaluation at year 5. Commissioner Dolan suggested forming a joint task force between the county and the city, to include Economic Development staff. The group could then discuss economic development of land parcels within city limits but owned by the county, including the fair grounds. Both groups will independently discuss the formations of said joint task force and officially designate representatives from each organization.  The City and County Administrator are tasked with this effort.

Council member Jennifer Wagner brought up the movement of Together Elk River and its formation throughout the COVID pandemic. It was asked if whether the movement should continue, direction was provided by the group to move forward with the movement.  

IX.

Adjourned Meeting at 7:44.

Chair / Mayor